On the Road with Outreach: Mobile Library Services

(Paperback)

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Description

This "how-to" manual is a thorough compilation of essays detailing the start-up, maintenance, management, and evaluation of mobile, public library outreach services, promising to become the "bible" of public library outreach. Today mobile outreach is more vital and diverse than ever, with librarians taking it to the streets for senior citizens, childcare organizations, immigrants and low-literate populations, urban and rural communities, prisoners, low-income populations, and other traditionally underserved public library populations. The first book of its kind in more than two decades, On the Road with Outreach: Mobile Library Services provides step-by-step guidance for those wishing to initiate or improve outreach services in their communities. The essays collected here come from some of the best-known movers and shakers in the mobile outreach fieldall of them subject experts and active outreach practitioners. Focusing on the practicalities of establishing and maintaining service to various populations, the book covers everything from design, purchase, maintenance, and automation of bookmobiles to planning and promotion and serving specific populations. Anecdotes, as well as sample service agreements, contracts, applications, staff schedules, and other working documents enhance the text.

Reviews

This volume is a valuable addition to any public library collection supporting mobile services, bringing libraries to others. * ARBAonline *
This work collects practical advice on taking the library on the road to reach underserved public library patrons. Part I covers aspects of planning and marketing services, and Part II describes aspects of library outreach for communities comprised of people of all ages. Later sections give advice specifically for library outreach to children, seniors, the homebound, and incarcerated adults and young people. One section is devoted to vehicles, with suggestions for designing an outreach vehicle and vehicle maintenance. A final chapter explains how the latest mobile communications technologies can be used to fully automate the bookmobile. * Reference & Research Book News *
This useful tool provides a variety of models that include valuable samples for marketing, service agreements, book-mobile specifications, and general guidelines. * School Library Journal *
The detailed advice and examples provided in the text make this a valuable addition to any public library supporting mobile services. * Booklist *

Author Bio

Jeannie Dilger-Hill is director of the La Grange (IL) Public Library, a suburban Chicago library serving 15,000 residents. Erica MacCreaigh served four years as a senior library consultant to the Colorado Department of Corrections.