For members of the dominant culture, libraries produce largely positive affective responses (Farkas). However, researchers and practitioners in the field of library science have identified a need to make library resources more accessible to patrons from marginalized communities who are excluded from library spaces by institutional policies and…

The purpose of this article is to report findings from the research literature about adult literacy and adult reading materials for adults with limited reading experience, to define the dimensions of the problem, and to identify new concepts and trends in library programs in this area of adult service. (61 references) (Author/NH)

Describes projects of Oklahoma libraries designed to combat the problem of illiteracy among adults and explains Oklahoma Image, a humanities effort aimed at attracting out-of-school adults to public libraries by focusing on the state's multicultural heritage. Column also reports adult service news from other states. (JD)

Vital Link is a British program that links national reading and literacy organizations with libraries. The focus is on how libraries can support and motivate existing learners while attracting new learners. (JOW)

Gives examples of successful library programs and notes additional staff needs resulting from such programs. (SP)

Gives examples of successful library programs and notes additional staff needs resulting from such programs. (SP)

Separate presentations on Lifelong Learning Centers, library services for the deaf, and adult reader development programs by recognized national leaders are prefaced by a summary of services in these areas by Free Library of Philadelphia which has gained prominence for its role in adult education and lifelong learning. (MBR)

A series of institutes for adult service librarians was conducted by the Library School of the University of Wisconsin. This volume contains selected papers from each of the three Institutes: Reading Guidance, Library Services for New Literates, and Serving Readers through Hospital and Institution Libraries. The topics of these selected papers…

Case studies are presented of 30 public library reading and reading-related programs. Each case includes a description of the program, estimation of costs, and analysis of effectiveness. The 30 programs serve a variety of age groups: preschool children (N = 7), elementary school age children (N = 7), young adults (N = 6), adults (N = 5), and more…

The Dallas Public Library offers special services that take the form of separate collections of materials for adults beginning to read, and for adults beginning to read in English; tours of the library for groups of adult basic-education students; and special bookmobile services to adult basic-education classes. (MF)

The overall view of the library and its services show that within the "severe" limits of its resources, the library is doing well in its basic services. The call for "excellence of basic services" reflected in the objectives requires continued service improvement and a reorganization of the staff to heighten public services.…

Non-reference guidance is not available at many public libraries. One fifth of the respondents to a questionnaire indicated that they had some type of formal program but several had funding problems. The history of and need for reader advisors is presented. (22 references) (DH)

This booklet provides a description of each of the 237 adult literacy projects funded in fiscal year 1990 by the Library Literacy Program, Title VI of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). The projects are keyed to a list of over 90 literacy activities that could be offered by libraries, thus showing the scope of each project and…

This report describes the background, objectives and accomplishments of the first year of a projected four-year study to develop meaningful criteria for evaluation of materials which the adult new reader could employ successfully in meeting the specific needs of his life situation. Literacy programs have been weakest in bridging the gap between…

This manual introduces the topic of family literacy programs in libraries and provides guidelines for libraries that are just getting started in family literacy programs as well as libraries that are further developing their existing programs. It is argued that illiteracy tends to be both intergenerational and cyclic, i.e., if a child's parents…