A History of New Jersey Libraries, 1997-2012

Edited by Christine M. Keresztury

Not available to order

Publication date:

07 November 2013

Length of book:

208 pages

Publisher

Scarecrow Press

ISBN-13: 9780810892316

For the first time, a library history is focused on the way in which libraries of all kinds have developed within a single state. The growth of public libraries, the state library, school libraries, academic libraries, and special libraries are all considered in this one volume. New Jersey's library history stretches back into the mid-18th century with the development of a small book collection by the colonial government.

In addition to the local events that shaped the growth of libraries in New Jersey, this history also touches on the strong national trends that were at work, which link New Jersey's development to similar occurrences in other states. Thus, to read the story of libraries in New Jersey is also to begin to understand the growth of libraries throughout the nation.

This volume follows an earlier history, A History of New Jersey Libraries, 1750-1996, and continues the New Jersey story forward to today.

Preface
Chapter 1: Public Library Services in New Jersey
Chapter 2: The State Library: The New Millennium and Beyond
Chapter 3: County Libraries: Transformation for the Twenty-First Century
Chapter 4: New Jersey Library Cooperation and Collaboration
Chapter 5: Federal Funding: 1996 – 2011
Chapter 6: Library Education and Professional Development
Chapter 7: History of School Library Media Centers – 1996 – 2011
Chapter 8: New Jersey Academic Libraries
Chapter 9: Special Libraries
Chapter 10: The New Jersey Library Association
Chapter 11: A Look to the Future
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Contributors
Index

This book is an incredible achievement. If one were taking an undergraduate or graduate library course in the tri-state region (New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania), this book would be invaluable. It is also an important addition to any history of libraries collection. This reviewer is impressed by the wealth and depth of information contained in these pages. From the statewide hot button issues to the new overhead projector in the conference room of the community college, it is all here. The book is concise, well researched, and well written. . . .[T]he book is a welcome addition to the literature of libraries, and I am sure it will be popular with public libraries, students, and universities alike.