The new bookshelf

Citation

by Eileen Fitzsimons, E. (2007), "The new bookshelf", The Bottom Line, Vol. 20 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/bl.2007.17020aab.002

The new bookshelf

Information is based on the publisher’s catalog

Beyond Survival: Managing Academic Libraries in TransitionElizabeth J. Wood, Rush Miller, and Amy KnappLibraries UnlimitedDecember 20067′′×10′′, 224 pages (softcover)ISBN 10: 1-5915-8337-3ISBN 13: 9781591583370$45.00While there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence that significant organizational changes are taking place in academic libraries, the literature suggests that most of these changes take the form of evolutionary, or incremental improvement. But what happens when libraries find themselves dealing with increased information availability, compression of time and space, and growing turbulence and unpredictability?

The business world has been grappling with these conditions for years, conditions that require nimbleness and rapid response. Using business theory and detailed case studies from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Arizona along with the authors’ unique inspiration, Beyond Survival shows how the transition tactics and strategies that businesses have developed can be adapted to academic libraries. By judiciously the business world’s organizational development tools and concepts, not only can academic libraries in the short term, but they can also take advantage of emergent opportunities to ensure long-term excellence.

The Big Book of Library Grant Money 2007Information TodayALA EditionsJanuary 20078.5′′×11′′, 1,580 pages (softcover)ISBN 10: 0-8389-0928-0ISBN 13: 978-0-8389-0928-7$275.00ALA member price: $247.50

The Big Book of Library Grant Money 2007 is the largest such directory available, providing the names of the most promising major givers retrieved from an authoritative, up-to-the-minute database of library-specific funders. Included are nearly 2,400 private and corporate foundations and givers that have either indicated an interest in giving money to libraries or have already done so. Potential donors are profiled with contact and portfolio information, summary and analysis of past contributions, and information for applying. Historical data makes it possible to track contributions and assets and to predict future giving patterns. The Big Book also provides contact information for more than 13,000 foundation officers and directors. As an added feature, ALA’s own development office experts have included tips on winning grants for libraries.

Measuring Your Library’s Value: How to Do a Cost-Benefit Analysis for Your Public LibraryDonald S. Elliott, Glen E. Holt, Sterling W. Hayden, and Leslie Edmons HoltALA Editions20067′′×10′′, 192 pages (softcover)ISBN 10: 0-8389-0923-XISBN 13: 978-0-8389-0923-2$55.00ALA member price: $49.50

With tax-funded organizations under microscopic scrutiny, library directors need to make a strong public case for the value their library provides. Measuring Your Library’s Value is designed for large to medium-sized public libraries and gives librarians the tools to conduct a defensible and credible cost-benefit analysis (CBA). This hands-on reference covers the economic basics using librarian-friendly terms and examples, preparing library leaders to collaborate with economist-consultants. Features include:

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  checklists that address the pros and cons of a CBA;

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  step-by-step survey-design elements for customizing the process;

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  instructions on how to calculate the value a community receives from library services; and

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  proven examples of how to communicate what different community stakeholders need to hear.

Measuring Your Library’s Value is based on research funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Public Library Association (PLA).

Managing Facilities for Results: Optimizing Space for ServicesCheryl Bryan for the Public Library AssociationALA Editions/Public Library AssociationMarch 20078.5′′×11′′, 272 pages (softcover)ISBN-10: 0-8389-0934-5ISBN-13: 978-0-8389-0934-8$50.00ALA member price: $45.00

It is not always possible to build massive additions or expensive new buildings for the new service areas that are required to meet the demands of a dynamic library program. Budget-conscious librarians will appreciate the cost-effective solutions in this hands-on workbook for creating these new service areas within existing space. Building from the proven Results Series model, this volume dovetails with the basics outlined in The New Planning for Results: A Streamlined Approach and guides library directors, staff, and boards through the process to:

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  prioritize new services that need space;

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  make plans and identify an appropriate location;

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  present the case to funding authorities;

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  conduct a “gap analysis”;

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  find resources to reallocate and see what new items are needed; and

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  identify building professionals to assist with alterations.

A total of 23 workforms support the information and collection process, and three toolkits provide technical assistance on calculating square footage, assessing the message, and complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Examples range from small to large public libraries, but the process is equally valuable for school, special, and academic librarians who face similar challenges in reconfiguring space for new services.

Edited by Eileen FitzsimonsFitzsimons Editorial Consultants, Chicago, Illinois, USA