New York, NY (July 17, 2009) – Rapidly expanding to-do-lists and an increasingly frantic work pace often prevent today’s public library directors and managers from finding enough time to stay abreast of their field’s most pressing topics.

The PLA Reader for Library Directors and Managers, to be co-published by Neal-Schuman and The Public Library Association on August 1, 2009, is the first in a new series designed specifically for busy library professionals in search of practical solutions for their complex responsibilities. Along with an expert team of experienced PLA committee members and leaders, editor Kathleen Hughes, PLA Manager of Publications and editor of Public Libraries Magazine, assembles a wide-reaching collection of key articles that span the gamut of the library world’s most prevalent issues.

Organized into six parts, each of the book’s brief, information-packed chapters are culled from authoritative sources and written by heralded library leaders. Following an introduction from PLA president Carol Sheffer, Part I, The Public Library Landscape, begins with PLA Executive Director Greta Southard’s clear-sighted account of public library standards and essential planning models. There is a thorough explanation of the data compiled in the 2007 Public Library Data Service that focuses on finances, library resources, annual use figures, and technology, followed by an examination of the numerous threats facing public libraries and the key strategies to overcoming each one. The PLA Reader for Library Directors and Managers next outlines the step-by-step process for establishing a library foundation, with crucial tips for planning, outreach, and fundraising. Part II, An Advocacy Mini-Toolkit, covers the basics of library advocacy, legislative funding, and partnering with educational outlets. Part III, Ideas and Tips for Better Directorship, focuses on mentoring staff, building a committed library culture, and retaining and motivating high-performance employees. An insightful interview with leadership expert Jim Collins is followed with guidance for branch management, hiring consultants, and best practices for performance measurement using the “Balanced Scorecard” approach. Part IV, Ideas and Tips for Maintaining Open Access for All, covers intellectual freedom training, belief, and practice, along with advice for ethically and legally sound policy construction. Part V, Ideas and Tips for Reference Services, explores the idea of the reference librarian as a facilitator and offers a concise, authoritative overview of virtual references services. The ethical and legal implications of providing healthcare information are examined, along with a candid account that details the state of the contemporary reference desk. Part VI, A Technology Mini-Primer for Public Librarians, outlines the ways in which traditional reference techniques are applied in virtual reference service, reviews the idea of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and census data for planning public library services. There are also quick, easy-to-read expert accounts of prevalent library technologies, including eContent, wikis, blogs, and RFID.

Throughout the book, helpful figures, tables, and sidebars provide easy-to-spot answers, tips, and examples of key concepts, along with a full list of references for further reading.

Through practical guidance and applicable solutions, The PLA Reader for Public Library Directors and Managers offers public library managers and directors a time-saving resource to more effectively and successfully lead their libraries.

The PLA Reader for Library Directors and Managers
ISBN: 978-1-55570-684-5.
2009. 6 x 9. 300 pp. $65.00.

About the Editor
Kathleen M. Hughes is Manager, Publications, Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association. She also is editor of Public Libraries, the journal of the Public Library Association.
About Neal-Schuman and The Public Library Association
Founded in 1976, Neal-Schuman Publishers is based in New York City with offices in London, UK. Neal-Schuman is a leading publisher of professional books and textbooks for librarians, archivists and knowledge managers.
With more than 11,000 members, the Public Library Association (PLA) is one of the fastest-growing divisions of the American Library Association—the oldest and largest library association in the world. Founded in 1944, PLA is a member-driven organization that provides advocacy, communication, programming, and publication support for its members and others interested in the advancement of public library service.

For More Information and/or Cover Art
Contact Sarah Eisenberg
sarah.eisenberg@neal-schuman.com
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New York, NY 10038
212-925-8650
www.neal-schuman.com