This book is for those moving their library beyond places to find information. Written by practicing public librarians and an academic librarian with an interest in public libraries, the book focuses on how public libraries can become more community centered and, by doing so, how they can transform both themselves and their communities. The authors argue that focusing on building community through innovative and responsive services and programs will be the best way for the public library to reposition itself in the years to come.

The more libraries can prove that they benefit the business community, the more funding they are likely to receive. Helping Business is designed to guide the public library administrator through the process of assessing their community's need for economic development assistance and carrying out a plan that works. The manual first addresses how to learn about local business' needs through such sources as focus groups, the chamber of commerce and the reference desk. Also covered are techniques to get more involved in the process of helping business; staff training, print and electronic sources for information; developing the support of other agencies; marketing through the press, newsletters, networking and meetings; and assessing and publicising results. An appendix dealing with organising focus groups rounds out this comprehensive guide.

This work, based upon a survey, focuses on the services that libraries can offer businesses that lack their own information sources. Profiles of representative libraries are included to demonstrate the range and scope of these services.