Model Policies for Small and Medium Public Libraries

Library Journal

Explaining the importance of policies and how to develop them, Larson, director of the library development divison at the Texas State Library, and Totten, associate dean and professor of library science at the University of North Texas, give instructions for writing policies on personnel and employment practices, staff and patron conduct, collection development, materials use, reference service, and use of facilities. Each topical chapter is divided into sections discussing policy background, issues surrounding it, and a sample policy. In addition, each chapter cites specific references to other publications to help the policy writer learn more about specific topics and the wording of particular policies. Librarians will find many practical points to guide them through the tough job of policy writing. For example, when it comes to writing a policy on collection development, the authors caution about promising a balanced collection since that can imply the library will have an equal amount of information on any subject regardless of how far-fetched or inflammatory those viewpoints may be. Rounding out the volume are American Library Association policies and guidelines, along with public library role statements and a very useful bibliography. Directors of small and medium-sized libraries (from a staff of one up to libraries serving a population of 100,000) will welcome this volume. Highly recommended.--Marie Bruni, Huntington Memorial Lib., Oneonta, NY

Booknews

A text designed for the directors and staff of libraries serving populations of under 100,000 people. The authors offer model policies for personnel and employment practices, library services, collection development, Internet access, intellectual freedom, staff and patron conduct, special collections, reference services, and use of resources. Each model policy includes background information which demonstrate the situations that lead to the necessity of the policy. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.