Reimagining the public library

CHICAGO — “Reimagining the Public Library: Key Debates and Future Approaches,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, takes a historical and international look at the development of public libraries over the past 25 years, posing the important question of what has changed in government policy and action. Incorporating ideas that have emerged in European, North American, and Australasian public libraries, John Pateman suggests how these can be used to inform the future development of public libraries. The book explores topics such as:

• collection development;
• traditional, community-led, and needs based library models;
• digital inclusion;
• social equality and equity;
• the so-called "War on Terror" and its effects on trust and privacy;
• censorship; and
• racism and decolonization.

Pateman worked in public libraries for over 40 years in several different roles ranging from Library Assistant to Chief Librarian. He was Chief Librarian of three library systems in the UK and Chief Librarian and Chief Executive Officer at Thunder Bay Public Library, Canada. Pateman’s previous books include “Understanding Public Libraries.” John is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and a founding member and editorial collective member of Information for Social Change.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.