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- Description
- Table of Contents
- About the authors
- Reviews
Put simply, there is no text about public librarianship more rigorous or comprehensive than McCook's survey. Now, the REFORMA Lifetime Achievement Award-winning author has teamed up with noted public library scholar and advocate Bossaller to update and expand her work to incorporate the field's renewed emphasis on outcomes and transformation. This "essential tool" (Library Journal) remains 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
- statistics, standards, planning, evaluations, and results;
- legal issues, funding, and politics;
- organization, administration, and staffing;
- all aspects of library technology, from structure and infrastructure to websites and makerspaces;
- adult services, youth services, and children's services;
- associations, state library agencies, and other professional organizations;
- global perspectives on public libraries; and
- advocacy, outreach, and human rights.
Exhaustively researched and expansive in its scope, this benchmark text continues to serve both LIS students and working professionals.
List of Figures
Foreword, by Felton Thomas, Jr.
Preface, by Kathleen de la Peña McCook and Jenny S. Bossaller
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 The American Public Library, by Kathleen de la Peña McCook
- The Community’s Commons: Heart, Anchor, Safe Haven
- Evolution
- Notes
- References
Chapter 2 Development of the Public Library in America, by Kathleen de la Peña McCook
- Colonial Times to 1852
- 1852 to the Great War (World War I)
- State Library Commissions
- World War I (1918) to the Public Library Inquiry (1952)
- After World War II: The Public Library Inquiry
- From LSA to LSCA (1956 to 1966)
- Notes
- References
Chapter 3 People, Not Institutions: Toward Equity of Access: 1960s—Today, by Kathleen de la Peña McCook
- Civil Rights and the Role of Public Libraries
- People and Community Focused Librarianship: Equity of Access Becomes a Core Value for America’s Public Libraries
- A Strategy for Public Library Change: A Major Transformation of the Philosophy of Public Librarianship
- Steps toward Transformation: Roles, Responses, Outcomes
- Thirty Years of the Library Services and Construction Act: 1966 to 1996
- Transformation and Strategic Planning: 1996 to 2015
- The New Outcome Era: 2015 to the Present
- The Public Library in the Twenty-First Century: Core Values and Trends
- Conclusion
- Notes
Chapter 4 The Public Library Journey to Accountability, by Kathleen de la Peña McCook
- Measuring the Outcomes of Library Programs
- How Do We Convey the Importance of Public Libraries?
- Planning for Library Service: 1966 to 2014
- State Public Library Standards
- Ratings and Awards
- The National Medal for Museum and Library Service
- Association Awards
- Quality of Life and Human Development
- Notes
- References
Chapter 5 “More and Better Libraries,” by Kathleen de la Peña McCook
- The Library in the Government
- State Library Administrative Agencies and the Institute of Museums and Library Services
- The Library Services and Technology Act
- Evaluations
- Advocacy and Federal Legislation
- Funding the Public Library
- Transforming the Perception of Libraries
- Notes
- References
Chapter 6 The Public Library’s People, by Kathleen de la Peña McCook
- How Libraries Are Organized
- The Library Board of Trustees
- Trustee Organizations
- The Library Director
- The Library Staff
- Union Impact on Salaries and Working Conditions
- Friends of Libraries
- Volunteers
- Overarching Issues Relating to Staffing
- Continuing Education and Staff Development
- Recognizing Excellence in Staff and Trustee Development
- Notes
- References
Chapter 7 The Public Library Building, by Kathleen de la Peña McCook
- Civic Memory and Identity
- The Beginning of the Public Library Building
- Funds for Public Library Construction: Priming the Pump with LSCA
- Building Showcases
- Branches
- Conclusion
- Notes
- References
Chapter 8 Youth Services in Public Libraries, by Alicia K. Long
- History
- From Core Services to Civic Engagement and Innovation
- Youth Media Book Awards
- Key Books and Media Awards for Children and Young Adults in the United States
- The Future of Youth Services: Challenges and Opportunities
- Notes
- References
Chapter 9 Reader and Adult Services, by Kathleen de la Peña McCook and Katharine Phenix
- Inclusion and Accessibility
- Reader Services
- Adult Services during the Planning Era (1966 to 2015): Public Library Roles to Services Responses
- Notes
- References
Chapter 10 Collaboration and Consortia, by Jenny S. Bossaller
- Cooperating With Each Other: Consortia, State Libraries, and Cooperatives
- Local History: Cooperating with The Community and with Other Libraries
- Community Outreach: Cooperating with Other Groups
- Public Library Leadership
- Conclusion
- References
Chapter 11 Technology in Public Libraries: An Overview of the Past, Present, and Future, by Richard J. Austin and Diane Austin
- Information Technology in Public Libraries: A Brief History
- Public Librarianship and Technology Skills
- Information Technology in Public Libraries Today
- Kinds of Technology
- Connections: Library 2.0 and 3.0
- Electronic Resources and Digital Libraries
- Conclusion
- Notes
- References
Chapter 12 Global Perspectives on Public Libraries, by Clara M. Chu and Barbara J. Ford
- History and Purpose of Public Libraries: A World View
- Worldwide Snapshot
- IFLA: A Global Voice for Public Libraries
- Implementing the Manifesto
- Impact and Advocacy
- Community Outreach and Services
- The Road Ahead for Public Libraries Worldwide
- References
Afterword, by Katharine Phenix
About the Contributors
Index
"A thorough textbook ... Collaboration (among libraries, professional associations, and community partnerships) is highlighted to a greater extent here than in the second edition. Furthermore, a greater emphasis is placed on humanitarian and global concerns, including gender equality, the alleviation of poverty, and climate change."
— Library Journal
"The scope of this third edition is broad and covers the major points of public librarianship, making it a good introduction to the rigors of the field."
— Booklist
"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 ... Even as someone who has devoted my life to teaching about, researching, and advocating for public libraries, I was inspired and delighted reading this third edition—a truly essential book."
— Library Quarterly