Across Towns and Across Times: Library Service to Young People in Rural Libraries

ASSTRACT THISARTICLE EXAMINES LIBRARY SERVICE to young people in rural libraries in New York State with reference to services provided by rural libraries and librarians in other parts of the nation. The article addresses the efforts of rural libraries to meet the information needs of children and young adults. It explores the alignment of library programs with national concerns such as literacy and learning readiness. It also examines ways in which the characteristics of rural libraries affect traditional programs for youth. This article reviews methods of effective and innovative delivery of services; approaches to collection development and multicultural literature; use of computers, planning, and standards; as well as work with preschoolers, students, schools, and summer reading clubs.