Equity and Excellence in the Public Library: Why Ignorance is Not our Heritage

This important volume by one of the leading scholars in the field examines and discusses how library professionals can meet the demands of policy makers to open up the public library system without destroying its values. Based on a critical literature review, a survey of library professionals and consultations with other stakeholders, the book discusses the challenges involved in providing a service that prioritizes equity and social inclusion while at the same time attempting to promote and maintain quality, excellence and ethical standards. In assessing how those responsible for public libraries around the world go about this task the author advocates a service that is sensitive to difference and seeks to provide access to the best.

Bob Usherwood is Emeritus Professor of Librarianship in the Department of Information Studies, The University of Sheffield, UK. A former President of the Library Association, he has authored over 200 publications, and his major books have been translated into Korean, Russian and Portuguese. He has also carried out research and consultancy for a number of national and international organizations.