About Roads to Learning Learning Disability Basics Roads to Learning Resource Packet Learning Disability Resources Networking & Partnerships Roads to Learning Home Final Project Report
About Roads To Learning
Why this project? (Background)
In 1995, the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation commissioned a survey by Roper-Starch to ascertain American public knowledge and attitudes concerning learning disabilities. When people were asked where they would go for information on learning disabilities, three sources were mentioned. The first was family. The second source of information was the family physician. And 51% of those responding said they would go to a public library.
The Tremaine Foundation approached the American Library Association about doing a project to ensure that libraries were informed and able to meet this need, especially in light of recent research. A proposal was written. In 1996, Roads To Learning, The Public Libraries’ Learning Disabilities Initiative, came into being. The goal of the initiaitve is to bring information about LD to the general public through libraries while increasing public libraries’ capacity to serve in this area of need.
Roads to Learning Now
Roads To Learning (RTL) encourages linkages among libraries, community organizations, and service providers to improve service to learning disabled people, their families, professionals, and other interested people. The initiative's goal is to bring information about learning disabilities to the general public through libraries while increasing libraries' capacity to serve their communities in this area.
To do this, RTL helps libraries at the building level. In early February 1997, the "LD Resources for Libraries" packet was sent to every public library director in the country. It includes print and Internet resource lists, items to distribute to the community, and practical approaches to collections and services.
Local partnerships were introduced in the summer of 1998. Library staff and volunteers with an interest in LD work together to ensure that the library is meeting the information needs of the community on this topic. To date, groups have identified collection needs, conducted public programs on LD and related topics, bought videos, and even raised funds.
The Roads To Learning Web page was mounted in 1998. Elements include links to other Web sites, a descriptive list of national learning disabilities organizations and basic information about LD. Plans to make the page more interactive are moving forward. Ideas are exchanged on PLLD-L and other listservs as well.
LD information is disseminated in other ways. "Top 20 LD Resources for Libraries" was an insert in the May 1999 American Libraries magazine, reaching 65,000 subscribers, along with a short article and an ad. Articles appeared in the June 1999 School Library Journal, and in the May/June 1999 Knowledge Quest, the Journal of the American Association of School Librarians. Publication is an ongoing feature of the project, actively pursued.
National, regional and state conference programs and workshops are an integral part of Roads To Learning. Library staff work with practical resources to build awareness and skills. People return to their libraries ready to enhance current services, and able to share useful information with their colleagues.
The idea is to reach an ever-growing number of people and help improve library and information access for all. Otherwise the human and financial costs affect each one of us, even if we can't see them.
Roads to Learning was funded by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation.
Contact: Office for Literacy and Outreach Services; phone: (312) 280-4295.