Rapid developments in information technology and media have resulted in increasingly diverse strategies for information retrieval by readers and users. The duty to cope with this phenomenon and to master the situation forms one of the biggest challenges facing libraries. In order to strengthen the awareness of the potential of tools for management and strategic planning, a two-day meeting was held under the auspices of IFLA's Management & Marketing Section in Bergen, Norway in August 2005. Managers of different types of libraries, researchers and educators from five continents shared their experiences with research methods, data collection, evaluation, performance measurement, best practice strategies and policies. This book contains their presentations in the form of full length articles.

Marketing of library services has now been recognised as an essential agenda item for almost all kinds of libraries all over the world. As the term "marketing" has different meanings for different colleagues, the bundling of dozens of contributions from a truly international group of librarians is presented in this book, provides a broad scala on the topic. Therefore this book offers a useful tool for both working librarians and future librarians to understand vital issues relating to marketing of library and information services at the local, national and international level. The book is divided into six sections: Marketing concept: a changing perspective; Marketing in libraries around the world; Role of library associations; Education, training and research; Excellence in marketing; Databases and other marketing literature.

The most successful organizations in a fast-changing world are those that are genuinely market oriented. If librarians and information professionals are to ensure the survival and prosperity of their services, then marketing is a tool they must master and market research is an essential element of their work.

Adresses the art of controlling and updating your library's collection. Discussions of the importance and logistics of electronic resources are integrated throughout the book.

The public library is the prime community access point designed to respond to a multitude of ever-changing information needs. These guidelines are framed to provide assistance to library and information professionals in most situations. They assist to better develop effective services, relevant collections, and accessible formats within the context and requirements of the local community. In this exciting and complex information world it is important for professionals in search of knowledge, information and creative experience to succeed. This is the 2nd edition of The Public Library Service IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines for Development.

With contributions from library and information professionals (practitioners, researchers, faculty members, consultants, and others), Marketing Library and Information Services: A Global Outlook highlights a variety of exemplary LIS marketing practices and efforts from around the globe. The following broad topics are explored: changing marketing concepts; marketing library and information services in different countries; marketing library and information services in different kind of libraries; web-based LIS marketing, etc.

The papers collected in this volume were presented at the conference entitled "Library Management and Marketing in a Multicultural World" in Shanghai, China from August 16-17, 2006, held under the auspices of the Marketing and Management Section of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). This book addresses some of the latest developments in the marketing and management of libraries worldwide, recognizing the challenges to meet local needs in a global, information society. The authors used different approaches to identify trends, opportunities and needs as well as effectiveness and assessment in countries ranging from Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Greece, India, Pakistan, Spain, the United States and elsewhere throughout the world. Several authors describe successful programs designed to promote libraries within a community, nation, or academic community. Others report on trends and changes taking place within the user community and present case studies on the response of libraries to meet challenges and opportunities - through marketing and management.