The Public Library

Public libraries have changed beyond anyone's predictions in the past ten years and are at a vital stage in their historical development. This timely book is the first standalone text to examine the role and services of the UK public library in the 21st century context. The book discusses the nature and functions of the modern public library service, from its beginnings as the street-corner university, through its delivery of state-of-the-art services and beyond. At the heart of the book is a passionate argument for the professional and public significance of the public library service. The key chapters are: public libraries: the modern context historical development of public libraries equity of access cultural and leisure roles information, advice and informed citizenship lifelong learning the impact of ICT management, governance and budgeting issues performance measurement and evaluation professional and staffing issues marketing, branding and buildings the public library of tomorrow. Readership: Of interest to all students and researchers of library and information science, as well as professionals in public libraries, this book is an advocacy tool for an essential service consistently under pressure.

Table of Contents:
PART 1: THE PUBLIC LIBRARY: HISTORY AND MODERN CONTEXT 1. Public libraries: the modern context Introduction The 21st-century context Government publications The Coates Report Research on public libraries Service challenges Conclusion References 2. Historical development of public libraries in the UK Introduction The early antecedents The public library movement Moving to the Act Early public library development Philanthropy and growth The McColvin Report and post-war developments The modern statutory context Conclusion References PART 2: SERVICE THEMES OF THE MODERN PUBLIC LIBRARY 3. Equity of access Introduction Core values Censorship Enabling equitable access to materials Social inclusion Public library users Reaching excluded users Impact of library closures and reduced opening hours Conclusion References 4. Cultural and leisure roles Introduction Culture or leisure? Borrowing of books in practice Promotion of literacy and reading Children and young people’s services Music, films and other media Conclusion References 5. Information, advice and informed citizenship Introduction Information types Ethics of information – any question answered? Reference services Virtual reference services Guidelines for reference and information services Informed citizenship Community information Business information Heritage and digitization services Genealogy services Information after civil disasters Web services Conclusion References 6. Lifelong learning Introduction What is lifelong learning? The public library and learning UK policy background Literacy and ICT literacy Public library initiatives Conclusion References PART 3: ISSUES IN MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT 7. The impact of information and communications technology Introduction Understanding the use of technology in libraries The People’s Network Public access computing Technology-enhanced services Conclusion References 8. Management, governance and budgeting issues Introduction Local authorities Local government reorganization Budgets Cultural change in management and service delivery Leadership and management trends Emergence of managerialism Conclusion References 9. Performance measurement and evaluation Introduction Performance measurement Modes of measurement Measurement of public library services Performance indicators in UK libraries Measurement of Scottish public libraries Measuring economic value The consequences of performance measurement Conclusion References 10. Professional and staffing issues Introduction The local authority staffing structure Professional issues Ethical issues Professional vs paraprofessional Nature of working Hierarchy of needs Conclusion References 11. Marketing, branding and buildings Introduction Marketing public libraries Attracting users Mission statements Branding and rebranding Challenges in infrastructure and location Conclusion References 12. Conclusion: the public library of tomorrow Introduction Public libraries: an outdated concept? Revisiting service themes Predictions of demise Public libraries: lessons from retail? The equity and excellence debate Public libraries and ICTs Education of public librarians The public library and librarian of the future Conclusion References Selected reading

About the Author :
David McMenemy, Lecturer in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde.

Review :
"...provides a clear overview of the main issues relating to public libraries and would provide a valuable introduction for those with little previous knowledge of the sector."