Libraries are the central resource for supporting faculty and students in their research and information needs, both physically and remotely. This essential role of libraries and library faculty has remained consistent amid significant technological and pedagogical changes within the community college system. As librarians continue to determine…

This paper examines the idea, commonly expressed in the Library and Information Services (LIS) literature, that public libraries have a growing role as developers of social capital, and brings to bear some of the growing body of research into public libraries and social capital. It reviews definitions of social capital by writers outside the LIS…

Among public institutions, the library has great potential for helping the poor and disenfranchised. For many, the library is the only refuge for information, literacy, entertainment, language skills, employment help, free computer use and even safety and shelter. Experts Glen and Leslie Holt, with decades of service to inner city communities…

A 1990 New York State Assembly bill requiring a $27.7 million increase in the local assistance budget for libraries for 1990-1991 reflects the priorities of the 1990 New York State Regents Legislative Program for Libraries and the State Department of Education to promote "better beginnings" for New Yorkers. The bill would increase aid…

The California State Library convened the Convocation on Providing Public Library Service to California's 21st Century Population with the goal of creating a vision of public library service in California. Over 100 library leaders and supporters gathered for two days of meetings and work sessions. These proceedings are designed to give a detailed…

The following skills are required for librarians to serve effectively as learning consultants: (1) analyze social and educational trends and discern learning needs; (2) analyze the competencies needed by librarians; (3) identify methods appropriate to achieve self-learning goals; (4) design learning sequences; (5) given client characteristics,…

The 27 papers that make up this Proceedings were presented at the Eighth Off-Campus Library Services Conference. The primary objective of the conference was to provide a forum where practitioners involved in library services for off-campus constituents could gather to exchange relevant ideas, concerns and perspectives, and to share research.…

Discussion of library activities at the Bensenville (Illinois) Public Library to promote lifelong learning focuses on services to the Hispanic community, including defining the target audience; family literacy programs, including home visits to help explain and promote library activities; and community involvement. (LRW)

This report contains six presentations by members of the Task Force on Libraries and Lifelong Learning. "Library Programming for Groups with Special Needs" describes the library as a local alternative education agency, complementing school systems, and ways libraries serve adults with special needs through outreach and special programming efforts.…

This report presents results of a study in the United Kingdom to explore different understandings of outreach, its role in widening participation among people underrepresented in organized education, implications of doing outreach, and practical and ethical considerations involved. Chapter 1 addresses origins and meanings of outreach, including…