Driven by new digital technologies, the future of learning is increasingly interactive, individualized, and full of real-world experiences and information. Unfortunately, the average school has about the same connectivity as the average American home, but serves 200 times as many users, and fewer than 20 percent of educators say their school's…

This paper presents the activities of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) for 2009. The past year was one of accomplishment for USAC. USAC implemented a host of advances in operations, infrastructure, and outreach in an effort to continue to improve collection and disbursement of the Universal Service Fund (USF) support and to…

Books were scarce in nineteenth-century South Dakota. Limited resources and a lack of widespread interest worked to hinder the growth of libraries in rural schools. Library advocates persisted in their cause, voicing their support, engaging in fund-raising activities, and proposing library legislation. Their efforts eventually led to the passage…

This document provides information on applying for LSTA grants. LSTA is administered at the federal level by an independent Institute of Museum and Library Services, and at the state level by the California State Library. This guide includes a brief introduction followed by general information on: administration; eligibility; procedure; duration;…

This paper illustrates how both marketing and advocacy are crucial skills to keeping the public aware of the library's impact. If marketing is promoting an individual library to increase public use, advocacy is broadcasting the purpose of libraries and the role of the librarian to garner public support. The issue of image of must be confronted, a…

Discusses the development and current decline of public libraries in Egypt based on a study of international influences which helped shape national discourses about development and provided the context for policymaking and resource allocation in Egypt. The role of UNESCO is examined, and further research is suggested. (LRW)

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)

Reports on Bill and Melinda Gates's tour of Alabama, the first state to be wired to the Internet by the nonprofit Gates Library Foundation, and the model for connecting 1000 more libraries this year. Mutual appreciation between Alabama librarians and the Gateses resulted. An interview with Bill Gates focuses on challenges libraries face in…

Allocating adequate materials funds from the university operation budget is essential if libraries in China's key universities are to successfully support their learning and research communities. This article examines funding problems, and suggests proposals for change: establish a deducting-percentage system; enhance integrated resources…

Presents an overview of new trends in library financial support that includes connecting with a new generation of donors, a review of new funding vehicles, and new fund-raising resources. Examines the importance of forming partnerships with donors and working with colleagues in the field of philanthropy. (Author/AEF)

The University of Washington (Seattle) developed an administrative process that integrates user needs assessment. The user-centered library is defined and assessment initiatives including policies, surveys, analysis of resource allocation, and professional development are discussed. (AEF)

Presents a month-by-month plan for creating support for young adult services in public libraries. Each month has an objective supported by several tasks for achieving that objective. (AEF)

The financial environment within library and information services is reviewed and a structure for financial management is presented based on funding source and level of commercial activity. Objectives for financial management of library and information services is developed and reviewed in light of future trends and stakeholder perspectives.…

Describes 10 steps for creating a school-library advocacy campaign, based on a statewide initiative in California. Includes: identifying the planning team; reviewing "Best Sellers" (school library advocates) resources; obtaining statistics; implementing group e-mail; determining purpose; determining a campaign name and identifying…

This paper provides background on The National Library of Estonia (NLE), discusses a fellowship project for developing the National Library, and presents the impressions of the author, an Estonian American, who traveled to Estonia. The NLE looks to the West for automation, information, and institutional modeling. The NLE is Estonia's equivalent of…