Libraries await their uncertain fate as they transform literacy development and the vital service they provide to the needy children in the nation. If we let the libraries die, then the hopes of young generation will slip away as they will be left without access to necessary support.

Most people don't realize how easy it is to improve library services with open source databases. Despite the fact that they are distributed free of charge, open source databases are powerful and stable enough for critical applications. With a little knowledge of HTML and some basic technical skills, you can quickly create databases to register…

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…

Over the next several decades, libraries will face the potential loss of all the e-journals, ebooks, electronic theses, local digital collections, and other "e-stuff" curated for the public good. A solution to this problem is LOCKSS ("Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe"), a free, open-source digital-preservation software from Stanford University that…

The authors, both of whom are working at the Musselman library, relate how they are always looking for ways to improve and update their reference service. When they introduced a chat reference service to their online library services, they received only four inquiries in the entire year 2002-2003. The authors found out later that the paltry number…

Storytimes, lap-sit programs, and other services for young children are a major part of most public libraries' missions. According to children's librarians, these services play a significant role in preparing children for success as readers. This article discusses the positive relationship between children's services and early reading success by…

Despite the increasing difficulties facing libraries today because of financial problems, there is a re-emphasis of professional goals and a rekindling of enthusiasm in the development of new library programs. (Author)

This booklet contains suggestions and ideas for librarians interested in using simple, hand-made puppets in their children's programming. Included are a script for a one-person puppet play, a list of 43 children's stories that would make suitable puppet shows, and suggestions for making and using puppet mascots and finger puppets. Four references…

Services provided by the library at Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, are discussed, including patient and personnel lending, exhibitions, films, nursing school library, medical library, and music lending. (RAO)

This guide to library resources in the Virgin Islands will introduce the reader to academic, public, secondary school, and special collections of library materials. By scanning the descriptions of the resources, services, and facilities of the territory's libraries, students and researchers can be assured of finding library assistance to fit their…

The role of the library and librarians is discussed by five librarians in papers presented at a double session colloquium held in April 1973 under the sponsorship of the Library and the Graduate Library School of the University of Arizona. Dr. Lawrence Clark Powell reminds librarians that the library is for the user and should be service oriented.…

The purpose of this state-of-the-art report is to describe how handicapped readers in Maine receive their special library services as part of the national network. Handicapped readers are defined as those persons who are unable to read conventional print or handle conventionally printed materials because of some visual or physical impairment. The…

Fiscal austerity in libraries has forced some administrators to consider alternatives such as computerized reference services or non-professional staff at the reference desk for reducing the cost of professional reference service. (JAB)

The purposes of toy libraries and their activities are discussed, and the Toy Libraries Association, which was founded in 1967, is described. (MBR)