1. Planning Adult Literacy Services. Options for Library Involvement.
- Author
-
Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park. Inst. for the Study of Adult Literacy. and VanHorn, Barbara Hart
- Abstract
The result of interviews with literacy coordinators and library directors of literacy programs in representative libraries throughout Pennsylvania, this document encourages local libraries to develop adult literacy activities as an integral component of basic library service and provides program planners with guidelines and suggestions for designing and implementing such services for low-literate adults. The document begins with a glossary and responses to questions regarding how illiteracy affects adults, how literacy services can help illiterate adults, and why public libraries should become involved in adult literacy. The next section defines literacy, describes adult literacy services available in libraries, and predicts future trends of library involvement. Literacy program planning is taken up next, including needs assessment, setting goals and objectives, financing and fund raising, writing proposals, program management, public relations, and program evaluation. The next section outlines several options for library involvement, including providing facilities and equipment, acting as advocates for adult literacy programs, referring potential tutors and students to other literacy providers, managing and developing portions of the collections that are of use to tutors and students in adult programs, and developing library-based literacy programs. The next section describes the keys to program success as commitment, program planning, communication, and cooperation-collaboration. The document concludes with a list of resources containing the names and addresses of Pennsylvania and national organizations, newsletters, and clearinghouses, a 49-item bibliography, a fact sheet about adult literacy in Pennsylvania, and a list of questions asked of librarians in the preparation of this manual. (CML)
- Published
- 1987