-----Original Message-----
From: Greenlee, Elizabeth G (Gale)
[mailto:Elizabeth.Greenlee@ci.greensboro.nc.us]
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 4:32 PM
To: NCLA_1@soe.ecu.edu
Subject: NIFL in jeopardy!
On behalf of the NCLA Literacy Roundtable, I would like to share
information that will greatly impact all libraries that are concerned
about and involved in adult literacy work:
The National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) is in jeopardy. Legislation
now under consideration by House-Senate conference committee would
change NIFL's focus from research and policy related to multiple aspects
of adult and family literacy to a narrow focus limited to basic level
reading. The newly-appointed NIFL board consists of members with
excellent credentials in children's literacy though not adult literacy.
Established by the National Literacy Act (1991) to improve research,
development and information dissemination through a national research
center focused primarily on adult literacy, the Institute has led
national initiatives that have changed the face of adult literacy in the
United States.
. The Equipped for the Future (EFF) initiative has developed and
disseminated research-based content standards and assessment for adult
literacy.
. The Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS)
collects and disseminates information about research, theory and
practice through carefully designed special collections and regional
technology centers.
. The Bridges to Practice program provides research-based staff
development for practitioners working with adults with learning
disabilities.
Because each of these initiatives views literacy more broadly than
definitions in the proposed legislation would allow, they may be
discontinued and their contributions lost. This would be a blow to
librarians who know the value of a broad view of literacy and who use
LINCS as a resource for adult literacy references.
A grass roots campaign to make legislators know that the public supports
NIFL's work is underway. If you are interested in getting involved,
please go to http://www.savenifl.org for more information. The website
contains information about NIFL, the proposed legislation, and
suggestions for becoming involved in the effort to continue the
Institute's work in adult literacy.
Other NIFL related links include:
NIFL: http://www.nifl.gov
LINCS: http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/
EFF: http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/collections/eff/eff.html
Sincerely,
Gale Greenlee
Chair, NCLA Literacy Roundtable
Gale Greenlee
Multicultural Services Coordinator
Greensboro Public Library
Glenwood Branch
1901 W. Florida Street
Greensboro, NC 27403
Phone: 336-297-5000
FAX: 336-297-5005
Email: gale.greenlee@ci.greensboro.nc.us
-- "This will be our response to violence: to make music more beautifully, more intensely, more devotedly than ever before." --Leonard Bernstein (Findings)Allison G. Kaplan Assistant Director, Education Resource Center Coordinator, School Library Media Specialist Program University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 Office: 302-831-1584 Fax: 302-831-8404 E-Mail: akaplan@udel.edu
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