In the seven chapters of this book, first published in 1991, the topics of planning and creativity as they apply to the management of academic libraries are discussed fully, with specific examples and detailed guidelines. Topics such as involving all members of the library staff in decision making and encouraging creativity in an unstable work environment are explored, as are new developments like performance measures.

Through its discussions on planning, using space, and selecting equipment and furnishings, this book, first published in 1988, provides guidance for those who have little or no experience in designing a facility for a special library - one that serves a corporation, government agency, non-profit organization, professional society, or a special subject-oriented library located in an academic institution or public library. Its text is stimulating yet sound, and will serve not only librarians planning new facilities but also those involved in remodelling or renovating existing facilities. The appendices contain descriptions and layouts of four typical libraries, each showing the result of careful, creative planning.

Through its discussions on planning, using space, and selecting equipment and furnishings, this instructive new book provides guidance for those who have little or no experience in designing a facility for a special library--one that serves a corporation, government agency, nonprofit organization, professional society, or a special subject-oriented library located in an academic institution or public library. Creative Planning of Special Library Facilities, with its step-by-step approach, encourages READERS to use creativity, along with common sense in planning facilities for special libraries. Its text is stimulating yet sound, and will serve not only librarians planning new facilities but also those involved in remodeling or renovating existing facilities. The appendices contain descriptions and layouts of four typical libraries, each showing the result of careful, creative planning. For those wishing additional information beyond the references listed in each chapter, there is an extensive annotated bibliography. Creative Planning of Special Library Facilities is available for classroom adoption. It is an ideal choice for graduate courses in library facility planning or special libraries, such as law or medical libraries. Librarians already working in the field who are involved in continuing education courses would also benefit from this text.

Creative Management of Small Public Libraries in the 21st Century isan anthology on small public libraries as centers of communities serving populations under 25,000 that make up most of the public library systems in the United States. A wide selection of topics was sought from contributors with varied backgrounds reflecting the diversity of small public libraries. The thirty-two chapters are arranged: Staff; Programming; Management; Technology; Networking; Fundraising; User Services and provide tools to lead a local public library with relevant and successful services. This volume shares a common sense approach to providing a small (in staff size or budget) but mighty (in impact and outcome) public library service. The contributors demonstrate that by turning the service delivery team outward to the community with enthusiasm and positive energy, it is possible to achieve significant results. Many chapters summarize best practices that can serve as checklists for the novice library director or as a review for the more seasoned manager working through new responsibilities. Chapters are tactical, focusing on specific issues for managers such as performance evaluations, effective programming, or e-reader services. Time management is crucial in a small or rural public library as well as the challenges associated with managing Friends and volunteers. While most public libraries do not have the resources to satisfy customer expectations for instant gratification, ultra-convenience and state-of-the-art technologies, The authors of this book details strategies and methods for providing top-notch customer service while moving beyond customer service to the creation of meaningful customer relationships. This volume makes an important contribution to the literature by reminding us that public libraries transform communities of every size. In fact, never before has the role of the public library been a more critical thread in the fabric of community life.

Here’s an easy-to-follow, practical, easily-implementable, 21st-Century marketing book for academic and special libraries. Written by two practicing librarians who are passionate about communicating with users, the book provides both the inspiration and drive to market your library and practical tips and suggestions on how to do that effectively. Topics covered include: The process of planning a marketing campaign and how some time spent on planning at the outset can help keep you focused and help you determine your level of success. The importance of using brands and brand identity to help you establish your library’s brand and market that aggressively to your users and potential users. Brand consistency is stressed here. Marketing tools: Digital publications, Social media, Visual and print marketing materials, Personal interactions Events you can use throughout the year. For each topic, we will talk about best practices, what works, what often doesn’t, and we share best concise case studies from all types of academic and special libraries.

Planning Optimal Library Spaces: Principles, Process, and Practices demystifies library space planning, inspires creative thinking, and offers immediate how-to steps to rectify seemingly hopeless situations. It describes an approach to library space planning that introduces and combines a phased implementation strategy with traditional space planning to allow library transformations and renovations to be done as a single project or a series of smaller, separate, and more manageable phased interventions. It allows libraries to meet current needs sooner, as smaller funding opportunities arise, instead of waiting on completely funded projects to develop. Chapters cover the approach, the importance of community engagement meetings, collection storage strategies, the anatomy of a library project budget, recommendations for getting started, and case studies of both public and academic library planning projects with detailed phasing strategies. Printed in full color with 148 images, this is a must-have book for librarians, architects, government/education administrators, and anyone involved with, or even thinking about a library planning or renovation project.