Introduction and vision for the book

Abstract

Libraries are treasure houses of stories, poems, essays, from every country in the world and from all times, and literature shades off into history and magic and mystery and religion, into sociology and anthropology – into nearly every subject you can think of, and it is there for everyone. There for the trouble of finding someone who loves books ready to make suggestions. A public library is the most democratic thing in the world. (Lessing, in Fraser, 1992, 47) This book demonstrates how libraries and library services are essential for supporting children and young people's development and celebrates the range of library and information services (LIS) that offer accessible learning opportunities. Throughout the book we reflect upon good practice in both local public libraries and school-based provision, drawing on a range of examples from within the UK and internationally. The importance of books and reading is central to the book, but we also focus on the electronic learning age, which is now very appealing to children and young people. This is an edited book, with invited contributions from nationally and inter - nationally known practitioners and LIS academics. The book is organized into four parts, each covering key themes. Parts 1 to 3 include an introductory chapter by one or both of the editors, followed by further chapters by invited contributors from the USA, Australia and the UK; these each finish with a case study, to illustrate themes drawn out in the preceding chapters. The chapters develop the vision for the future and discuss opportunities and challenges for children's librarians and policy-makers in the digital age. This book is timely, and through drawing on current policy and practice it will prepare LIS practitioners for the challenges of learning and reading in an electronic world; challenges which are pushing the boundaries of library services. We believe this book is an innovative and valuable text for anyone working in the fields of library services, information services and education. It establishes a sound background in various aspects of library provision for five to 18 year olds. It provides professional insight for those who have to strategically plan or deliver library services and programmes at either a local community level or in schools.