Literacy being a major concern at state level preconferences, a theme conference was held to develop recommendations as to how libraries, in cooperation with other concerned agencies, can work toward solving the continuing problems of illiteracy in the U.S. Approximately 200 participants representing the library and educational communities, the…

This chronology highlights milestones for libraries and adult lifelong learning and literacy from 1924-2001, including the following events: William S. Learned's "The American Public Library and the Diffusion of Knowledge" is published (1924); establishment of the ALA (American Library Association) Adult Education Section (1946); the…

This paper addresses the plans of the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) Section on Reading for keeping the literacy issue alive within IFLA and for moving ahead with specific programs and projects. The first section provides historical background on IFLA's involvement with literacy from 1989 to the present.…

Discusses leadership and the role of librarians as leaders based on the author's personal background. Topics addressed include experiences as president of the American Library Association; libraries and the ideal of democracy; information utilization; tools for empowerment; leaders as change agents; entrepreneurial leaders; and future needs. (LRW)

"When you start your new job as a school librarian, one of the first steps you must take is to ask to see the district's book selection policy. If there isn't one, write one. Right away. It protects you, the teachers, and the district." That advice was part of the author's school library administration course at the School of Library and…

The minutes of the 1978 meeting of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) include the texts of the following presentations: "Current Issues in Higher Education," Thomas A. Bartlett; "What University Administrators Want to Know About Research Libraries," Emmett B. Fields; "Performance Measures for Research Libraries," Vernon E. Palmour;…

In her inaugural address in San Francisco, July 4, 1975, the new president of the American Library Association (ALA) poses some questions about the library's future, its place in the community, its relationship to governing bodies, its role, functions, and responsibilities. She points out ALA's concern with these questions as reflected in the new…

The theme of this week-end conference was chosen in order to impress the Government and other authorities concerned on the necessity of libraries and librarians as an integral part of national planning. The five speeches presented are: (1) "The Principles of Educational Planning;" (2) "On Books, Libraries and Development;" (3)…

Discusses factors that contribute to Santa Monica Public Library's excellence, including supportive city government and citizenry, city council, library board, lean top management, and the basic management team. Specific management principles and techniques, public relations, and measures of service at Beverly Hills Public Library are also…

This document contains the proceedings of the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) 2001 conference, including the conference program and papers, and a list of participants. The theme of the conference was "Libraries and Librarians: Making a Difference in the Knowledge Age." Subthemes included: (1)…

Describes the current and future activities of the IFLA Section of Library Services to Hospital Patients and Handicapped Readers. These include revision of standards, a selection of books for the mentally handicapped, an international bibliography, projected services for the deaf, and various publishing activities. There are five references.…

Identifies six areas of children's librarianship that need attention: definition of the role of children's librarians; clarification of the goals and worth of children's services; an improved professional image; determination of the appropriate education to enable librarians to meet changed circumstances; and a better understanding of what…

Collaboration by several school and library associations has resulted in a decision to adopt new job titles, job descriptions, and facility names. Reasons for this change are discussed and some insight into the process is provided by commentary from interviews. (JKP)

Presents preliminary results of a survey that explored public library roles in the use of Internet/NREN (National Research and Education Network) services. Key issues are identified, including risks and barriers to network use, access, suggested services, professional association role, and committing resources; and recommendations to facilitate…

Report of the 1992 Medical Library Association (MLA) conference summarizes debates on librarians as chief information officers, electronic access versus ownership, electronic publishing and journal prices, and Total Quality Management. The role of the National Library of Medicine is discussed, and MLA honors and awards are listed. (MES)