Privatizing Libraries (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780838911549)

This timely special report from ALA Editions provides a succinct but comprehensive overview of the "privatization" of public libraries. It provides a history of the trend of local and state governments privatizing public services and assets, and then examines the history of public library privatization right up to the California legislation introduced earlier this year to restrict cities in the state from privatizing library services. The book also examines what happens when a private, for-profit organization takes over essential management tasks and decisions of a public library, including the effects this can have on services, patron satisfaction and staff, as well as legal issues. It provides in-depth recommendations for librarians who want to retain control of their own institutions. Complete with case studies, statistics, and a valuable checklist of to-dos for libraries that are facing partial or complete privatization.

Author: Jane Jerrard,Nancy Bolt,Karen Stege
ISBN-10: 0838911544
ISBN-13: 9780838911549
Publisher: ALA Editions
Language: English
Published: 01/26/2012
Pages: 96
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.42lbs
Size: 11.00h x 8.50w x 0.15d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 04/01/2012 pg. 295
Voice of Youth Advocates 08/01/2012 pg. 296