Despite the proliferation of online homework websites and tutoring services, public libraries still have an important role to play when it comes to supporting young people's educational needs. Public libraries that take a proactive approach--by setting up organized homework centers--have the potential to become catalysts for better performance in…

This resource was designed to be used by individuals and groups as an ongoing reflection tool. Inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept, nor a complete-and-move-on challenge. The checklist and supporting resources are meant to help individual libraries evaluate current services as well as plan for the future. Ultimately, changes and…

Digital inclusion is the ability of individuals and groups to access and use information and communication technologies. Not all members of a community benefit equally, and some communities have been left out altogether. This paper is a guide for fostering digital inclusion throughout the United States so that everyone can take advantage of…

Co-author of the popular titles "Booktalking Bonanza" and "The Early Literacy Kit", Betsy Diamant-Cohen brings together 18 examples of successful outreach partnerships that children's librarians and administrators can adapt to their own situations. Contributors from the U.S and Canada explain how they partnered with schools,…

Going green is now a national issue, and patrons expect their library to respond in the same way many corporations have. Libraries are going green with logos on their Web sites, programs for the public, and a host of other initiatives. This is the first book to focus strictly on the library's role in going green, helping you with: (1) Collection…

While librarians deliver a vital public service within diverse communities, they are often invisible in the community development process initiated by civic planners, activists, and local government officials. This book challenges librarians everywhere to get involved early and often by demanding a place at the community planning and development…

This publication outlines the complete community networking process: planning, developing partnerships, funding, marketing, content, public access, and evaluation, and discusses the variety of roles that the local public library can play in this process. Chapter One, "The Importance of Community Networking," describes the importance of community…

Offers guidelines for planning fund raising events for small public libraries, with examples of activities that have been used successfully. Areas discussed include involving librarians and trustees as fund raisers; group discussion activities to encourage brainstorming; developing strategies based on community resources; and capital fund drive…

"Lively Minds," the Travelling Library Learning Program, involves older adults in Nassau, New York in weekly, 1-hour continuing education programs which use library services and materials for mental stimulation, enjoyment, and empowerment. The overall purpose is to give seniors personal intellectual experiences of the power and resourcefulness of…

Intended for public libraries that have not yet sponsored programs for the adult community, this manual describes the steps in designing and staging programs designed to bring together local citizens, public policy makers, and scholars in the humanities to discuss issues of concern to their state or community. Sections are devoted to the National…

Part of the Striving for Excellence program of the Utah State Library requires participating public libraries to conduct community needs assessments. This is a way for library directors and trustees to find out if the mission they have chosen and the policies they have written are still appropriate as they identify the strengths and weaknesses of…

A result of Australia's Community Information Sharing Service (CISS) study of community information services currently being provided by public libraries in New South Wales, this report (one of three) presents five general principles which can assist public libraries with decisions about their response to the issue of the provision of community…

Describes guidelines issued by the Public Library Association which base evaluation of individual public libraries on community standards rather than national; identify eight basic roles of the library within the community; and provide a suggested process for libraries and communities to assess service needs and determine which activities to…

The "Born To Read" project helps parents raise children with healthy bodies and minds. Public librarians and health care professionals form partnerships and reach out to at-risk expectant and new parents. The video provides techniques and tips to plan successful programs for babies, including a segment for libraries to use with the…

A locally developed long-range plan is the key to effective library service, and can account for circumstances unique to the service area that could not be anticipated from a statewide or national perspective. These standards are meant to guide Wisconsin libraries in structuring their own locally-focused planning efforts. Standards in the…