These articles provide testimony in support of youth services which have been and continue to be a vital part of public library service in Illinois. Organized around the symbol of a mighty oak tree, the articles are divided into three sections: (1) The Trunk--based on strong roots with the past, standards, goals, and objectives are formulated; (2)…

This "feature issue" reports on consumer-controlled housing for persons with developmental disabilities, and explores housing and service options that empower individuals with disabilities to live their lives with independence, privacy, and freedom of choice. It includes an excerpt from the Association for Retarded Citizens position…

Reports of four task forces at the University of Notre Dame are presented concerning: preparation for marriage, family, and other life commitments and personnel policy that affects the family; whole health and the use and abuse of alcohol; the quality of teaching in a research university; and residentiality. Consideration is given to the social…

In 1996, small and medium-sized enterprises constituted 99% of all businesses in the United Kingdom in all but the electricity, gas, and water supply sector, providing 46% of nongovernment employment. SMEs' concern with day-to-day demands leaves them with limited time and resources to consider their training needs. Although providing support and…

This brief analyzes a recent shift in the U.S. Department of Education's policy on minority designated scholarships and explores the issues in the national debate on these scholarships. An overview of the controversy notes the Title VI section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that outlaws racial discrimination where federal funds are received. A…

A summary of the 1983 report of Maryland's Financial Aid Task Force is presented that identifies four goals for student financial aid programs and provides statistical findings, interpretations, and recommendations. It is noted that the Task Force focused on the level of student financial need and the appropriate role of the state in meeting this…

This issue of the IATUL (International Association of Technological University Libraries) Proceedings focuses on developments in Australian libraries. The first article, "University Librarianship in Australia" (D. H. Borchardt), reviews the growth of librarianship in Australia and examines some current issues. "Information Retrieval…

Strong local communities are the best habitat for excellence in education, and education is the responsibility of the whole community. Setting high academic standards and achieving against those standards is an important educational objective, but the quest for higher standards can be exploited to serve other purposes. This statement sets out the…

This annotated bibliography describes 42 documents dealing with work force and workplace literacy. Annotations are provided for 17 how-to guides and assessment tools, 19 policy reports and research papers, and 6 surveys. The following are among the topics covered in the individual documents described: job-related literacy training, basic skills in…

Six position papers address issues and identify relevant processes and policies relating to the least restrictive environment (LRE). The first paper highlights research findings concerning local policies relative to identification, assessment, and placement of handicapped, disadvantaged, and limited English-proficient students in vocational…

This document summarizes the debates that occurred at a European seminar on the adaptation of workers to industrial change. The document begins with the following three speeches: "The Challenges of Adapting Workers to Industrial Change" (Dominique Balmary); "Objective 4 of the Structural Funds: A Response to the Double Challenge of…

The issue of unspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds has become increasingly important with the progression of welfare reform. Some support reserving the funds for an eventual economic downturn, whereas others urge investing the funds in services for hard-to-serve welfare recipients and broader low-income participation. States…

To help families leave public assistance and escape poverty, the public sector must invest in career advancement strategies that enable parents to access jobs with family-supporting wages, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. Welfare time limits have made career advancement more important than ever. The following services promote…

The new emphasis on welfare reform, self-reliance, and individual accountability and the new time limits imposed by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program have resulted in large numbers of people between the ages of 18 and 24 entering the work force. The three main career options for youth in transition from school to work are…