Model Policies for Small and Medium Public Libraries

Larson, Jeanette, Totten, Herman L.

ISBN 10: 1555703437 / ISBN 13: 9781555703431

Published by Neal-Schuman Publishers, Incorporated, 1998

About this Item

Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.

Seller Inventory # 9978725-75

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Model Policies for Small and Medium Public Libraries
• Publisher: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Incorporated
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1555703437
• ISBN 13: 9781555703431
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Good
• Weight: 0.851 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

Book by Larson, Jeanette, Totten, Herman L.

Reviews

Explaining the importance of policies and how to develop them, Larson, director of the library development divison at the Texas State Library, and Totten, associate dean and professor of library science at the University of North Texas, give instructions for writing policies on personnel and employment practices, staff and patron conduct, collection development, materials use, reference service, and use of facilities. Each topical chapter is divided into sections discussing policy background, issues surrounding it, and a sample policy. In addition, each chapter cites specific references to other publications to help the policy writer learn more about specific topics and the wording of particular policies. Librarians will find many practical points to guide them through the tough job of policy writing. For example, when it comes to writing a policy on collection development, the authors caution about promising a balanced collection since that can imply the library will have an equal amount of information on any subject regardless of how far-fetched or inflammatory those viewpoints may be. Rounding out the volume are American Library Association policies and guidelines, along with public library role statements and a very useful bibliography. Directors of small and medium-sized libraries (from a staff of one up to libraries serving a population of 100,000) will welcome this volume. Highly recommended.?Marie Bruni, Huntington Memorial Lib., Oneonta, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Developing policies for library operations can be a time-consuming, even difficult, operation, particularly in a smaller library. Larson and Totten bring together examples of the policies that a smaller library may need, concerned with everything from personnel and employment practices to staff conduct, collection development, access to library materials and services, and patron conduct. Larson and Totten do not cover sexual harassment because they believe most institutions already have policies for it. The Library Bill of Rights and several other ALA-adopted guidelines are appended. Although aimed at smaller libraries, the book could be a good starting place for any library needing to develop operations policies. Edward Swanson