John Pateman

Decolonising the Public Library describes the main practical, methodological and theoretical approaches to decolonising public libraries. Using case studies and best practice from Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, the book provides a thorough understanding of the impact and legacy of imperialism, colonialism and neo-colonialism on the structure of the public library. Through a discussion of the history and role of the public library as an agent of colonialism, this book explores how this paradigm can be reversed through decolonization, setting out anti-racism and decolonisation strategies that can be practically applied to public libraries. Chapters cover: history and theory of racism, settler colonialism and decolonisation what decolonisation means and how it can be applied to public libraries the impact and outcomes of decolonisation, and how these can be measured how to respond to the opposition to decolonisation practical tips and actions to implement decolonisation in the library. This practical guide is an essential read for librarians looking to learn more about how to decolonise their collection and library as a space.

Decolonising the Public Library describes the main practical, methodological and theoretical approaches to decolonising public libraries. Using case studies and best practice from Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, the book provides a thorough understanding of the impact and legacy of imperialism, colonialism and neo-colonialism on the structure of the public library. Through a discussion of the history and role of the public library as an agent of colonialism, this book explores how this paradigm can be reversed through decolonization, setting out anti-racism and decolonisation strategies that can be practically applied to public libraries. Chapters cover: history and theory of racism, settler colonialism and decolonisation what decolonisation means and how it can be applied to public libraries the impact and outcomes of decolonisation, and how these can be measured how to respond to the opposition to decolonisation practical tips and actions to implement decolonisation in the library. This practical guide is an essential read for librarians looking to learn more about how to decolonise their collection and library as a space.

Reimagining the Public Library captures the major debates that have taken place within the Library and Information Science profession over the past 25 years, suggesting how these ideas can be used to inform the future development of public libraries around the world. Using a 25-year framework and incorporating ideas that have emerged in European, North American and Australasian public libraries, the book takes a historical and international look at the development of public libraries over this period, posing the important question of what has changed in government policy and action. Providing much-needed historical context to contemporary debates, this authoritative and vital book educates and supports current LIS professionals as they negotiate issues such as digital inclusion, social equality and equity, censorship, racism and decolonisation. This essential read will appeal to public library staff and decision-makers as they navigate political, social, technological, economic and cultural challenges with a view to safeguarding the future of public libraries.

Reimagining the Public Library captures the major debates that have taken place within the Library and Information Science profession over the past 25 years, suggesting how these ideas can be used to inform the future development of public libraries around the world. Using a 25-year framework and incorporating ideas that have emerged in European, North American and Australasian public libraries, the book takes a historical and international look at the development of public libraries over this period, posing the important question of what has changed in government policy and action. Providing much-needed historical context to contemporary debates, this authoritative and vital book educates and supports current LIS professionals as they negotiate issues such as digital inclusion, social equality and equity, censorship, racism and decolonisation. This essential read will appeal to public library staff and decision-makers as they navigate political, social, technological, economic and cultural challenges with a view to safeguarding the future of public libraries.

Understanding Public Libraries: Management, Leadership and Ideology sets out a robust new analytical framework for understanding, managing and supporting public libraries. Drawing on the ideas of Marx and Maslow and their theories of dialectical materialism and cultural hegemony, experienced library leader John Pateman presents how this framework can be used in public libraries to create change and ensure their survival in the future. Identifying three models of the public library – Management, Leadership and Ideology – the analysis from this book can be strategically employed to create an evidence base to demonstrate the social value of public libraries, which in turn can be used to defend the public library against financial cuts and create a business case for investment in public libraries, to ensure they are well funded and sustainable into the future. Essential reading for practitioners, students and researchers in the library and information sciences, the ideological focus of this book importantly advances a scientific understanding of public libraries and ultimately poses and explores the vital question: whose interests should public libraries serve?

Understanding Public Libraries: Management, Leadership and Ideology sets out a robust new analytical framework for understanding, managing and supporting public libraries. Drawing on the ideas of Marx and Maslow and their theories of dialectical materialism and cultural hegemony, experienced library leader John Pateman presents how this framework can be used in public libraries to create change and ensure their survival in the future. Identifying three models of the public library – Management, Leadership and Ideology – the analysis from this book can be strategically employed to create an evidence base to demonstrate the social value of public libraries, which in turn can be used to defend the public library against financial cuts and create a business case for investment in public libraries, to ensure they are well funded and sustainable into the future. Essential reading for practitioners, students and researchers in the library and information sciences, the ideological focus of this book importantly advances a scientific understanding of public libraries and ultimately poses and explores the vital question: whose interests should public libraries serve?

Public Libraries and Marxism provides a Marxist analytical framework for understanding public libraries and presents a set of proposals for transforming the capitalist libraries of today. Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of this Marxist framework, the authors also provide a critical examination of the history, theory and practice of libraries in the Soviet Union and North Korea. Considering what a Marxist library service would look like in the Western capitalist countries of today, Pateman and Pateman synthesise the insights provided throughout the book into a set of Marxist proposals designed to promote the transformation of contemporary Western public librarianship. These proposals suggest how Western public libraries can change their organisation and practices – their strategies, structures, systems and culture – in order to best serve those with the most needs, particularly as society evolves in response to new challenges. Public Libraries and Marxism will be relevant for scholars and students of library and information science, history, politics and sociology. Outlining the rudiments of a Marxist library service that should be applicable around the world, the book will also appeal to library practitioners who want to develop libraries in a community-led and needs-based direction.

