Message from the National Librarian

It is with particular pride that I introduce this year's Read Up On It kit. Each year, we review our Read Up On It program and endeavour to make improvements. This year's kit contains several new features that will add to its usefulness. One feature is the inclusion of a name/title index which will provide quicker access to the entries you seek. For books available in both English and French, the listings now supply both titles. As well, a list of the publishers mentioned in the kit, and where to contact them, is an addition that came in response to numerous requests received from those who use the kit. We hope that these enhancements will make the Read Up On It kit an even better tool. Please continue to send us your comments and suggestions. We are here to support your commitment toCanadian children's literature and reading. The importance of making reading a habit from an early age cannot be overstated -- a habit that provides a lifetime of enjoyment and opportunities.

An exciting new development at the National Library is the arrival of the Library's World Wide Web (WWW) site. The Library is now able to offer electronic versions of the Read Up On It kit. The 1994 edition of Read Up On It was released on WWW in June 1995. This version differs from the print version in that it provides colour reproductions of the books' covers. Both the 1994 and 1995 editions of the Read Up On It kit can be found on the Internet. Address: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/9/ ruoi/eruoi.htm

The Read Up On It kit is also available on the National Library's Gopher at gopher://gopher.nlc-bnc.ca/ and through Schoolnet.

On behalf of myself and the National Library staff who work on this project, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each one of you who sent in your comments and suggestions. It is very gratifying to read the many positive reviews that have come to us from across Canada and to know the value you place on the Read Up On It kit as a resource.

Marianne Scott