Assessing Information Needs: Managing Transformative Library Services
Based on a tested model for community analysis, this book offers a guide to the management of client-centered transformative information services that can be applied in any type of library or information agency.
Knowing a community enables library and information professionals to prioritize the community's information needs and design appropriate services for them. Assessing Information Needs: Managing Transformative Library Services was written to provide the rationale for community analysis, a model for gathering community data, and a process for analyzing data and applying it to the management of an information agency.
The book explains why information professionals should customize services, as well as the "how to" of collecting data. A model for gathering community information is described, applied, and demonstrated through a case study. The book then shows how such information is interpreted and used to plan information services that are transformative for individuals and groups in the case-study community, providing lessons that readers can use with their own institutions. Rooted in a philosophy of customer service, the method presented here is perfect for public, school, academic, and special libraries or other types of information agencies.
- A case study of a community analysis for a county library system, illustrating how the model can be applied
- 13 tables presenting information collected from the case study
- Several graphic models, presented and described
- References at the end of each chapter
- A bibliography at the end of the book
Publisher: Libraries Unlimited Inc
Published: United States, 16 June 2010
Format: Paperback, 212 pages
Age Range: 15+
Other Information: Illustrated
Dimensions: 23.1 x 15.5 x 1.8 centimeters (0.36 kg)
Writer: Grover, Robert J., Greer, Roger C., John Agada
Promotional InformationWhen libraries are transformational in the lives of individuals and communities, they are much more likely to be recognized as integral organizations and sustained by their communities. The thought seems basic enough, but how can a library understand a community's needs and use that information to design targeted services?
About the AuthorRobert J. Grover, PhD, is retired associate vice president for academic affairs at Emporia State University, Emporia, KS, and former dean and professor in the School of Library and Information Management. Roger C. Greer, PhD, is dean emeritus of the School of Library and Information Management, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, and professor emeritus at Emporia State University, Emporia, KS. John Agada, PhD, is director of the Department of Library, Information, and Media Studies (LIMS), Chicago State University, Chicago, IL.
Reviews"The title was written with all types of libraries in mind but will be more useful for library administrators, or library school/information studies students . . ." - VOYA
"A how-to manual suitable for library managers." - Booklist Online