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…

Describes three aspects of the South Carolina State Library efforts to serve the poor. (PF)

Reports on the services, programs, and community involvements of 12 central city libraries in relation to the poor, based on information supplied by them in November 1981. (LLS)

The literature of American public library outreach services over a 15-year period is reviewed in the context of the War on Poverty milieu and the four functions of reader services: information, instruction, guidance, and stimulation to use. Three formats were typically present in this literature: broad statements of need, justifications of…

This paper discusses the disadvantaged state of women in South Africa, including statistics that illustrate effects of their lack of status on their health and well being. It then focuses on the role in South Africa of the community library and information services in empowering especially women. Barriers experienced in information delivery to…

Describes three specific programs developed in Sri Lanka to provide library services to urban and rural poor people. Providing reading material to children to help raise literacy levels is emphasized, resources required for these extension services are examined, and the responsibility for the administration of the projects is considered. (LRW)

A special program was developed using $8,800 in local funds and $18,957 in Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) funds for Head Start families in the Denver community. Of the 1,850 preschool-aged children from 100 Head Start classes who participated, 90% were from families with income levels below $9,000, 78% were from single-parent…