Joint Libraries: Models That Work

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.