Synopses & Reviews
Summary This book covers aspects of the political environment which surrounds and engages libraries and their librarians. It includes anecdotes on the role of the political sphere in the business of library associations. Key Features Provides recent stories and real examples of: The various political contexts under which libraries operate Why it is important to be politically aware How political climates influence decision making for libraries How a librarian might influence the organizational politics of their library environment Why professional associations have become more politically aware and the effect this has had on them The Editor Kerry Smith's research interests are mainly in science and technology information policy, specialising in the geosciences. She has been editor-in-chief of the electronic journal LIBRES (Library and Information Science Research) since 1996 and was chair of the IFLA Library Theory and Research Section from 2001-2005. She has had a long involvement with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) as a National Councillor and as the National President in 1997. She was awarded a Fellowship of ALIA in 2002 and her continued involvement includes the position of Chair of the ALIA Research Committee. Readership Those in the library world who need to know what sort of political situations might arise, and the challenges that these present; and as a reference for library school programs. Contents Preface Part I - An international political framework for libraries - intellectual property - benefit or burden for Africa?; the CI study on copyright and access to knowledge Part II - Politics and public funding for libraries: some international examples - political realities and the English public library service; public library development in New South Wales; libraries in the South Pacific; staying alive in a political world: the case of libraries and information centres in Nigeria; libraries and politics - Danish reflections and examples; the political framework for public libraries in the Netherlands Part III: Library education - a unified approach to the teaching of library studies; library accreditation
Review
"…very good examples of demonstrating how copyright can hinder a productive use of information assets in developing countries."
-Journal of Librarianship and Information Science
Synopsis
Written by some of the worlds leading authorities, this book covers aspects of the political environment in which libraries and librarians engage and includes anecdotes on the role of the political sphere in the business of library associations. Chapters provide recent stories and real examples of the various political contexts under which libraries operate, emphasize the importance of political awareness, explain the relationship between political climates and library decision-making, cover the librarians influence on the organizational politics of their library environment, and discuss the reasons for and effects of becoming politically aware.
About the Author
Kerry Smith is at Curtin University of Technology, Australia. Her research interests are mainly in science and technology information policy, specializing in the geosciences. She is editor-in-chief of the electronic journal LIBRES (Library and Information Science Research).
Table of Contents
PART 1 AN INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL FRAMEWORK FOR LIBRARIES: An international political framework for libraries; Intellectual property - benefit or burden for Africa?; The CI study on copyright and access to knowledge
PART 2 POLITICS AND FUNDING FOR LIBRARIES: SOME INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES: Political realities and the English public library service; Public library development in New South Wales; Libraries in the South Pacific; Staying alive in a political world: the case of libraries and information centres in Nigeria; Libraries and politics - Danish reflections and examples; The political framework for public libraries in the Netherlands
PART 3 LIBRARY EDUCATION: A unified approach to the teaching of library studies; Is library course accreditation a political necessity?