Joint Libraries: Models That Work, by Claire B. Gunnels, Susan E. Green, and Patricia M. Butler

Joint Libraries: Models That Work.

By Claire B. Gunnels, Susan E. Green, and Patricia M. Butler. American Library Association, 2012, 220 pp., ISBN 978-0-8389-1138-9, (paper).

Collaborations and partnerships are ways that libraries have traditionally dealt with challenging economic circumstances. In Joint Libraries: Models That Work, authors Gunnels, Green and Butler discuss joint libraries, a collaborative model that has worked for many communities. They define joint libraries as “collaborations between different types of libraries: public libraries and schools; universities and public libraries; community college and public; city and county, and more.” (p. 2). With many years of experience working in joint libraries, the authors are uniquely positioned to write about them in this book.

Organized into ten chapters, this book provides a thorough introduction to the issues that need to be explored when considering or planning a joint library project. After an introduction to and a history of joint libraries, the cultural differences between academic and public libraries are addressed. The authors delve into management and human resource issues, legal considerations, and technological challenges. Of particular interest are the  many case studies that are presented in Chapter 9. The many configurations of joint libraries described here will provide readers who are considering a joint library approach with many models to explore.

This is a well-written book that explores a topic that has not been widely covered. It includes an index and bibliography, as well as two appendices that present actual joint library agreements, in both cases between a college and a public library. It would be useful for professional libraries where there is interest in the joint library model. 

Previously published:Mugridge, R. L. (2012) [Review of the book Joint Libraries: Models That Work, by Claire B. Gunnels, Susan E. Green, & Patricia M. Butler]. Catholic Library World, 83(2), 146.