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

Current Practices in Public Libraries is an essential resource for librarians and library administrators working in public and academic settings, and for library sciences faculty and students.