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To introduce an OCLC report on public perception of libraries.

An overview of the report is given, along with personal recommendations in response to research results.

Largely, the reaction to libraries is positive, yet overwhelmingly survey respondents were not aware of, nor do they use, most libraries' electronic information resources. The internet is more of a competitor than realized, as most in the survey ranked the quality of library and internet information about equal. The author believes that libraries must change from passive to aggressive marketers of library services, as well as make libraries easier to use, with fewer rules and more self‐service.

Reliable research has generated valuable and challenging insights for libraries.

The purpose of this article is to examine a new collaborative electronic platform available to libraries of all types.

Introduces potential application of wikis discussed by academics and librarians, along with personal viewpoint.

A wiki is a very good example of the best of democracy in which self‐organizing behavior enforces community norms. Typically, wikis are open to everyone and erroneous information could easily be entered, but they are monitored by dedicated members and information is corrected quickly. While viewed as a platform with many advantages for timely and efficient collaborative efforts, there is still a sense of lack of accountability and cumbersome technological hurdles.

Wikis offer the opportunity for wide project collaboration and the possibility of a better product in the end.

Examines the unique funding and service model of a successful community‐centered library.

Introduces the history and demographics of San Miguel de Allende, a city in Mexico with a large English speaking population, and outlines how the library maintains its role as community centre.

The San Miguel de Allende library thrives through careful attention to the demographics of the community, an innovative and aggressive approach to funding issues, and an awareness of the need for change. The library collection is the largest bilingual privately funded, publicly accessible library in Mexico. This, along with an extensive scholarship and outreach program to students in both rural and urban areas, is funded by a diverse array of revenue generating efforts including a weekly newspaper, weekly sale of books and household items, a café and gift shop.

The San Miguel de Allende Library models how creativity, strong community responsive and lack of fear of change can build and sustain libraries.

To outline the different learning and working styles between generations in our current digital environment.

Connects common theories of popular author and library industry study. These are presented alongside personal views on the current trends.

As native speakers of digital language, young people think and process information in an entirely different way from previous generations. Experts suggest that they may have remapped their brains.

The article stresses the importance of gaining a better understanding of the learning styles and tastes of young people. Libraries should consider tapping into this resource for future development, since these people are the future support base for libraries.

To introduce the growing trend of closings of public libraries in the USA due to funding shortages.

Body of knowledge compiled by author from current news and professional sources and personal historical files.

While public libraries are being heavily used, they still face funding challenges due to tax resistance, the economic down‐turn, and competition for their services.

The column stresses the importance of public library administrators to track and respond to public support.

To provide background on annual Banned Books Week's event that promotes intellectual freedom issues in the USA.

Historical and philosophical overview, including current celebration activities.

This year the American Library Association was notified of 547 challenges, up from 459 last year. Three of the ten most challenged books were cited for homosexual themes, the highest in a decade. Most of the books featured during Banned Books Week were challenged, but not actually banned. This is due to the efforts of librarians, teachers and booksellers to maintain them in collections.

Banned Books Week draws attention to the danger that exists when restraints are imposed on the availability of information in a free society.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of community service in academic librarianship in the USA and models for developing local community service programs that encourage participation from academic librarians.

After providing a review of literature related to academic librarianship and community service in the USA, a description of community service opportunities for librarians at Mississippi State University is presented. Suggestions are made regarding development of similar opportunities at other institutions.

Community service is an important element of academic librarianship, and the service opportunities available to Mississippi State University librarians offer a variety of long‐ and short‐term projects that allow for active participation.

It is hoped that this case study – dealing with community service opportunities for academic librarians – will be used as a model by other librarians who wish to develop service options in their own communities.