Transforming Libraries, Building Communities by Julie Biando Edwards

Transforming Libraries, Building Communities by Julie Biando Edwards

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.

Authored by the ethnic studies librarian and multicultural coordinator at the Mansfield Library at the University of Montana in Missoula, the teen librarian at the Peabody Institute Library in Peabody, Massachusetts, and the adult services librarian at the Peabody Institute Library, this work offers 15 chapters organized into 3 parts: the what and why of community-centered libraries, how to create community-centered libraries, and inspiration for community-centered librariesIntended for the public librarian, 'this work demonstrates how public libraries can position themselves as active and vibrant centers of community life in the twenty-first century' (p. vii). Drawing on real-life examples, the co-authors demonstrate through case studies how libraries of all sizes, demographics, and budgets in the United States can and do work to become community-centered. Drawing on what has already been done, sharing tips, tricks, inspiration, what to do, and what not to do, this book will encourage and enable any public library to become more community-centered. Librarians in other types of libraries can also benefit from selected chapters, based on the community needs, whether looking to find the importance and relevance of being community-centered; how to allocate the resources, collaborate, and obtain grants; or determining how to focus on civic action, sustainability, the arts, or other purposes. Down-to-earth and practical, yet packed with ideas and inspiration, this work is beneficial to any public library’s professional collection. * American Reference Books Annual *

Julie Biando Edwards is the Ethnic Studies Librarian and Multicultural Coordinator at the Mansfield Library at The University of Montana in Missoula. Melissa S. Robinson is the Teen Librarian at the Peabody Institute Library in Peabody, MA. Kelley Rae Unger is the Adult Services Librarian at the Peabody Institute Library in Peabody, MA.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780810891814
ISBN 10	0810891816
Title	Transforming Libraries, Building Communities
Author	Julie Biando Edwards
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Scarecrow Press
Year published	2013-05-30
Number of pages	252
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.