Discusses ways that libraries can improve children's library services, including offering family activities; exposing children to books; creating a secure, comfortable environment; reinforcing and improving self-esteem; offering programs to improve reading skills; and developing imagination. Offers intellectual freedom policies for collection…

Presents guidelines to help children's librarians develop libraries that will meet the future needs of children. Highlights include developing leaders; winning allies; improving public relations efforts; policy formation; organizational change; changing library education; doing research; and the need for evaluation. (LRW)

Examines possible barriers to adequate reference services to children and young adults. Topics discussed include the effects of budget pressures and shifting priorities in public and academic libraries; equity in access to information; reference policies; communication between children and adult services staff and administration; multiple service…

This paper begins by examining various aspects of children's and young people's reading ability and the new media, including children's media use and ownership, as well as multicultural aspects. The way public libraries see their role in the teaching of media skills is then considered, including well-developed reading ability as a prerequisite of…

This issue presents 42 articles that provide an overview of current reference services in all types of libraries in Illinois. Highlights include designing reference areas; policies and manuals; the reference interview; reference tools; automated databases; resource sharing; services to youth; services to special populations; and reference…