Reflecting on the Future of Academic and Public Libraries

Academic and public libraries are much different today than they were even 15 years ago. And with even bigger changes on the horizon, what lies in store? In this systematic attempt to speak to academic and public librarians about the future of library services, Hernon and Matthews invite a raft of contributors to step back and envision the type of future library that will generate excitement and enthusiasm among users and stakeholders. Anyone interested in the future of libraries, especially library managers, will be engaged and stimulated as the contributors:

• Examine the current state of the library, summarizing existing literature on the topic to sketch in historical background
• Project into the future, using SWOT analysis, environmental scans, and other techniques to posit how library infrastructure (such as staff, collections, technology, and facilities) can adapt in the decades ahead
• Construct potential scenarios that library leaders can use to forge paths for their own institutions.

The collection of knowledge and practical wisdom in this book will help academic and public libraries find ways to honour their missions while planning for the broader institutional changes already underway.
Readership: Library managers, academic and public librarians, LIS students and academics and anyone interested in the future of libraries.

“"This book is a great resource for library managers and for students of librarianship." - eLucidate”

Hernon and Matthews are quick to point out that these scenarios are not exhaustive and may or may not be applicable to one’s own library. What is continually emphasised is that failure to consider and prepare for the future of the library will result in library closures. Though focused on academic and public libraries, the argument could easily be adapted for special and school libraries. As such it is almost mandatory reading for any librarian who wants to ensure the survival of her library, be it an academic, public, special or school library.

Peter Hernon is a professor at Simmons College, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Boston, and the principal faculty member for the doctoral program Managerial Leadership in the Information Professions. He received his PhD degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, is the 2008 recipient of the ACRL's Academic/Research Librarian of the Year award, is the coeditor of Library & Information Science Research, and has taught, conducted workshops, and delivered addresses internationally. He is the author or coauthor of fifty-two books, including Assessing Service Quality and Viewing Library Metrics from Different Perspectives.
Joseph R. Matthews is a consultant specializing in strategic planning, assessment, evaluation of library services, customer service, use of performance measures, and the balanced scorecard. He was an instructor at the San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science. He is author of The Customer-Focused Library, The Evaluation and Measurement of Library Services, Scorecards for Results, Strategic Planning and Management for Managers, and Measuring for Results, and the coauthor (with Peter Hernon) of Listening to the Customer, among other books.

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