December 2001 cover

Contents of December 2001 American Libraries


News Fronts

6  ALA

12  Washington

20  USA & International


Special Report

14  Cover Story: Anthrax Scare Closes LC

      Plus War of Words by Tom R. Arterburn, and Afghanistan’s Lost Splendor: A Letter from Iran by Gholamreza Amirkhani.


Features

40  Why Library Homework Centers Extend Society's Safety Net

      BY CINDY MEDIAVILLA
      Latching onto the needs of latchkey children unlocks community goodwill.

44  Dial 211: Libraries Get Involved with a New Social Service Initiative

      BY RON CHEPESIUK
      Libraries can play key roles in the development of 211 information and referral initiatives.

48  Creating an Internet Policy by Civic Engagement

      BY JOHN ALITA
      Bringing the community into the process promotes understanding.

51  The E-Files: E-newsletters and E-zines: From Current Cites to NewBreed Librarian

      BY WALT CRAWFORD
      A survey of the library e-zine scene. The last of a three-part series.

54  Conference Call: Privacy Versus Security—What’s at Stake

      In the wake of September 11, librarians John Callahan and Sam Morrison discuss the issues facing America’s libraries.

60  “Go Figure!” Exhibit Brings Kids and Calculations Together

      BY SUSAN BRANDEHOFF
      A children's museum exhibit is on the move, reaching a national library audience.


Departments

7  ALA President’s Message

      “Advocacy for Libraries: Reauthorizing LSTA—Now More Important Than Ever”
      BY JOHN W. BERRY

34  Thus Said

35  Reader Forum

37  Editorial

      “Reclaiming the American Flag”
      BY LEONARD KNIFFEL

38  On My Mind

      “Government Documents for the Ages”
      BY GIL BALDWIN AND GEORGE BARNUM

58  ALA Executive Board Quarterly Report

      “Sliding U.S. Economy Prompts Budget Deferrals”
     BY LEONARD KNIFFEL

62  Currents

65  Internet Librarian

      “Help, I Have to Teach an Internet Class!
      BY KAREN G. SCHNEIDER

66  Technically Speaking

      “Proliferating Portals
      BY DAVID DORMAN

68  Librarian’s Library

      BY CATHLEEN BOURDON

69  Quick Vids

      “Raise High the Roof Beam”
      BY GARY HANDMAN

70  Datebook

72  This Month

      “199 Years Ago”
     BY WAYNE WIEGAND

73  Career Leads

95  Index to Advertisers

96  American Libraries Index, vol. 32, 2001

112  Will’s World

      “Freedom or Security?”
      BY WILL MANLEY