Tools
10 tips for adding literacy services @ your library presentation (in PDF format)A presentation designed to provide a framework for libraries interested in adding literacy services. Download a zipped version of the PowerPoint which can be edited and used locally.
The Literacy Readiness Inventory (LRI)The Literacy Readiness Inventory (LRI) will help you identify, articulate, and reflect upon how your library approaches literacy. The LRI is divided into three sections: Meeting Community Needs, Demonstrating Financial Commitment, and Supporting Partnerships and Advocacy.
Complete and submit the LRI online
Your responses will generate a "tool kit" of related resources including links, titles, and
abstracts, as well as examples of sound literacy practices collected from
libraries across the country. This information will help you reflect on your
library's literacy accomplishments and identify gaps in literacy services,
tell your library's literacy story to the community, the media, and the profession,
and complete grant applications for literacy-related library funding.
Download the Literacy Readiness Inventory Matrix (PDF)
In times like these, when many Americans have fewer resources, shortening library hours or reducing programs and services hurts those who have the least access to such resources outside the library.
This toolkit contains resources and tools, including newsclips, op-eds and statistics to help library supporters make the case for libraries in tough economic times.
The American Dream Starts @ Your Library Toolkit is your reference guide for developing and expanding literacy services for English language learners. We’ve collected models and examples of literacy services for adult English language learners from libraries across the country. See what other libraries are doing to help new immigrant populations adjust to life to American life and preserve their cultures. From virtual library tours and practical living advice to literacy classes, interpreters, and multi-lingual collections, use these libraries for inspiration!
The National Coalition for Literacy Advocacy Clearinghouse and ToolkitThe NCL Advocacy Clearinghouse and Toolkit is a one-stop collection of public policy advocacy resources designed to assist you in advocating for adult literacy at the federal level. Adult literacy advocates have previously lacked one central location where they can easily access advocacy resources from across the field. As an adult literacy advocate, you may already be part of an alert network; however, you must quickly locate the tools you need in order to act. In response to this need, the National Coalition for Literacy, with the generous support of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, developed the online Advocacy Clearinghouse and Toolkit.
The Librarian's Guide to Gaming: An online toolkit for building gaming @ your libraryBoard games, card games, and videogames are, in essence, information, and the human act of telling stories, presented in new formats that involve the player. Games may fulfill a library’s mission to provide cultural, recreational, and entertaining materials; to provide adacemic curriculum support; or to provide resources and support their industry or profession.
This toolkit, compiled with resources, tips, and best practices from expert librarians who deliver exemplary gaming services, is a jumping off point for all types of libraries, serving members of all ages.
©2009 American Library Association.