This paper provides some of the historical context of the efforts of the American Library Association (ALA) to define, extend, protect and advocate for equity of access, focusing on central tendencies rather than internal debate. The first section, "Toward the Concept of Access," discusses: how ALA became a public service organization; extension…

While librarians deliver a vital public service within diverse communities, they are often invisible in the community development process initiated by civic planners, activists, and local government officials. This book challenges librarians everywhere to get involved early and often by demanding a place at the community planning and development…

Discusses the commitment of universities to developing and using knowledge for the improvement of society, highlighting efforts in library and information science. Describes service learning that includes community service; community-building initiatives by librarians; and four examples of service learning in programs of library and information…

In spite of a commitment to diversify and recruitment initiatives to attract people of color, the number of new librarians that enter the workforce each year do not reflect the diversity of the U.S. population. It is important that diversity initiatives now being planned have accurate baseline data on which to build strategies. This report…

The Florida Library History Project (FLHP) began in January 1998. Letters requesting histories were sent to all public libraries in Florida with follow-up letters sent after an initial response was received from the libraries. E-mail messages were sent out to FL-LIB listservs encouraging participation in the project. A poster session was presented…

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…

Discusses service learning in library and information science (LIS) education. Highlights include advantages of service learning, including increased student learning, extended collaboration, decreased isolation, and community building; examples of service learning projects, including fieldwork; and reflection as a component in fieldwork.…

Discusses minorities and diversity in the library and information profession. Highlights include comparisons of minority graduation rates from 1985 to 1995; library schools in rank order according to minority graduation rates; and efforts by the ALA (American Library Association) to improve diversity. (LRW)

Discusses the role of the public library in adult lifelong learning and literacy programs in light of federal legislation. Topics include funding issues; the librarian's role in fostering attitudes of creation and recreation; and the role of education for librarianship in preparing graduates for work with adult lifelong learners. (Contains 49…

Examines CCIs (Comprehensive Community Initiatives), which can help librarians expand services to young adults who live in poverty; reviews a Wisconsin plan which highlights community-based librarianship; presents a case study of a Florida CCI-based youth development project; and discusses public libraries and CCIs, and library education programs…

Presents results of the 1997 placements and salaries survey, including status of graduates, placements and salaries by region, total graduates and placements by school, placements by organization type, average starting salaries for 1985-97, salaries by job assignment, placements and salaries of graduates by school, and comparison of salaries by…

Presents professional information for librarians, including lists of scholarship and award winners, help in finding employment, and a review of the placements and salaries won by recent information science graduates. Includes: "Guide to Employment Sources in the Library and Information Professions"; "Placements and Salaries 1997: Breaking the #30K…

These five articles consider some of the ways in which librarians work to ameliorate the circumstances that affect poor people. Topics include promoting access to the humanities to encourage people to become involved politically; serving the rural poor; homeless people; and library service to prisoners. (LRW)