The Identity Of The Contemporary Public Library

Planning a new or refurbished public library means considering not only facilities for collections, services, staff and users, but examining also the local context, reviewing the library image, and developing relationships with other community facilities and agencies. This book examines the entire gamut of challenges confronting the planning and development of contemporary public libraries; their mission, their roles, and key issues such as lifelong learning, social inclusion, community and cultural needs, regeneration and funding. The helpful presentation and readable style guides the librarian through the preliminary information-gathering and decision-making process that ensures a successful library building for all concerned. Using practical case studies, plans and photographs, the author tackles the critical issues of siting, size, plans and design concepts, and provides a helpful guide to weighing up the alternatives of refurbished, converted and new buildings. Separate chapters focus on the planning, briefing and construction process; security, safety and sustainability; key characteristics of successful buildings; identity, decor and signage; and interior layout and facilities. The text draws together a vast resource of real library examples from all over the world which provide best practice models and lessons to learn. For funding authorities, librarians and architects of public libraries this is a highly informative book that will help to ensure wise decision-making and prevent costly mistakes.

Public Libraries in the 21st Century presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of recent policy initiatives directly targeted at public libraries along with broader developments in the public sector environment within which they operate. Key features include: ¢ An exploration of the context within which public libraries are operating and analysis of their role in local and national life; ¢ Examples of best practice in service delivery; ¢ Evaluation of the challenges and opportunities confronting public library managers; ¢ Wide ranging coverage, including information from published and unpublished sources, supplemented by interviews with key stakeholders in the public library sector. The book provides a unique and thorough guide to the contemporary discourses surrounding issues of identity, social purpose, value and strategy facing the public library service.

Ethics Management in Libraries and Other Information Services presents professional ethics from a managerial point-of-view, explaining how to implement ethical management systems in libraries and information services and presenting the necessary tools needed to understand the practical application of a system of ethical management based on ISO 26000: 2010. The examples and selected case studies will be helpful to professionals, teachers and students who want to both explore and apply ethics now and in the future. Provides insights to help incorporate knowledge and the implementation of professional ethics into the context of the organization Presents a practical application of a system of ethical management based on ISO 26000: 2010 Includes examples and case studies to help professionals and students understand the practical application of ethics

Public libraries are keystone public institutions for any thriving community, and as such can be leaders in making cities better places to work, play, and live. Here, Dudley shows how public libraries can contribute to 'placemaking', or the creation and nurturing of vital and unique communities for their residents.

Different events in communication and information in today’s society have highlighted the significant role that research plays in these two fields of the social sciences. Therefore, it is essential to determine how the efficacy of research can be enhanced at various levels, especially at the academic level. Of primary relevance in this is research connected to communication, both human-to-human and through media, and interactions with information sources. There exists a need for a resource for communications and information science researchers to enhance the effectiveness, impact, and visibility of research. Cases on Developing Effective Research Plans for Communications and Information Science provides relevant frameworks for research in communications and information science. It elaborates on the strategic role of research at different levels of the information and communication society. Covering topics such as audience research, literary reading mediation, and social science theses, this case book is an excellent resource for libraries and librarians, marketing managers, communications professionals, students and educators of higher education, faculty and administration of higher education, government officials, researchers, and academicians.

Before the Public Library explores the emergence of community-based lending libraries in the Atlantic World in the two centuries before the advent of the Public Library movement in the mid-nineteenth century through essays by eighteen leading scholars.

Libraries and Identity summarizes the role of institutional identity in the emergence of new types of libraries such as joint-use libraries and digital libraries. Professional and institutional identity has shown to be one of the most problematic, yet overlooked issues to deal with when traditional libraries such as public libraries and academic libraries develop into new shapes. The author clearly outlines the importance of identity in making change and innovation in libraries understandable. Based on original research the book comprehensively explores the role of identity as a trigger for change and development in libraries. Based on original research which has already attracted international claim Focuses on aspects of library development which are mostly overlooked Focus on the change from traditional library types such as public and academic libraries to new ones such as joint use libraries and digital libraries