Public libraries, public policies, and political processes : serving and transforming communities in times of economic and political constraint
Author
Paul T. Jaeger [and three others]
Imprint
Lanham : Rowman & Littlefield, c2014
Descript
xviii, 180 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
SUMMARY
Over the past thirty years, significant shifts in technology, political ideologies, and policy goals have resulted in an environment in which public libraries face the highest expectations to serve community needs against unprecedented political, economic, and policy challenges. Drawing on two decades of original research conducted by the authors, this book provides a data-driven examination of the interrelated impacts of political discourse and public policy processes on public libraries and the ways in which they are able to serve their communities, explaining the complex current circumstance.
Offer proposals for policy-making and political strategies that can strengthen the public library and it's ability to meet the needs of individuals and communities. The discussion and analysis in the book draw upon data and real world examples including libraries' outreach to increasingly diverse service populations and efforts to meet community needs trough innovative partnership. -- Back cover
CONTENT
Politics, policies, and public libraries -- The development of public libraries as a public good in the United States -- The evolution of policies affecting public libraries in the United States -- Prevailing governance and economic ideologies -- Changes in public libraries and changes in communities -- Engagement and valuation of the public good -- Demonstrating library value and advocating for support -- The public library in the local political process
Libraries and society -- United States
Public libraries -- United States -- Finance
Public libraries -- Political aspects -- United States
Public libraries -- Government policy -- United States
