Illustrates the benefits of an aggressive library program of regularly scheduled and professionally curated art exhibitions and related events. Describes the Visual Arts Program at the Pacific Beach branch library (San Diego). A sidebar by Debra Wilcox Johnson discusses libraries' development of cultural programming for adults. (AEF)

Describes several Peace Corps volunteers' experiences in establishing libraries in developing countries. Discusses how the service teaches global diversity and trains librarians to recognize needs and address them. Presents recommendations by returned Peace Corps volunteers for developing sustainable library plans for communities in developing…

Highlights some of the excuses library trustees give for not doing advocacy. Presents points to keep in mind when planning and conducting advocacy programs, including: long-term goals, short-term goals, and follow-up activities. Sidebars include a "Trustee Association Health Quiz" and quotes from the field about advocacy. (AEF)

Discusses core beliefs held by traditional academic libraries, and how these beliefs represented something of value for the user and provided a common intellectual framework. Identifies disturbing trends in modern librarianship, and suggests libraries need to balance technological knowledge with a respect for traditional library practice, focusing…

Describes the impact that the war on drugs in Colombia has had on their library services and on the lives of professional librarians. Topics discussed include political, staffing, budget, resource, and physical plant problems; the serious shortage of professional librarians; and extending library service to rural areas. (LRW)

Used selectively and imaginatively, corporate sponsorship can be a powerful tool to help libraries achieve their mission of getting more children reading and visiting the library. Focuses on development of the summer reading program by the Oregon Library Association. Discusses planning and fundraising; publicity; distributing funds; obstacles; and…

If libraries what influential people in their service areas to regard them as full partners in community building, libraries need to know their information needs before they do, and get the resources into their hands that will facilitate their decision-making before they realize they need it. Suggestions are provided for effective marketing of…

Suggests that work with the labor movement presents an opportunity for libraries to reach deeper into their community of users. Provides examples of library services, both in-house programs and materials and outreach efforts, for the labor community. Notes that the need for library-labor partnerships is as strong as ever. (AEF)

Offers a brief history of library youth services and the political strategies behind them. Topics include the role of women, outreach programs of public libraries, tax support, library development after World War II, federal legislation and funding, National Library Week, school libraries, parent involvement, collaborative partnerships, and…