The California State Library is charged with performing the following activities as defined by law. The State Library, under the direction and control of the State Librarian, an appointee of the Governor, has responsibility: (1) To collect, preserve, generate and disseminate a wide array of information; (2) To serve as the central reference and…

This publication provides an overview of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), including programs, initiatives, research projects, publications, and strategic partnerships. It also provides tips for developing competitive grant applications and staff contacts for each program for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008. Once grant…

This guide is based on findings of a year-long study undertaken by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to evaluate Institute-sponsored programs for youth aged 9-19 between 1998 and 2003, and discussion with the IMLS Youth Action Committee and practitioners about the kind of information needed for planning and implementing effective…

The article describes resources offered by public libraries for parents of handicapped children. Basic information is given about library staff, reference services, periodicals, equipment and materials, and other special libraries or information centers. (CL)

Outlines suggestions to help librarians plan effective young adult programing including studying the literature, talking to every staff member, needs assessments, administrative support, involving participants, community support, coordinating with other social agencies, outside funding, starting with something simple, public relations, imaging,…

These Guidelines constitute the third edition of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) "Multicultural Communities: "Guidelines for Library Services." This revision follows the IFLA Section of Library Services to Multicultural Populations' "2006-2010 Strategic Plans": to review and revise the…

When writing the first edition of "Teen Spaces" in 2002, YA expert Bolan was challenged to find excellent examples. Now, teen spaces abound and interest continues to grow. With a strategic use of web-based technologies--from the author's website to a Flickr account--this new edition showcases success stories as it reaches out to attract a global…

Small libraries don't have the resources to adopt every new technology. It is important that small libraries operate strategically, adopting only those technologies that are the most beneficial to their patrons.

There is a curriculum ready, willing, and able to remedy the US' significant information literacy deficiency. So why doesn't anyone know about information literacy standards? In a recent editorial column by Carol Simpson, she offers three suggestions: (1) library media specialists are not doing a good job spreading the word; (2) The standards are…

A former children's librarian who is now a professional puppeteer suggests two projects with shadow puppets either for children or for adults performing for children. Basic construction methods for puppets and a simple shadow puppet stage are given. (EM)

This book is for community leaders, librarians, library committees, volunteers, aid workers and others who are interested in the practical aspect of starting and maintaining a successful library. Throughout the developing world, countless dedicated people respond to the pressing need for information in their communities by helping to start a…

The over-riding goals of a quality school-library program are to "collaborate" with teachers, administrators, parents, and students; to "support" building and district initiatives; and to "integrate" the teaching of literature, information literacy, and technology skills into the subject-area curricula. Numerous studies since the 1990s, as well as…

This reference procedures manual for the Northern Michigan University Library covers: (1) desk service, including handling inquiries, recording statistics, problems, responsibility of assistants, referrals, user assistance with the public access catalog, and reference collections; (2) photocopying; (3) database searching; (4) bibliographic…

Presents ideas for public library family programs and discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of including parents in the programs. (MES)

Suggestions for enhancing library film programs using 16mm sound film cite several specific film titles. Setting up the projector and excerpts from children's books which can be used are highlighted. Films and books mentioned in article, selected professional sources, and tie-in materials for film "Earthly Beings" are appended. (EJS)