RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF
The Important Role of Libraries
in the Lives of America's Children

WHEREAS we have seen the recent outbreak of children venting rage and anger by killing parents, teachers and schoolmates,

WHEREAS we know that mental development, positive socialization and emotional stabilization must begin at birth if children are to grow up with full success,

WHEREAS we are aware of the uncertainties, hidden needs for information, and fears about being different or disliked in children, adolescents and young people; and

WHEREAS we are concerned about the needs of tens of thousands of young persons now in corrections or on probation who may return to destructive behaviors if they receive no redirection,

BE IT RESOLVED That the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science urges that our society - officials and educators at all levels, community leaders, parents and other adult caregivers, confidantes and role models - utilize the vast potential of libraries and support the current and potential abilities and efforts of librarians in assisting adults, youth and children to seek positive outcomes through wise use of information, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That, in seeking solutions through better parenting and learning experiences for young children and redirection for troubled older children and adolescents, libraries can be a major delivery point.

Resolved by the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science at its meetings on June 26, 1998, in Washington, DC.