Planning for a New Generation of Public Library Buildings

(Hardback)

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Description

The public library director needs information that helps in understanding what is involved in planning for a public library building project. This applies whether the subject is a free standing independent building, a branch library, a joint-use facility with a museum, a senior academic library, a community or junior college library, or a school library. Reading this book will not turn a reader into a qualified specialist on library buildings, but it will help librarians and others learn what should be known about a project so that they may function effectively as part of the planning team. The concept of modern libraries is moving toward interactive connections with information sources far beyond the immediate community. For the contemporary public library, this means connection to a network, with several terminals constantly online to the Internet. New library buildings must be constructed with these and other needs in mind. The public library director needs information that helps in understanding what is involved in planning for a public library building project. This applies whether the subject is a free standing independent building, a branch library, a joint-use facility with a museum, a senior academic library, a community or junior college library, or a school library. This book will help librarians and others learn what should be known about a project so that they may function effectively as part of the planning team.

Reviews

McCabe's is an easily assimilable book, based on sound precepts of community consultation and needs assessment, and consistent in approach. It is a good, gentle introduction to the challenges of planning a public library building.-Australian Public Libraries and Information Services
This reference book is clearly written. It will help both neophyte and veteran librarians become effective participants in the planning for conversion, renovation, or design of new library buildings. It is recommended for reference collections in public and academic libraries, and will be especially good for institutions with schools of information resources and library science.-ARBA
"McCabe's is an easily assimilable book, based on sound precepts of community consultation and needs assessment, and consistent in approach. It is a good, gentle introduction to the challenges of planning a public library building."-Australian Public Libraries and Information Services
"This reference book is clearly written. It will help both neophyte and veteran librarians become effective participants in the planning for conversion, renovation, or design of new library buildings. It is recommended for reference collections in public and academic libraries, and will be especially good for institutions with schools of information resources and library science."-ARBA

Author Bio

GERARD B. McCABE retired as Director of Libraries at Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 1996./e He is the editor/series advisor for the Greenwood Library Management Collection. McCabe has over 30 years experience as a library building consultant on some 50 projects. He is a long time member of ALA/LAMA and is a past chair of the Building and Equipment Section.