Library Construction from a Staff Perspective


Book Description

Written from the perspective of staff members who worked in the Williamsburg Regional Library system during four years of multiple construction projects, this fresh and straight-on text covers both new construction and renovation and additions. The results at Williamsburg are exemplary (one patron commented, "The building is a wedding of books and light, which gives wings to the spirit"). As the Williamsburg staff relates their experiences, the reader is guided through the construction. The book, a collaborative effort of the library's staff, shares directly with the reader the knowledge gained in the process: the reality of costs in choosing priorities, working with architects, contractors, and project managers, patron considerations, and technology upgrades. Also included are ideas for celebratory events, fundraising, and interaction with boards of directors and local government in building a "team." Appendices conclude the work with a summary timeline, technology specifications, and useful charts.




Planning Public Library Buildings


Book Description

Planning a new or refurbished public library means considering not only facilities for collections, services, staff and users, but examining also the local context, reviewing the library image, and developing relationships with other community facilities and agencies. This book examines the entire gamut of challenges confronting the planning and development of contemporary public libraries; their mission, their roles, and key issues such as lifelong learning, social inclusion, community and cultural needs, regeneration and funding. The helpful presentation and readable style guides the librarian through the preliminary information-gathering and decision-making process that ensures a successful library building for all concerned. Using practical case studies, plans and photographs, the author tackles the critical issues of siting, size, plans and design concepts, and provides a helpful guide to weighing up the alternatives of refurbished, converted and new buildings. Separate chapters focus on the planning, briefing and construction process; security, safety and sustainability; key characteristics of successful buildings; identity, decor and signage; and interior layout and facilities. The text draws together a vast resource of real library examples from all over the world which provide best practice models and lessons to learn. For funding authorities, librarians and architects of public libraries this is a highly informative book that will help to ensure wise decision-making and prevent costly mistakes.




Renewing our Libraries


Book Description

With the wish to heighten their profile, modernize their environment and increase use, libraries in the UK have refurbished and, where necessary and possible, extended their existing buildings. Although much has been achieved in this regard across the UK, more continues and needs to be accomplished. The case-studies in this book provide librarians, architects and others with examples of what has been undertaken and highlight the policies, processes, design issues - and the problems that have been overcome - leading to successful library refurbishments. While the case studies are mainly drawn from the UK and cover a variety of library types, the book has wider international appeal and includes case studies drawn from Ireland, Sweden and the USA.




The Bowker Annual Library and Book Trade Almanac 2004


Book Description

As an on-the-job answer book, a statistical information resource, a planning and research guide, and a directory and calendar, The Bowker Annual Library and Book Trade Almanac 2004 delivers the hard-to-find industry news and information you need. This acclaimed must-have resource provides the following: Expert reviews of the key trends, events, and developments that will influence your work in 2004 and the years to come Clear explanations of new legislation and changes in funding programs-and how this will affect libraries Definitive statistics on book prices, numbers of books published, library expenditures, average salaries, and other budget-crunching assistance A full calendar of events, key organizations, names and numbers of important individuals (including e-mail addresses and fax numbers), and much more This fully updated reference tool makes it easy to stay on top of the developments that affect libraries, booksellers, and publishers alike-and to find fast answers to the countless on-the-job questions you encounter.




Facelifts for Special Libraries


Book Description

Libraries/information centres are continuously evolving to keep up with rapid changes in information gathering, processing, and distribution. Corporate and non-profit special libraries face special challenges in revitalizing their physical space and providing efficient access to digital content. This book provides solo-librarians or special library managers with practical advice as to revitalize their libraries both in the physical space and the digital space. The book uses case studies, surveys and literature review to provide practical, innovative and evidence-based information to help special librarians develop information centres that will remain relevant to their organizations. - Written from an evidence-based perspective - Each section includes case studies, interviews or examples from libraries and librarians - Written specifically for special librarians







Library Construction from a Staff Perspective


Book Description

Written from the perspective of staff members who worked in the Williamsburg Regional Library system during four years of multiple construction projects, this fresh and straight-on text covers both new construction and renovation and additions. The results at Williamsburg are exemplary (one patron commented, "The building is a wedding of books and light, which gives wings to the spirit"). As the Williamsburg staff relates their experiences, the reader is guided through the construction. The book, a collaborative effort of the library's staff, shares directly with the reader the knowledge gained in the process: the reality of costs in choosing priorities, working with architects, contractors, and project managers, patron considerations, and technology upgrades. Also included are ideas for celebratory events, fundraising, and interaction with boards of directors and local government in building a "team." Appendices conclude the work with a summary timeline, technology specifications, and useful charts.




Library and Information Center Management


Book Description

This essential, single-volume textbook supplies a comprehensive introduction to library management that addresses all the functions of management, specifically within the ever-evolving modern library environment. Strategic planning. Facilities management. Leadership, ethics, communication, and motivation. Human resources and staffing. Change, library development, and innovation. Marketing. Measurement and evaluation. Fiscal responsibility and control. These are just some of the wide range of responsibilities and necessary skills of contemporary library managers—not all of which are typically covered in detail in LIS educational programs. Now updated and expanded for its ninth edition, Libraries Unlimited's Library and Information Center Management is the core management text for library information science programs. This latest text adds new information on grant writing as well as more about budgets, marketing, financial management, assessment, and evidence-based management. The authors include various real-world examples from international settings to help readers understand and conceptualize the place of the library and information center in our global world. Each chapter ends with two helpful sections that present numerous examples and opportunities to apply newly gained information: "Practice Your Skills" and "Discussion Questions."







Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship


Book Description

Get the foundational knowledge about health sciences librarianship. The general term “health sciences libraries” covers a wide range of areas beyond medical libraries, such as biomedical, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, and others. Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship provides a sound foundation to all aspects of these types of libraries to students and librarians new to the field. This helpful guide provides a helpful overview of the health care environment, technical services, public services, management issues, academic health sciences, hospital libraries, health informatics, evidence-based practice, and more. This text provides crucial information every beginning and practicing health sciences librarian needs—all in one volume. Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship presents some of the most respected librarians and educators in the field, each discussing important aspects of librarianship, including technical services, public services, administration, special services, and special collections. This comprehensive volume provides all types of librarians with helpful general, practical, and theoretical knowledge about this profession. The book’s unique "A Day in the Life of . . . " feature describes typical days of health sciences librarians working in special areas such as reference or consumer health, and offers anyone new to the field a revealing look at what a regular workday is like. The text is packed with useful figures, screen captures, tables, and references. Topics discussed in Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship include: overview of health sciences libraries health environment collection development of journals, books, and electronic resources organization of health information access services information services and information retrieval information literacy health informatics management of academic health sciences libraries management and issues in hospital libraries library space planning specialized services Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship provides essential information for health sciences librarians, medical librarians, beginning and intermediate level health sciences/medical librarians, and any health sciences librarian wishing to review the field. This crucial volume belongs in every academic health sciences library, hospital library, specialized health library, biomedical library, and academic library.