Relevant for any era
Public libraries and library services are not necessarily about full-service to all communities, but rather, providing library services to municipalities that are not a part of a metropolitan area, or to those areas that do not possess library services at all. A full-service independent library is not necessarily feasible for all communities. In the Handbook for Small, Rural, and Emerging Libraries, Anne Gervasi and Betty Kay Seibt have provided many options for library services that can best meet the needs of any community regardless of population, state regulation or policies and finances.
"The small public library should strive to be a flattering mirror of its community."
Ms. Gervasi and Ms. Seibt deal with such subject content as the steps to “getting started” through the establishment of groups; purposes of the library in your community and options for library services. Survey questionnaires are provided for the evaluation process.
Educating the novice service planner or professional librarian is discussed in terms of legalities, policies, and bylaws - a must for every community planner to stay abreast of local government, the library board, and policy makers.
Marketing, fund raising, and public relations, including facing a hostile audience, are dealt with in detail.
And the ongoing problems of physical space, evaluating an existing building, renovating, or building anew are discussed in light of operating costs, space requirements, and the depth of services provided for the public and the staff.
The Handbook for Small, Rural, and Emerging Public Libraries relates in simple and understandable language the logistics and fundamentals of choosing, hiring, paying, and training library staff; choosing and building the collection; technical processing of library materials; circulation; building and providing reference and information services; library programming and public education; library management including housekeeping, budgeting, and record keeping, and the general outfitting of the library.
"Cooperation is the key to providing the best library service for your community. Cooperative service also includes the cooperation between the library and the community it serves."
Cooperative services with neighboring libraries, community agencies, regional library systems, state libraries, other professional organizations and the people within the community are discussed as essentials in providing continued long term support systems for the library. As Ms. Gervasi and Ms. Seibt state:
“Library service is only possible when you see your library as one link in the chain of information that forges a strong, vital resource and endows a stronger, more informed, free, and independent society.”
If you are a manager of an existing library who feels the need to upgrade, alter, or revitalize your services or your place in the community, this handbook is for you. If you are not sure of your goals, what services a library should offer, or if you have no library service currently existing, you may not be aware of your options. With 189 pages, the Handbook for Small, Rural, and Emerging Libraries is a comprehensive step-by-step diagram to guide you toward the type of library service that best suits the needs and resources of your community. A must read for professional librarians, entrepreneurs, and community planners.
Title: Handbook for Small, Rural, and Emerging Libraries
Author: Anne Gervasi and Betty Kay Seibt
Edition: Hardcover
Imprint: Phoenix, AZ : Oryx Press, 1988.
Description: xii, 196 p.; 23 cm.
Subject: Library planning
Subject: Library administration
Subject: Library science
Subject: Public libraries
Subject: Small libraries
Subject: Rural libraries
Adult Non-Fiction
Call Number: Z679.5 .G47 1988
Notes: Includes bibliographies, index, forms
