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Introduction to Public Librarianship. By Kathleen de la Pena McCook. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2004. 406p. $59.95 (ISBN 1-55570-475-1). www.neal-schuman.com
For years, library educators teaching introductory courses on public libraries have struggled to piece together appropriate reading materials for their students. While much has been written about public libraries, there has not been a good, comprehensive introductory text on public libraries. With this volume, McCook has attempted to remedy that situation.
The first portion of the book reviews the literature on the history of public library development in the United States. Later chapters explore organizational structures, funding, laws and politics, architecture, administration and staffing, programs, and services. Throughout, McCook makes references to divisions and sections of the American Library Association and Public Library Association that are relevant to each topic. There are two extensive appendixes: one...