Exemplary Public Libraries: Lessons in Leadership, Management, and Service Libraries Unlimited Library Management Collection

This book presents a qualitative study of the management of selected public libraries in the United States and Great Britain in relation to their histories and missions. Data were collected through observations in the libraries and personal interviews with the chief administrator(s) of each library or library system.

Libraries examined in the United States were the Chicago Public Library, Hattiesburg Public Library (Mississippi), and the Pierce County Library System (Washington). Libraries in Great Britain include the Dunfermline Public Library in Scotland and the Croydon Libraries in metropolitan London. Unique in the management literature, this study is timely and focused, and will be of critical importance to public library administrators everywhere.