Privatizing Libraries (ALA Special Report) - Softcover

Jerrard, Jane; Bolt, Nancy; Strege, Karen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0838911544 ISBN 13: 9780838911549

Publisher: ALA Editions, 2012

Synopsis

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: ALA Editions
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0838911544
• ISBN 13: 9780838911549
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 72