ERIC Number: ED333874
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1990
Pages: 14
Abstractor: N/A
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Shaping National Library Literacy Policy: A Report from the Alexandria Forum, "Strengthening the Literacy Network" (1st, Alexandria, Virginia, May 20-22, 1990).
Quezada, Shelley
This report summarizes the proceedings of a meeting which was convened to build a network of contact people to discuss current models of library-based literacy programs, and to focus on resolutions to be taken back to the states for the upcoming White House Conference in 1991. The almost 100 participants in the forum included state library staff members, adult education providers, state librarians, members of the U.S. Department of Education, and professionals from both the public and the academic library communities. This report begins by discussing the planning of the forum, the growing federal priority for literacy, and legislation recently passed by the U.S. Congress. Forum activities are then summarized, including issues identified through a survey of state library personnel prior to the conference which served as the basis for workshops; the opportunity to learn more about federal legislation provided by Congressman Donald Payne and Senator Paul Simon; a keynote address by Gary Strong, State Librarian of California; sessions with Title VI Program officers Barbara Humes and Carol Cameron; controversy raised by statements made by Joan Seamon, recently appointed Director of the U.S. Department of Education's Division of Adult Literacy, which relegated the library to the role of a support agency rather than an educational agency in itself; and a lively, interactive discussion of some of the important concerns raised during the forum which was facilitated by Debra Wilcox Johnson from the University of Wisconsin. Four recommendations deemed to be the most important by forum participants are then presented, and a summing up of continuing concerns for the library community concludes the report. (BBM)
Publication Type: Collected Works - Proceedings
Education Level: N/A
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Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
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Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Library Services and Construction Act
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