Full Description
Dubbed "a peerless ambassador for public libraries, educating future professionals, current professionals in other parts of the field, and anyone else interested about the irreplaceable and irrepressible entities that are public libraries" (Library Quarterly), the newest edition of this trusted resource has been reimagined and restructured to make it even more relevant and useful. The definitive handbook on this branch of the profession, it covers every aspect of the public library, from its earliest history through its current incarnation on the cutting edge of the information environment, including
a summary of current and historical issues in public libraries;
a new chapter on financing which covers traditional sources, creative funding, capital campaigns, special projects, and the pros and cons of public/private partnerships;
statistics, standards, planning, evaluations, and results;
legal issues and politics, including how different states are set up, the role of state libraries, defining service population, and when the law and values conflict (such as union/non-union scenarios);
updated coverage of important advocacy issues, including advocacy for access, the legal limits of advocacy, involving the community in advocacy, and communicating the effectiveness of the public library to stakeholders;
organization, administration, and staffing, from the differences between small libraries and large systems to current issues like non-MLIS library workers and unionization;
learning about who public libraries serve by utilizing community analysis, community needs assessments, and diversity considerations;
adult services, youth services, children's services, and serving special populations such as older adults, adults with special needs, schools, daycares, and the incarcerated;
library technology, from structure and infrastructure to websites and makerspaces;
issues related to library buildings and master plans, such as gathering community input and working with an architect on library spaces and library services outside of the library;
library associations, state library agencies, and other professional organizations;
disaster planning and recovery from technological, ecological, and biological disasters; and
global perspectives on public libraries.
Contents
List of Figures and Tables
Foreword, by Kathleen de la PeÑa McCook
Chapter 1. The American Public Library: Where Are We Now?
by Jenny S. Bossaller and Denice Adkins
The Democratic Promise of Public Libraries
Roundup of Trends
Conclusion
Note
References
Chapter 2. Public Library Development: Early Colonial Times to the 1960s
by Kathleen de la PeÑa McCook and Jenny S. Bossaller
Public Libraries: The Beginnings
The Interwar Period to the Public Library Inquiry
After World War II
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3. Public Libraries: 1960s to Present
by Kathleen de la PeÑa McCook and Jenny Bossaller
Civil Rights and Public Libraries
Federal Funding: LSA to LSCA to LSTA
Transforming the Philosophy of Public Librarianship
Public Libraries in the Twenty-First Century: Core Values and Trends
Conclusion
Note
References
Chapter 4. Our Communities
by Denice Adkins
Working with Your Community
Analyzing Your Community's Needs
Collecting Community Data
Collecting Data on Smaller Subsets of the Community
Outreach
Community Partnerships
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5. Political and Legal Aspects of Public Libraries
by Jenny S. Bossaller
IMLS and State Libraries
Library Governance
Library Service Area
Americans with Disabilities Act
Problems and Issues
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6. Financing Public Libraries
by A. J. Million and Jenny S. Bossaller
Snapshot: Library Income and Expenses
Trends in Funding and Expenses
Funding Sources
Conclusion
References
Chapter 7. The Public Library Staff
by Denice Adkins
How Libraries Are Organized
The Board of Trustees
The Library Director
Library Workers
Volunteers
Conclusion
References
Chapter 8. Space and Place: Public Library Buildings
by Lori Everett
Communities Build Libraries, and Libraries Build Communities
The Library as the Service Center of the Community
The Library as a Community Center
The Library as a Resource for Digital Technology
The Library as Outdoor Space
The Library as an Integral Part of a Resilient Community
Building for the Future
Planning for the Infrastructure
Interior Design
Conclusion
References
Chapter 9. Services for Adults
by Vanessa Irvin and Bharat Mehra
Readers' Services
Library Programming
Library Services for Older Adults
Adults with Special Needs
Health and Wellness Services
Local History and Genealogy
Conclusion
References
Chapter 10. Services for Youth
by Alicia K. Long
History of Youth Services in Public Libraries
Youth Services Professionals, Patrons, and Their Caregivers
Services, Resources, and Programs
Present and Future Lessons in Youth Services in Public Libraries
Conclusion
References
Chapter 11. Advocacy
Local Advocacy: A Key Driver of Library Funding
by Patrick Sweeney
The Political and Cultural Context
How Libraries Build Political Capital at the Local Level
Audience Engagement
Start Work Before the Crisis
Note
References
ALA: National Collective Advocacy for Libraries
by Larra Clark and Amelia Bryne
Advocacy Is a Long Game
Have an Agenda
Relationships Matter
Note
References
Conclusion
Chapter 12. Collaboration and Consortia
by Jenny S. Bossaller
Cooperation Enabled by Technology
Community Partnership and Outreach
Conclusion
References
Chapter 13. Measuring the Effectiveness of the Public Library
by Denice Adkins and A.J. Million
The History of Measuring Libraries
Library Data Collection Instruments
Awards, Recognition, and Local Standards
Communicating Library Effectiveness with Stakeholders
Conclusion
References
Chapter 14. Disaster-Ready Libraries: How Public Libraries Are Equipped to Serve Their Communities in Times of Crisis
by Beth Patin and Ruth Xing
Defining Crisis
Understanding Disasters and Resilience: Types, Scale, and Scope
Before COVID: Libraries Responding to Crises
The Pandemic and Postpandemic Shifts in Library Preparedness
Library Disaster Plans
Conclusion
Notes
References
Chapter 15. Global Perspectives on Public Libraries
by Clara M. Chu, with contributions from Barbara J. Ford, Kodjo Atiso, Kathleen de la PeÑa McCook, Lin Wang, Alicia K. Long, Tatjana Aparac-JelÚsic, and Loida Garcia-Febo
Public Libraries around the World: Histories and Vignettes
The Public Library Manifesto and International Statistics
IFLA: A Global Voice for Public Libraries
Public Libraries and Sustainable Development
Public Libraries Sharing Expertise and Working Abroad
User Services, Collection Development, and Intellectual Freedom
Governance and Funding
International Library Development Initiatives
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Public Libraries Worldwide
References
About the Authors and Contributors
Index
