Discussion of media in public libraries focuses on independent films and alternative video. Topics addressed include commercial films; film adaptations of novels; instructional films; material selection; cataloging; video technology; and a project in Indiana that tried to encourage public librarians to collect alternative videos. (LRW)

Discusses the attempts of "literacy stakeholders" across Indiana to develop legislative proposals. Discusses early intervention literacy programs, a renewed investment in school library books, and adequate funding for the state's adult education/literacy programs. Notes that the legislature passed a bill funding such programs at a…

Attention to school libraries must be at the heart of any comprehensive plan for improving youth literacy. Excellent school libraries are essential if young people are to have access to the reading resources to help them gain the level of literacy achievement vital to meeting the challenge of the twenty-first century. Sections of the booklet…

A study examined the impact of state funding on school library programs in Indiana. Subjects included 1,479 city, suburban, and rural schools which completed survey forms. Results indicated that rural schools had the highest number of books purchased, highest circulation, and highest reading scores. Findings suggest that an average purchase of two…

Discusses the role of school libraries in literacy and independent reading habits for adolescents. Highlights include the sad state of school libraries in Indiana, how much to spend on books for middle grades school libraries, the time frame for rebuilding school library collections, and the Reading Bill of Rights. Sample inventory procedures and…

Discusses Indiana-Marion County Public Library's decision to implement centralized collection selection and to hire a collection development librarian. Benefits of centralized selection include the decentralization of subject materials and the consequent broadening of subject materials at branch libraries. Selection depends upon a knowledge of the…

A survey of the 13 Indiana state depository libraries was conducted in 1989 to determine the state of the state documents in these libraries, which had not been done since 1969. Indiana passed a law in 1973 to establish the Indiana State Document Depository System. All except one responded to a questionnaire which covered access, maintenance,…

A study examined the status of reading in Indiana's public schools. Questionnaires were returned by 460 of the state's 615 public middle, junior, and senior high schools. Results indicated that: (1) new book acquisitions in Indiana's school library media center book collections were only about one-fourth of the recommended number needed to keep…