Overview

A detailed reference work that documents every aspect of the American public library experience through topical entries, statistics, biographies, and profiles. The American Public Library Handbook is the first reference work to focus on all aspects of the American public library experience, providing a topical perspective through comprehensive essays and biographical information on important public librarians. Based upon the author's own notes and extensive experience, as well as library periodicals, library reference books, monographs, textbooks, Internet sources, and correspondence with individual libraries, this book comprises nearly 1,000 entries addressing all aspects of public library service. Each topical essay considers terminology of the area covered, its historical context, and current concerns and issues. Biographies highlight the philosophical perspective of the individuals covered, while entries on specific libraries present timely data and interesting facts about each facility. This unique handbook also offers up-to-date statistics, historical highlights, and information about programs and events of individual libraries.

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9781591589105

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Reviews

One of the informal hallmarks of a true profession is the existence of a solid, well-organised handbook of professional knowledge and practice-the 'vade mecum',-meant to be carried 'in the hand' and referred to constantly. This fine production from the world's oldest professional body for librarians amply passes the test for a good handbook: it is up-to-date, comprehensive, portable and well-organised internally for the swift retrieval of information ... the coverage is remarkable-it even manages to cover the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita upon public libraries! In summation, a useful, well-produced handbook aimed squarely at the American LIS practitioner. - New Library World This compact tome represents a distillation of where the American public library has been, the major issues it faces today, and the tenets of the profession that make clear why these institutions remain a vital presence in the communities they serve. This title is strongly recommended for purchase by all public libraries and academic libraries that support an LIS curriculum. - Catholic Library World This reference work is intended as a precis of public libraries in America, and it largely succeeds... Essays on evaluation and research, intellectual freedom, philosophy of public librarianship, readers' advisory-all with fulsome bibliographies-provide excellent introductions to their topics... LIS students will find this volume-especially as an eBook-hugely helpful. - Library Journal This handbook encompasses multiple facets of public libraries. Sixty-plus topical essays address history, philosophy, problems, and daily operations; biographical entries profile 75 individuals; and factual snapshots offer brief details on 1,200 libraries. Thorough bibliographical citations for each entry make this handbook, a bibliographic essay, or guide to public library literature. - Reference & Research Book News

This reference work is intended as a precis of public libraries in America, and it largely succeeds... Essays on evaluation and research, intellectual freedom, philosophy of public librarianship, readers' advisory-all with fulsome bibliographies-provide excellent introductions to their topics... LIS students will find this volume-especially as an eBook-hugely helpful. - Library Journal This compact tome represents a distillation of where the American public library has been, the major issues it faces today, and the tenets of the profession that make clear why these institutions remain a vital presence in the communities they serve. This title is strongly recommended for purchase by all public libraries and academic libraries that support an LIS curriculum. - Catholic Library World One of the informal hallmarks of a true profession is the existence of a solid, well organised handbook of professional knowledge and practice-the 'vade mecuM',-meant to be carried 'in the hand' and referred to constantly. This fine production from the world's oldest professional body for librarians amply passes the test for a good handbook: it is up-to-date, comprehensive, portable and well-organised internally for the swift retrieval of information ... the coverage is remarkable-it even manages to cover the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita upon public libraries! In summation, a useful, well-produced handbook aimed squarely at the American LIS practitioner. - New Library World

<p> This reference work is intended as a pr?cis of public libraries in America, and it largely succeeds. . . . Essays on evaluation and research, intellectual freedom, philosophy of public librarianship, readers' advisory--all with fulsome bibliographies--provide excellent introductions to their topics. . . . LIS students will find this volume--especially as an ebook [ISBN 9781591589112]--hugely helpful. - <p>Library Journal

Author Information

Guy A. Marco MALS, PhD, is instructor in the seminars program at the Newberry Library, Chicago, IL. His published works include Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound in the United States; Opera: A Research and Information Guide; four other reference books; and about 150 articles and reviews.

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