Free Books for All

Free Books for All
Author: Lorne Bruce
Publisher: Dundurn
Total Pages: 400
Release: 1994-01-09
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1554881706

Free Books for All provides a detailed and reflective account of the people. groups, communities, and ideas that shaped library development in the decades between 1850 and 1930, from Egerton Ryerson to George Locke, from Mechanics Institutes to renovated Carnegie libraries. A chronological narrative, lively writings by the people involved, tables, maps, graphs, and period photographs combine to tell the stories of the librarians, trustees, educators, politicians, and library users who contributed to Ontario’s early public library system. The book brings to life a fascinating period of library history. The movement to use the power of local governments to furnish rate-supported library service for citizens was a successful Victorian and Edwardian thrust. Today, more than 500 public libraries span the province, serving as intermediary points between authors and readers and providing a wide scope of information and programming services for educational and recreational purposes. The libraries themselves are, in part, a tribute to the men and women who worked tirelessly to promote library service before 1930. This new study will deepen our understanding of the people and processes that established the foundation for modern public library service in Ontario and Canada.

The Public Library

The Public Library
Author: David McMenemy
Publisher: Facet Publishing
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2009
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1856046168

Public libraries have changed beyond anyone's predictions in the past ten years and are at a vital stage in their historical development. This timely book is the first standalone text to examine the role and services of the UK public library in the 21st century context. The book discusses the nature and functions of the modern public library service, from its beginnings as the street-corner university, through its delivery of state-of-the-art services and beyond. At the heart of the book is a passionate argument for the professional and public significance of the public library service. The key chapters are: public libraries: the modern context historical development of public libraries equity of access cultural and leisure roles information, advice and informed citizenship lifelong learning the impact of ICT management, governance and budgeting issues performance measurement and evaluation professional and staffing issues marketing, branding and buildings the public library of tomorrow. Readership: Of interest to all students and researchers of library and information science, as well as professionals in public libraries, this book is an advocacy tool for an essential service consistently under pressure.

Manual of Library Economy

Manual of Library Economy
Author: James Duff Brown
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 482
Release: 2023-10-20
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN:

The 'Manual of Library Economy' is a seminal anthology that traverses the multifaceted landscape of library management and operations, grounding its inquiry in a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical applications. It is an edifying collection that not only illuminates the historical and cultural evolution of libraries but also showcases a diverse array of methodologies and practices essential for contemporary library management. The anthology stands out for its comprehensive approach to the subject, encapsulating a wide range of literary styles from analytical essays to case studies, thereby providing a holistic view of the discipline. This work is particularly noteworthy for its in-depth exploration of cataloging, classification, and the broader implications of library services in the digital age. James Duff Brown and W.C. Berwick Sayers, the editors of this collection, bring to the table a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of library science. Both pivotal figures in the early 20th-century library movement, their collaborative efforts mirror the transitional phase of libraries adapting to technological advancements and societal changes. Their backgrounds as librarians and educators underpin the anthology's commitment to the advancement of library and information science, making it an invaluable resource for both scholars and practitioners. This anthology is recommended for those interested in the evolution of library science and its current practices. It offers readers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the intellectual and operational challenges of library management through the lens of experts in the field. The 'Manual of Library Economy' serves not only as an educational tool but also as an invitation to partake in the ongoing dialogue about the role of libraries in society, making it a must-read for anyone invested in the future of information dissemination and access.