Joint Libraries: Models That Work

Recipient of a 2013 LSCS Writing Award

The joint-use college/public library can be an ideal solution to serving patrons while managing overextended resources, and this illuminating book scrutinizes successes and failures of the joint-use model. Three founding faculty librarians of a joint-use college/public library discuss the factors that should go into evaluating when and where a joint library is suitable. Incorporating lessons learned from five case studies, the authors

• Include a short history of joint libraries, exploring how this model is a natural evolution from reciprocal borrowing, shared catalogs, and interlibrary loan
• Explain how to manage all aspects of a joint-use library, including choices about the physical plant, decisions on contractual requirements, collection development, classification systems, cataloging and technical services issues, personnel, and more
• Address emerging trends and best practices for serving students and the general public simultaneously
• Offer interviews with administrators and staff in successful joint-use libraries

Anyone interested in joint-use libraries in particular, or radical ideas for extending resources in general, will want the information in this book.