From Lending to Learning : The Development and Extension of Public Libraries
ISBN: 9781780630496
Platform/Publisher: Ebook Central / Elsevier Science & Technology
Digital rights: Users: Unlimited; Printing: Limited; Download: 7 Days at a Time
Subjects: Library Science;

From Lending to Learning provides a theoretical overview and practical guide to the functional area of delivering learning services within public libraries. It traces the development of public library service delivery and critically appraises the inherent tension between offering an educational-focused or leisure-focused library. The current and future policy directions are explored against the backdrop of the emerging learning society. A general overview of recent developments in learning theory is followed by an insight into the learning landscape. The issues and practicalities of setting up a learning environment within a public library are dealt with in a clear and straightforward fashion. The book concludes with an assessment of the emerging web 2.0 technologies and gives an insight into how the whole area of social networking might shape the future.- Combines a practical approach with an accessible theoretical underpinning- Written in an entertaining and highly readable style- Identifies the key phases involved in establishing a public library learning service


Rónán O'Beirne is Assistant Director - Learning Development - at Bradford College in West Yorkshire. In his previous post as Principal Libraries Officer for Information and Learning at City of Bradford Public Libraries he set up a learning zone and, in collaboration with Imperial College London, developed and delivered an innovative e-learning programme. He has pioneered the development of community networking and online learning initiatives and has acted as a consultant to the University for Industry and the European Union.
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