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The article discusses the need for libraries to make their materials accessible to those with learning differences (LDs) and make a wide variety of current information available to all library users in the U.S. When dealing those with LDs, it suggests that librarians should be aware of their challenges and provide avenues to information using modalities that allowed them to concentrate on understanding the material. It stresses that libraries are a rich and exciting learning environment for all.

The article offers advice for library directors in the U.S. on protecting customer records. The author notes that library directors need to educate themselves on the laws protecting the confidentiality of library and customers. Library staff members must be trained so that they know what procedures to follow if the police should request confidential library records from them. This training should include some background information about the Bill of Rights, the Patriot Act and state privacy protection.

Discusses the public deliberation models used in public libraries. Provision of diverse and thought-provoking programming for adults; Efforts of most public librarians to look for ways to appeal to their regular adult users as well as to attract those who may not know about library resources; Difference of the public deliberation model from a debate or discussion; Examples of public deliberation programs at libraries in Texas.

Focuses on the relationship between library management, staff, and the public in the U.S. Decline of quality of service offered by public libraries; Proper library decorum; Policies for abusive library users.

Presents a story depicting the growing problem of U.S. public libraries concerning elder patrons who spend their entire day in the library chatting with staff and other patrons. Profile of elderly library patrons; Reaction of library employees to patrons who linger in the library; Ways of dealing with said patrons.

Describes how staff at Vassar College Library in Poughkeepsie, New York, stopped an unidentified library patron from daily cutting out the crossword puzzle from a heavily read newspaper. Problems encountered by the staff in identifying the culprit using different methods; Use of a crossword puzzle to communicate with the offender.

Reports on the failure of U.S. libraries to properly address the problem of abusive patrons. Characteristics of an abusive library user; Impact of abusive users on a library's image; Need to develop policies to address the growing problem.

The section offers updates from the U.S. library sector and the book industry as of March 2011. A statement was issued by the Council on Library and Information Resources about the widening scope and use of digital forensics. One example is its use in cultural heritage collections. In fiscal 2010, consumer spending on books, compact discs (CD) and DVD discs has declined by 76 percent. During the same period, library users have increased borrowing of the same items by 75 percent. Over 751 million books have been purchased by U.S. consumers in fiscal 2010.

The article reports that Riecken Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Washington D.C., has opened Flor del Campo, Tegucigalpa's first community library on November 15, 2007. Flor del Campo's lending library is now inviting area residents to browse in its open stacks and take advantage of free Internet access as it joins its counterparts in combating illiteracy, which remains stubbornly high in much of Central America.