The authors have gathered some of the leading experts on public library policy to argue and discuss how the past, present and future can meet and enrich the fabric of the public library service.

Innovation in Public Libraries: Learning from International Library Practice examines the recent activities of successful and innovative libraries around the world, presenting their initiatives in areas including library design, events and programs, and creating customer experiences. This timely guide provides an overview of these libraries’ successful experiences and identifies emerging global trends and themes. The author offers library practitioners guidance on how to pursue these trends in their own library environment, identifying achievable goals when planning building and design improvements, and developing customer interactions in order to emulate the experiences of international libraries. Presents a range of successful and innovative practices in one book, covering library innovation in building design, programs and events, and in customer experience and approach Provides an international perspective on library activities, with libraries in different countries discussed Analyzes the experiences of various libraries to identify common trends and themes Provides practical advice for librarians who wish to emulate the activities of the libraries discussed, with recommended goals to action Examines both the big picture of emerging global trends and themes, as well as highlighting the daily experiences of individual libraries

Disasters can happen without warning and cause detrimental damage to society. By planning and conducting research beforehand, businesses can more effectively aid in relief efforts. The Developing Role of Public Libraries in Emergency Management: Emerging Research and Opportunities is an essential reference source for the latest scholarly information on library engagement in official emergency response and how these institutions can offer community aid in disaster situations. Featuring extensive coverage on a number of topics such as hazard analysis, mitigation planning, and local command structure, this publication is ideally designed for academicians, researchers, and practitioners seeking current research on the role local businesses play in emergency response situations.

Unravel the complexities of library management with this resource-rich guide designed for today's career professionals. While maintaining a friendly and conversational tone, it delves deep into the core principles and methodologies in managing modern libraries. - You'll begin with an exploration of the fundamental principles of library management, including mission setting, user-centricity, stewardship, and the importance of collaboration and accessibility. - The guide also navigates the terrain of intellectual property rights and copyright issues, providing the reader with the knowledge to ensure compliance while maximizing resource usage. - It sheds light on complex themes like user privacy, data protection, and inclusivity, all of which play a pivotal role in today's digital age. - You'll be presented with practical insights into professional ethics, disaster planning, protection of library materials, and the process of recovery after a disaster. - The guide emphasizes the value of continuous improvement, innovation, and strategic decision-making based on data. - With a detailed focus on the evolving role of public libraries in the digital age, this book provides strategies to adapt to changing user needs and expectations. - It concludes with real-world case studies, a template for a strategic plan, and a comprehensive list of further readings and resources. In essence, this is a must-have guide that not only teaches you what library management is but also shows you how to do it effectively. This is an essential companion for library professionals aspiring to navigate the complexities of managing a library in today's ever-evolving landscape.

Today's rapidly evolving information-based society demands that public libraries implement planned, proactive, and innovative change to meet patron needs. Rapid, widespread, and substantive change and innovation in public librarianship depends on the ability of public librarians to share in the exchange of new ideas, regardless of the size of their communities. This book explores how managerial innovations are generated and disseminated among public librarians. To examine how new ideas are created and spread among public librarians, the volume focuses on the case of the dissemination of a particular innovation, a set of techniques developed and promoted by a national professional association, which allows public librarians to engage in user-oriented planning, community-specific role setting, and self-evaluation of library performance. This case study is placed within a larger context of classical models of the diffusion process and the literature on organizational change and innovation. Drawing on her findings, the author offers suggestions to facilitate public library change.

Many consider libraries to be immutable institutions, deeply entrenched in the past, full of dusty tomes and musty staff. In truth, libraries are and historically have been sites of innovation and disruption. Originally presented at the Library History Seminar XII: Libraries: Traditions and Innovations, this collection of essays offers examples of the enduring and evolving aspects of libraries and librarianship. Whether belonging to a Caliph in 10th-century Spain, built for 19th-century mechanics, or intended for the segregated Southern United States, libraries serve as both a reflection and a contestation of their context. These essays illustrate that libraries are places of turmoil, where real social and cultural controversies are explored and resolved, where invention takes place, and where identities are challenged and defined, reinforcing tradition and commanding innovation.

Innovation in Public Libraries: Learning from International Library Practice examines the recent activities of successful and innovative libraries around the world, presenting their initiatives in areas including library design, events and programs, and creating customer experiences. This timely guide provides an overview of these libraries' successful experiences and identifies emerging global trends and themes. The author offers library practitioners guidance on how to pursue these trends in their own library environment, identifying achievable goals when planning building and design improvements, and developing customer interactions in order to emulate the experiences of international libraries. Presents a range of successful and innovative practices in one book, covering library innovation in building design, programs and events, and in customer experience and approach Provides an international perspective on library activities, with libraries in different countries discussed Analyzes the experiences of various libraries to identify common trends and themes Provides practical advice for librarians who wish to emulate the activities of the libraries discussed, with recommended goals to action Examines both the big picture of emerging global trends and themes, as well as highlighting the daily experiences of individual libraries