Overview

How can public libraries successfully meet the needs of their patrons and their communities, and build support for their endeavors? Focusing on the heart and soul of the library—its collection—the authors show how proven marketing techniques can be applied to library collection development in today's high-tech environment. With examples and statistics from more than 200 libraries of all sizes, the book gathers decades of pertinent research and a wealth of creative ideas and winning tactics for public libraries. After a brief discussion of the rationale for a marketing approach, the book takes you through each step of an effective marketing initiative: from market research and creating a master plan through collection evaluation, selection, costs, access, and promotional policies and practices. A great idea-generator and how-to guide for any library staff member, especially those in management positions, this is also essential reading for LIS students preparing for careers in public libraries.

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9781563086489

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Reviews

The authors, a library educator and a practicing librarian, bring a wealth of practical experience and research knowlage that is utilized effectivly in the presentation of each topic....[f]aculty and students in schools of library and information science, public library administrators, and librarians involved with collection development in all types of public libraries. -ARBA Online

One of the most useful works on the public library...The book is packed with practical information... - Reference & User Services Quarterly With considerable enthusiasm, the authors recommend what some librarians may consider drastic levels of analysis, planning, change, and management. Implementation of marketing concepts and practices should 'permeate the organization' to ensure 'relevance, value, and cost-effectiveness.'. . . Thorough, readable, and very well organized. . . . Recommended for all public libraries. . . . Much of this material could also apply to academic libraries. - Reference & User Services Quarterly The person who can invest the time and effort will find his or her reward in the rich mine of very credible information that has been gathered and presented within these pages....^IThe Responsive Public Library^R makes an important contribution to the study of marketing principles as they are applied to developing a quality public library collection. - Marketing Library Services The authors, a library educator and a practicing librarian, bring a wealth of practical experience and research knowlage that is utilized effectivly in the presentation of each topic....[f]aculty and students in schools of library and information science, public library administrators, and librarians involved with collection development in all types of public libraries. - ARBA Online

<p>With considerable enthusiasm, the authors recommend what some librarians may consider drastic levels of analysis, planning, change, and management. Implementation of marketing concepts and practices should 'permeate the organization' to ensure 'relevance, value, and cost-effectiveness.'. . . Thorough, readable, and very well organized. . . . Recommended for all public libraries. . . . Much of this material could also apply to academic libraries. - <p>Reference & User Services Quarterly

Author Information

SHARON L. BAKER is former Associate Professor, University of Iowa School of Library and Information Science, Iowa City. KAREN L. WALLACE is Circulation/Reference Librarian, Drake University Law Library in Des Moines, Iowa, and was formerly the Head of Community Services at Des Plaines Public Library, Des Plaines, Illinois.

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