Summary This book examines all aspects of joint use libraries, from the implications of government policy, to design and operational issues and evaluation. It considers all forms of joint use library (e.g. school-public, college-public, university-public, health-university), reflecting on different models adopted around the world. Some of the main issues discussed include: partnership working, staffing and management, stock, digital resources, learning and literacy and community involvement. Key Features Brings together case studies and good practice from around the world Reflects the latest developments in this rapidly-developing field Covers both operational and strategic issues such as partnership working and learning in joint use libraries The Author Sarah McNicol is a research fellow at evidence base, a research and evaluation unit at the University of Central England, Birmingham UK. She has worked at UCE since 2000 and during that time has been the lead researcher on numerous research and evaluation projects. She has published extensively in both the academic and professional press.

As well as carrying out research into joint use libraries, she has established a 'community of practice' for those working in this area and, in 2006, edited a special edition of the journal Library Trends devoted to joint use libraries. In 2007, she is organizing an international conference to bring together researchers and practitioners in joint use libraries from around the world. Readership The book is aimed at library managers from all sectors responsible for joint use libraries or current considering or planning joint use libraries. It will also be of interest to library staff currently working in a joint use library as well as policymakers and academics working in the field and students of LIS at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Contents What Are Joint Use Libraries? Why Joint Use Libraries? Joint Use Library Design How Does A Joint Use Library Operate? Joint Use Libraries and Partnerships Joint Use Libraries and Communities Expanding Horizons How Good are Joint Use Libraries? The Future.