Public libraries have long been considered important spaces of adult education and learning. However, major social changes over the past few decades, and the impact these have had on libraries' work, have received little attention. Our three-year cross-national study of libraries in Canada and Britain explored how librarians navigate the discourse…

Information anxiety is a serious issue that has the potential to hinder the success of a large percentage of the population in both education and professional settings. It has become more prevalent as societies begin to focus more on the value of technology, multitasking, and instant information access. The majority of the population has felt, to…

Traces the development of adult learner's advisory programs in libraries, and discusses the librarian's capacity to perform the counselor's role in the contexts of societal factors, popularly-held assumptions, and professional confidence. References are provided. (FM)

Discusses the number of libraries participating in literacy education, the commitment of libraries to literacy education, some factors influencing libraries' participation in such programs, and the present posture of literacy education. Sixteen references are listed. (Author/LLS)

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…

The purpose of this paper is to consider the nature of small and rural public libraries in the United States in the light of the existing opportunities that they provide for adult lifelong learning, and to ponder the future of collaborative services. The role of the public library is explored in relation to lifelong learning, and rural libraries…

This document summarizes the activities of a 2-day conference (April 12-13, 1995) during which educators heard eight papers and discussed federal research priorities in the areas of libraries, community-based education, and lifelong learning. Libraries, museums, agricultural extension services, religious organizations, health care organizations,…

A British librarian reviews a number of studies on adult education and lifelong learning and the part that public libraries play in helping adult students, particularly the independent learner. (MF)

Ten articles focusing on adult learning services in public libraries highlight global trends, support for intentional change, counseling and information needs of adult learners, adult learner services at Pratt Library and North York (Ontario) library, process of learning, administrative considerations, political factors, and implications for…

Using a broad definition of literacy as the skills needed to function effectively in society, the public library's role in providing job information is described. Specific examples of services providing career choice or change information, job-hunting skills, and career development skills in a number of public libraries are provided. (EM)

Part two of the final report on the adult independent learning program focuses on the following: (1) discussion of the 11 data collection categories developed to meet the information needs of specific groups--advisors working with adult learners, planners monitoring service performance, library policy decision makers responsible for determining…

Examination of the library-learner dynamic within an environment of change defines literacy broadly and relates it to educational design. Libraries are placed within overall structure of the national education system and resulting cooperative efforts are described, as well as attributes of the adult and related stages of life development. (EM)

Describes how family literacy programs help increase adult literacy levels, broaden reading skills for children, and foster good reading habits for all family members. The recipients of Bell Atlantic/American Library Association Family Literacy Project grants are listed, their programs are summarized, and 11 clues that can help determine a…

The Office of Library Independent Study and Guidance Projects, College Entrance Examination Board and 11 participating public libraries report on the adult independent learning program. This is a historical and descriptive analysis of accomplishments between July, 1972, and June, 1975. Coverage includes project planning and coordinating activities…

This is part 2 of a report on the adult independent learning program issued by the Office of Library Independent Study and Guidance Projects of the College Entrance Examination Board, and nine participating public libraries. The framework of the evaluation and its application is detailed, and the aggregate results presented include profiles of…