A comprehensive look at contemporary trends and practices in public libraries
Current Practices in Public Libraries combines research, surveys, and practical experience to examine a variety of trends, issues, and practices in public library administration. The leading researchers in the field explore vital contemporary topics ranging from literacy instruction and advocacy to ethical concerns in the acquisition of foreign language materials. This practical professional guide presents examples of successful programs at individual libraries as well as results of comprehensive national surveys about funding, computers and Internet access, and branch closures.
Current Practices in Public Libraries presents an extensive look at advocacy, ethics, multicultural outreach, literacy training, marketing, and mentoring in today’s public libraries. This comprehensive resource examines a wide range of issues, including public library funding; contributing factors to the quality of public access computing and Internet services; the impact of public library closures; recent human rights violations in U.S. public libraries; supporting local small business development; how multiculturalism and automation can affect collection development and technical services; new leadership models; the use of marketing and advocacy to build and sustain support for public libraries; promoting family learning activities; and the case for small, independent libraries.
Current Practices in Public Libraries explores:
- library funding
- library expenditures
- budget shortfalls
- fiscal planning
- Internet access and connectivity
- library siting
- library Bill of Rights
- entrepreneurs
- customization of library services
- targeted services
- acquisitions
- collection development and management
- outsourcing
- state library agencies and associations
- federal library programs and legislation
- government relations
- information literacy
- tutoring
- and much more
- Introduction: Public Libraries Today (William Miller)
- The Status of Public Library Funding 2003-2005: Impact of Local Operating Revenue Fluctuations (Denise M. Davis)
- Public Library Public Access Computing and Internet Access: Factors Which Contribute to Quality Services and Resources (John Carlo Bertot and Denise M. Davis)
- Public Library Facility Closure: How Research Can Better Facilitate Proactive Management (Christie M. Koontz and Dean K. Jue)
- Public Libraries and Human Rights (Kathleen de la Pena McCook and Katharine J. Phenix)
- Open for Business: The NYPL Science, Industry, and Business Library Takes Stock (Kristin McDonough and Madeleine Cohen)
- Effect of Multiculturalism and Automation on Public Library Collection Development and Technical Services (Phyllis Sue Alpert)
- Swimming Upstream (Linda J. Mielke, Paula M. Singer, and Gail L. Griffith)
- Marketing and Advocacy: Collaboration in Principle and Practice (James A. Nelson)
- Politics and Advocacy: The Role of Networking in Selling the Library to Your Community (Charles R. McClure, Sari Feldman, and Joe Ryan)
- Creating Advocacy for Public Libraries (Kathleen R. T. Imhoff)
- Developing an Outreach Program Based on Freedom Songs (Leslie A. Acevedo)
- From Literate to Information Literate Communities Through Advocacy (Carol A. Brey-Casiano)
- A Literacy Center Where? A Public Library Finds Space to Promote and Provide Family Learning Activities (Tony Petruzzi and Mary Frances Burns)
- The Personal Touch: A Case for a Small, Independent Library (L. Susan Hayes)
- Mentoring GenX for Leadership in the Public Library (Gail Doherty)
- Index
- Reference Notes Included
Biography
Miller, William; Pellen, Rita M.
