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

Describes some of the children's services and creative means for stretching the budget to provide these services at the Peoria (Illinois) Public Library. Topics include (1) use of volunteers; (2) acquisition of materials through donations; (3) guest speakers; and (4) solicitation of prizes and reading incentives from businesses and agencies. (MES)

This column, part of a series of commonly asked questions on library law, completes discussion of two previous columns on common questions about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Highlights include: procedures if a request for records is denied; appealing a denial of records; how FOIA is enforced and interpreted by the courts; personal…

Discusses the use of OCLC to improve library service in Illinois and emphasizes library cooperation through LVIS (Libraries Very Interested in Sharing) and Group Access Capability (GAC) groups. Topics include interlibrary loan; union lists; resource sharing agreements; and the role of the Illinois State Library. (LRW)

Discusses the use that homeschoolers make of public libraries and offers suggestion for library services that target homeschoolers. Highlights include having a staff contact person; a homeschooling notebook for the reference desk; pamphlet files for homeschooling curriculum catalogs; a brochure of library services; and orientation programs. (LRW)

Examines programs for babies, i.e., children under two years of age, that are offered by public libraries. Highlights include separate storytimes; inclusion in family or older children's storytimes; welcome packets for parents of newborns; and the benefits of bringing children and parents into the library. (LRW)

Describes results of a research project conducted in Illinois to obtain detailed information about preferences of public library customers and about how much value they place on various types of library services. Discusses rural perceptions of public library contributions, willingness to pay more for service, and implications for library…

Describes the development of children's services at the Champaign Public Library. Highlights include the first physically separate space for children; collaboration with students from the University of Illinois library school; and growth in the collection and in programs. (LRW)

Discusses how the Bensenville Community Public Library (Illinois) met the growing needs of the business community by subscribing to Infotrac's Web-based General BusinessFile. Topics include meeting the information needs of business; installing a computer station at the Chamber of Commerce; and grant funding. (LRW)

Provides a list of traditional and nontraditional services and programs offered by Illinois public libraries to special populations, including educationally, culturally, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups; ethnic minority groups; illiterates; the elderly; visually impaired; hearing impaired; emotionally disabled; and residents of state,…

Discusses problems facing persons with disabilities; provides a history of legislative advocacy efforts, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); considers how the ADA will impact upon negative attitudes; and describes what public libraries need to know to comply with the ADA. (Contains 17 references.) (LRW)

Describes a project in Illinois that was developed to establish communitywide capability for intergenerational programming with the library as resource center and advisor that could be used as a model for other libraries. Highlights include collection assessment; collection enrichment; bibliography development; a community workshop; material use;…

Twenty-two articles present ways librarians who work with young people have reached out to the community. Most describe cooperative efforts between schools and public libraries. Other topics include a school read-aloud program, a public library's work with preschoolers, common elements in guidelines for school and public libraries, and management…

The 23 articles in this special issue describe resource materials and research tools available for genealogical research. The topics covered include the use of government records, materials contained in Illinois public library collections and archives, the organization of genealogical collections, and library services offered to genealogists. (CLB)

Considers the benefits of incorporating library outreach programs into regular ongoing library services, based on experiences at the Chicago Public Library. Highlights include literacy programs; recognition of cultural diversity, including special services and collections for various ethnic groups; and services for deaf, blind, and physically…