A healthy volunteer program can be a great asset to any school library. Volunteers do much of the routine work that then frees the librarian to work with students individually or in groups, providing instruction and reading guidance. In addition to the physical work volunteers provide, they become strong advocates for a school library program…

According to one of the authors, teacher/librarian collaborative instruction is still the most effective means to teach information literacy skills in order to improve student achievement. Numerous studies have confirmed the importance of library media center and library media specialists (LMSs) in improving student achievement. In this article,…

This study examines the use of chat in an academic library's user population and where virtual reference services might fit within the spectrum of public services offered by academic libraries. Using questionnaires, this research demonstrates that many within the academic community are open to the idea of chat-based reference or using chat for…

This article features Eliza Dresang, an award-winning author, and her achievements. Dresang was responsible for making a radical shift in how teachers and parents understand modern children literature when she wrote her groundbreaking book, "Radical Change." She found the motivation to write this book after realizing how teachers and parents were…

Audiobooks have become a mainstay of the classroom for many teachers. Studies have demonstrated that they are not only effective tools for helping all children become more literate, but they also provide an enjoyable and simple way to introduce children to books they might not otherwise read. Audiobooks have also proven to be effective when…

According to a November 2004 Pew Internet and American Life Project survey, "87% of those between the ages of 12 and 17 are online...and half of them say they go online every day" ("Teens Forge" 1). They prefer the Internet to traditional libraries because they consider the Internet to be easier to use, more convenient, open 24/7, and full of more…

Wireless hotspots are popping up in local coffee shops everywhere. Anyone with a wireless-ready laptop or PDA can surf the Internet at one of these hotspots. The same is now true for all 32 branches of the Orange County Public Library (OCPL) in California. Though many public library systems are moving toward wireless access, most require patrons…

Moving materials from receipt of the shipment to distribution to branches within 48 hours is such a hassle among members of the technical services department of Columbus Metropolitan Library. However, these issues challenged them to find alternative solutions to achieve their goals. After reviewing the in and outs of their department and making a…

Describes an organization that supplies information for a fee on a free-lance basis. (PF)

This guide describes the major purposes and activities of the Division of Library Development of the New York State Library. Brief descriptions of the following programs and projects are provided: (1) adult literacy services; (2) central library aid; (3) certification of public librarians; (4) chartering and registration of libraries; (5)…

The presentation focuses on the status of disabled persons in the world, notes progress made in improved living conditions for the disabled, and considers implications for libraries serving disabled clients. Services currently offered in academic libraries are described, as are goals related to four aims specified by the United Nations during the…

Personal narrative of a librarian who provides books for shut-ins and senior citizens. (LS)

Reviews the activities of the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a part of Library of Congress, which provides briefing assistance, pro and con studies, policy analysis, extensive reference service, and some help for constituents of legislators. Areas of conflict and the legislative committees which regulate Library of Congress are described.…

Reports on the visit of an American librarian to the libraries of Burma. (PF)