TY - BOOK AU - Usherwood,Bob TI - Equity and excellence in the public library: why ignorance is not our heritage SN - 9780754685074 (ebook) PY - 2007/// CY - Aldershot PB - Ashgate KW - Public libraries KW - Great Britain KW - Public services (Libraries) KW - Libraries and Museums KW - ukslc KW - Library & information sciences / Museology KW - thema KW - Library, archive & information management KW - lcsh N1 - Formerly CIP; Includes bibliographical references (p. [201]-224) and index; Also available in printed form ISBN 9780754648062; Electronic reproduction; Askews and Holts; Mode of access: World Wide Web N2 - As part of a modernization agenda, public libraries are required to satisfy a range of ambitious objectives, urgently needed if libraries are to find a place at the heart of modern life. The author explores this concept by examining the views of library professionals and of commentators from outside but related to the library world; This important volume by one of the leading scholars in the field examines and discusses how library professionals can meet the demands of policy makers to open up the public library system without destroying its values. Based on a critical literature review, a survey of library professionals and consultations with other stakeholders, the book discusses the challenges involved in providing a service that prioritizes equity and social inclusion while at the same time attempting to promote and maintain quality, excellence and ethical standards. In assessing how those responsible for public libraries around the world go about this task the author advocates a service that is sensitive to difference and seeks to provide access to the best UR - http://www.vlebooks.com/vleweb/product/openreader?id=WestLondon&isbn=9780754685074 ER -