Lifelong Learning In Public Libraries

Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries demonstrates that public librarians can promote learning by combining the elements of Information Literacy Instruction (ILI) with traditional practices of public libraries. This approach contributes to the information enfranchisement of patrons and enhances the fulfillment of the traditional goals and purposes of libraries. Donna L. Gilton provides background on ILI and current developments in public library instruction and also examines educational theories and practices derived from the fields of behaviorism, cognitive psychology, constructivism, and educational humanism. Additional chapters delve into practices developed to deal with diverse groups and translate the theories and practices that have been outlined into a well-coordinated plan. The final chapters survey the role of libraries as cultural institutions. This book introduces the field of ILI to public librarians in the context of their own traditions and shows the unique ways that ILI can be implemented in public library settings. It encourages librarians to rethink practices to incorporate the principles of ILI and will enable public librarians to extend and enrich their instruction on information use. Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries is a valuable resource for librarians, educators, and leaders of public organizations.

This booklet was prepared in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the watershed Adult Education Act of 1966, and in acknowledgement of the key role that libraries have played in U.S. adult education throughout the century. Written by library educators, the two commissioned papers that make up the booklet describe the role of public libraries in adult education since 1900. In the first paper, "Beginnings: Public Libraries and Adult Education from 1900 to 1966," Margaret E. Monroe traces the development of literacy education in the context of library adult education from the beginning of the 20th century until 1966. In the second paper, "The Developing Role of Public Libraries in Adult Education: 1966 to 1991," Kathleen M. Heim reviews the contributions of libraries and librarians to literacy, lifelong learning, and adult education over the past 25 years. The booklet concludes with a list of 117 selected readings which relate to the theme of libraries and adult education. (MAB)

Creating and Promoting Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries: Tools and Tips For Practitioners is the sequel to Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries: Principles, Programs, and People. On the one hand, Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries focuses on the information needs and the developmental and psychological characteristics of diverse library users of all ages. It endorses the use of ILI to promote lifelong learning in public libraries, both by borrowing techniques from academic and school libraries and by building on existing public library traditions of programming and outreach. This book also compares lifelong learning in public libraries to informal and nonformal education in museums, community organizations and agencies, places of worship, and other organizations. In addition, Lifelong Learnng in Public Libraries describes basic steps that librarians can execute in order to get started. On the other hand, Creating and Promoting Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries focuses much more on how public librarians can specifically plan and implement their instruction with chapters on planning for instruction, using teaching methodologies, teaching with and about technology, and bringing ILI together with more traditional public library services, programming, and activities, such as reference and Readers’ Advisory services, bibliotherapy, and cultural and literacy programming. Changes in ILI standards and comparisons of ILI with basic reading, media, digital, and cultural literacies are also described. Both books together should act as basic manuals for public librarians who promote lifelong learning. Creating and Promoting Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries also have helpful teaching hints for all librarians and other professionals who teach in a variety of settings.

"Will be of interest to user education people in all types of libraries." --REFERENCE QUARTERLY