ALA Public Programs Office - Online Resource Center HomeAmerican Library Association

AdvocacyGrantsNetworkingReference ShelfPlanning GuidesProfessional Development

Reference Shelf

The following resources provide information related to framing a cultural program:

Cultural Programming related websites

  • Online Programming for All Libraries (OPAL)
    OPAL is an international collaborative effort by libraries of all types to provide web-based programs and training for library users and library staff members. Live events are held in online rooms where participants can interact via voice-over-IP, text chatting, and synchronized browsing. OPAL is administered by the Alliance Library System, the Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center, and the Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service.

  • Digital History
    Digital History provides free high-quality historical resources for teachers and students. Documents include texts about Asian American, Mexican American, African American and Native American history; historical music, trailers of historically significant films and many more resources.

Cultural Programming Articles

Trends in library cultural programming can be found in these articles appearing in library trade publications, consumer magazines, and newspapers.

September 18, 2002 - "Book groupies; For many women, sharing their reading experiences is fundamental," Chicago Tribune

September 2002 - "Remembering September 11 - Coping View 1: Programs Laudable," by Laura Hayes American Libraries

September 2002 - "Oprah and Out: Libraries Keep Book Clubs Flourishing," by Deb Robertson American Libraries

June/July 2002 - "Rediscover America, Beginning in Atlanta," American Libraries

June 23, 2002 - "The buzz is positive as librarians embrace challenges," Atlanta Journal-Constitution

March 3, 2002 - "Competition from booksellers, Internet forces libraries to diversify offerings," North County Times, San Diego and Riverside, California

January 14, 2002 - "Check it out - libraries shelve stuffy image for broader appeal," Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

October 25, 2001 - "A literary hit parade on the radio," USATODAY.com.

Have you seen an article on library programming recently that you think should be added to this section? If so, please send a link to the article on the web and/or the article name, publication name, and publication date to the ALA Public Programs Office at publicprograms@ala.org.

For news about the ALA Public Programs Office, please visit www.ala.org/publicprograms.