Developing Community-Led Public Libraries

'Now, more than ever, public libraries must remain relevant and responsive to the ever-changing needs of our communities. Using the community-led approaches explained in this book, libraries can respond holistically and inclusively to community needs.' Jennifer Peterson, WebJunction Community Manager, OCLC, USA 'Pateman and Williment bring direct experience as well as years of research to this essential guide. The community-led public library development approach they describe is neither an added service nor a boilerplate substitute for tradition; instead, it is a service position and attitude that recreates the essential civic contract between librarians and the public. Every facet of concern requiring exploration is addressed here, with copious examples provided from across England and Canada. Repairing the worlds of the socially excluded in our communities is public library engagement at its best.' Francisca Goldsmith, formerly Director of Branch Services, Halifax Regional Library, Nova Scotia, Canada '... provides a blueprint and practical roadmap for library teams and library schools everywhere... It is a clear challenge but also a guideline on how to reinvigorate our role as an agent of social change and social justice... Well-written by respected practitioners, clear and sound evidence-based with excellent bibliographic references it is a must read for those floundering with an elevator pitch or strategy for the future of their library services. It should open a dialogue with library schools and be compulsory reading for library students... An invaluable resource, a thought-provoking book for public library leaders and staff, students of library and information science and indeed politicians. The book reads easily, an excellent bibliography prompts further reading and a useful index concludes the book. It is undoubtedly a step forward in outlining effective public library policy.' Liz McGettigan, Head of Libraries and Information Services, The City of Edinburgh Council, in Refer 'The combination of theory and real-world examples make this book a worthwhile purchase for both public libraries and for academic libraries, especially those with an information services faculty... Developing Community-led Public Libraries: Evidence from the UK and Canada provides a practical guide for library staff creating a needs-based library service with the organizational structure, strategy and clear policy that will meet local community requirements by creating long-term relationships with targeted groups in the community. This book provides thought-provoking ideas and case studies that can be considered by public libraries to help them adapt and change to provide the services their local community requires and become a flexible multi-purpose community and information centre.' Library Review '... the ideal text for any library manager wishing to develop a more needs-based service or for those concerned about community engagement in general... I thoroughly enjoyed the book... I found it particularly enlightening. The text was highly accessible and it provided a good general introduction to the wide range of issues that public libraries face. It is highly recommended for both public library staff and LIS students.' Managing Information 'Easy to read, full of examples and passionate in its concepts and conclusions, this book offers both student and practitioner a vision of the fundamentals of our profession which will help to make our services relevant to every member of our communities' Australian Library Journal 'Pateman and Williment have written a book that is both a campaign and a guide, offering challenges and assistance to anyone wanting to develop community-led libraries' Australian Academic and Research Libraries 'If the Minister for Libraries seeks clarification on what exactly constitutes a comprehensive and efficient service he need look no further than this excellent book' CILIP Update