Public Library Services for the Poor: Doing All We Can--print/e-book Bundle

This specially priced bundle includes a print copy for desk reference along with the e-book version. The download link for this product can be found on the final confirmation screen after you complete your purchase, and may also be accessed from your Account Profile; the print copy will be shipped to you. For more information about ALA eEditions file types and how to view them on eReaders, desktop computers, and other devices, see this page.

Price:

$56.00

ALA Member

$50.40

Item Number:

7700-0504

Published:

2010

Publisher:

ALA Editions

Pages:

168

Format:

eBook

Description
Table of Contents
About the Authors
Reviews

Among public institutions, the library has great potential for helping the poor and disenfranchised. For many, the library is the only refuge for information, literacy, entertainment, language skills, employment help, free computer use and even safety and shelter. Experts Glen and Leslie Holt, with decades of service to inner city communities between them, challenge librarians to do more for poor people. While recognizing the financial crunch libraries are under, the authors offer concrete advice about programs and support for this unique group, showing you how to

Train staff to meet the unique needs of the poor, including youth
Cooperate with other agencies in order to form partnerships and collaborations that enrich library services to the poor and homeless
Find help, financial and other, for your library

This ground-breaking work demonstrates how five Key Action Areas adopted by the ALA Council (Diversity, Equity of Access, Education and Continuous Learning, Intellectual Freedom, and 21st Century Literacy) apply especially to this disadvantaged population, and motivates librarians to use creative solutions to meet their needs.

Preface

Part I Think and Plan
1 A Library Commitment to the Poor
2 Ambivalences about Poverty
3 Doing Our People's Work

Part II Act
4 Getting Started: Principles of Success
5 Getting Started: Service Continuum
6 What Keeps Poor People from Using Libraries?
7 Communicating with Poor Constituents
8 Finding Help for Your Poor: A Librarian's Guide
9 General Library Programs That Help the Poor
10 General Services: Public Access Computers and Their Implications
11 Specific Library Services That Help the Poor

Part III Big Challenges
12 The Homeless: How Should Our Libraries Help Them?
13 Partnerships and Collaborations That Enrich Library Services to the Poor
14 Evaluating Library Services to the Poor
15 Poverty and Library Essentiality

Index

Leslie Edmonds Holt

Leslie Edmonds Holt, past president of ALSC, has 25 years of experience working in public libraries, including a stint as Director of Youth Services and Community Relations at the St. Louis Public Library.

Glen E. Holt, Ph.D.

Glen E. Holt, Ph.D.,editor of Public Libraries Quarterly, is a pioneer in providing statistically quantifiable benefits of library services.

"At a time when the news is full of stories of people resorting to their public libraries during the economic downturn and of libraries experiencing drastically declining budgets, this book could not be more useful or necessary, with its thoughtful theoretical and practical advice for providing public library services to the poor."
--Library Journal

"Almost all employees in public libraries interact with people in poverty on a daily basis, and in our current economy, the population of homeless and poor citizens continues to grow. Instead of simply tolerating this population, we have the chance to empower these individuals and form connections that will make the library an essential part of their lives. This book will provide inspiration as well as practical tools and suggestions for librarians or administrators who want to do all they can to provide services to the poor. This book would be a useful addition to any public library professional development collection."
--VOYA

"Some of us entered the profession with a desire to serve others who were less well off, yet in recent years surprisingly little has been published on the topic of public library services for the poor. Perhaps there has been a tendency for librarians to serve identifiable minorities and excluded groups, rather than addressing the broader, daunting issue of poverty? Holt and Holt, experienced innercity librarians, have written a short and timely introduction to the topic."
--The Australian Library Journal

"Critical reading for librarians who sincerely want to help the poor by providing essential library services rather than simply putting up with their foibles and personal idiosyncrasies to the detriment of other users. New times call for new ideas and the authors give readers the necessary tools to build strong relationships and do everything possible to serve the poor."
--Public Libraries

Also of Interest:

Public Library Services for the Poor: Doing All We Can

Dynamic Youth Services through Outcome-Based Planning and Evaluation

The Desk and Beyond: Next Generation Reference Services--eEditions e-book

Local History Reference Collections for Public Libraries

Interim Leadership in Libraries: Building Relationships, Making Decisions, and Moving On

Using Qualitative Methods in Action Research: How Librarians Can Get to the Why of Data--eEditions e-book

Summer Matters: Making All Learning Count

Reading by Right: Successful Strategies to Ensure Every Child Can Read to Succeed