This is the story of my life in 2022 when I retired from a career in public libraries after 44 years and moved back to the UK after living in Canada for 10 years

This is the story of my life in Thunder Bay, NW Ontario, during year 2 of the Covid pandemic. It includes my visits to provincial parks in the summer and fall of 2021 and my visit to the UK at Xmas to see my son for the first time in 2 years.

Public Libraries and Marxism provides a Marxist analytical framework for understanding public libraries and presents a set of proposals for transforming the capitalist libraries of today. Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of this Marxist framework, the authors also provide a critical examination of the history, theory and practice of libraries in the Soviet Union and North Korea. Considering what a Marxist library service would look like in the Western capitalist countries of today, Pateman and Pateman synthesise the insights provided throughout the book into a set of Marxist proposals designed to promote the transformation of contemporary Western public librarianship. These proposals suggest how Western public libraries can change their organisation and practices – their strategies, structures, systems and culture – in order to best serve those with the most needs, particularly as society evolves in response to new challenges. Public Libraries and Marxism will be relevant for scholars and students of library and information science, history, politics and sociology. Outlining the rudiments of a Marxist library service that should be applicable around the world, the book will also appeal to library practitioners who want to develop libraries in a community-led and needs-based direction.

This is the story of Corke's Meadow, a Romany Gypsy community in south east London 1923-1959 that was eliminated through a process of eviction, segregation and assimilation.

Managing Cultural Change in Public Libraries argues that changes to library Strategies and Systems can lead to transformations in library Structures that can, in turn, shape and determine Organisational Culture. Drawing on Management theories, as well as the ideas of Marx and Maslow, the authors present an ambitious Analytical Framework that can be used to better understand, support and enable cultural change in public libraries. The volume argues for radical – but sustainable – transformations in public libraries that require significant changes to Strategies, Structures, Systems and, most importantly, Organisational Culture. These changes will enable Traditional Libraries to reach out beyond their current active patrons to engage with new customer groups and will also enable Traditional Libraries to evolve into Community-Led Libraries, and Community-Led Libraries to become Needs-Based Libraries. Public libraries must be meaningful and relevant to the communities they serve. For this to happen, the authors argue, all sections of the local community must be actively involved in the planning, design, delivery and evaluation of library services. This book demonstrates how to make these changes happen, acting as a blueprint and road map for organisational change and putting ideas into action through a series of case studies. Managing Cultural Change in Public Libraries will be of particular interest to academics and advanced students engaged in the study of library and information science. It should also be essential reading for practitioners and policymakers and all those who believe that communities should be involved and engaged in the planning, design, delivery, and evaluation of library services.

Managing Cultural Change in Public Libraries argues that changes to library Strategies and Systems can lead to transformations in library Structures that can, in turn, shape and determine Organisational Culture. Drawing on Management theories, as well as the ideas of Marx and Maslow, the authors present an ambitious Analytical Framework that can be used to better understand, support and enable cultural change in public libraries. The volume argues for radical – but sustainable – transformations in public libraries that require significant changes to Strategies, Structures, Systems and, most importantly, Organisational Culture. These changes will enable Traditional Libraries to reach out beyond their current active patrons to engage with new customer groups and will also enable Traditional Libraries to evolve into Community-Led Libraries, and Community-Led Libraries to become Needs-Based Libraries. Public libraries must be meaningful and relevant to the communities they serve. For this to happen, the authors argue, all sections of the local community must be actively involved in the planning, design, delivery and evaluation of library services. This book demonstrates how to make these changes happen, acting as a blueprint and road map for organisational change and putting ideas into action through a series of case studies. Managing Cultural Change in Public Libraries will be of particular interest to academics and advanced students engaged in the study of library and information science. It should also be essential reading for practitioners and policymakers and all those who believe that communities should be involved and engaged in the planning, design, delivery, and evaluation of library services.

This important book examines the potential for a new community led service model in public libraries. Using theoretical approaches to working with socially excluded community members, with a direct application of those approaches in Canadian public libraries, the authors offer a powerful and persuasive case for adopting the community led approach in libraries worldwide. The book showcases good practice and outlines the challenges to community development work. With public libraries facing budget cuts, this book offers an alternative way forward based on a community led approach to developing needs based library services. This book makes a unique contribution to public library thinking and policy, synthesising the outcomes of research and best practice at the cutting edge of library service delivery, and will be essential reading for all those researching and working in the public library sector.

The need for public libraries to tackle social exclusion and engage in social justice becomes ever more urgent as the gap between rich and poor continues to widen, and the very survival of public libraries in the heart of the community is open to debate. If public libraries are to develop and grow in the future and become relevant to the majority of their local communities, then they need to abandon outmoded concepts of 'excellence' and fully grasp the 'equity' agenda. This book examines the historical background to social exclusion and the strategic context in terms of government and professional policy. The authors propose a compelling manifesto for change and outline practical ways in which public libraries can be transformed into needs-based services.

This is the story of Frank Dickens (son of Charles Dickens) and his life in the North West Mounted Police in Canada from 1874 - 1886.

The story of Frank Rodbourne and his time in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force during the Great War.

This important book examines the potential for a new community led service model in public libraries. Using theoretical approaches to working with socially excluded community members, with a direct application of those approaches in Canadian public libraries, the authors offer a powerful and persuasive case for adopting the community led approach in libraries worldwide. The book showcases good practice and outlines the challenges to community development work. With public libraries facing budget cuts, this book offers an alternative way forward based on a community led approach to developing needs based library services. This book makes a unique contribution to public library thinking and policy, synthesising the outcomes of research and best practice at the cutting edge of library service delivery, and will be essential reading for all those researching and working in the public library sector.