''Public Libraries'' is the official publication of the

Public Library Association The Public Library Association (PLA) is a division of the American Library Association, is a professional association of public librarians and supporters dedicated to the "development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library se ...

(PLA), a division of the

American Library Association The American Library Association (ALA) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with 49,727 members ...

(ALA). It is devoted exclusively to public libraries. The print edition is published six times a year and is a

delayed open access journal Delayed open-access journals are traditional subscription-based journals that provide free online access upon the expiry of an embargo period following the initial publication date. Details The embargo period before an article is made availabl ...

, with older issues available as PDF files on the journal's website.

Early history

''Public Libraries first issue came out in May 1896. According to its Prospectus, the magazine came about as a response to "many letters of inquiry ... which the larger libraries receive from the smaller ones in every part of the country" about the "small details and elementary principles of ibrarywork.""Prospectus", Public Libraries 1.1 (1896): 3.

'Public Libraries''will deal with all phases of library work in a concise, simple way, such as will give the best aid to those who need it." To that end, the Prospectus outlined what the magazine set out to cover in 1896 — "a large variety of items of news, such as will encourage and inspire small libraries as well as large, to put forth their best effort to accomplish something of value to the library world." The first issue contains the outline of a future ALA publication, the " ALA Library Primer" which concerns itself with both practical and philosophical concerns about establishing a library, such as suggestions for selecting books ("Every library building should be planned specially for the kind of work to be done, and the community to be served" and the qualities that should be looked for when hiring a librarian ("The librarian should have
culture Culture () is an umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior, institutions, and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups ...
,
scholarship A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students for further education. Generally, scholarships are awarded based on a set of criteria such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, and financial need. Scholars ...
, and executive ability.") "A.L.A. Library Primer", Public Libraries 1.1 (1896):7-8."

Past Editors

Gerald R. Shields

Current focus

Today, ''Public Libraries website proclaims that "each issue includes important industry news, PLA and ALA updates, and columns and feature articles that offer strategies and ideas that can make a difference in your career."American Library Association
"Public Libraries"
, Chicago. Retrieved on 2011-2-10. The following is a list of recurring columns that appear in the journal at the present moment: * News From PLA * Perspectives (" 'Perspectives' offers varied viewpoints on subjects of interest to the public library profession.")Public Libraries 49.6 (2010): 13. * Tales from the Front * Internet Spotlight ("'Internet Spotlight' explores Internet and Web topics relevant to librarians in the public library sector.") Public Libraries 49.6 (2010): 20. * Bringing in the Money ( "'Bringing in the Money' presents fundraising strategies for public libraries.")Public Libraries 49.6 (2010): 24. * Passing Notes ("'Passing Notes' focuses on young adult service issues, including programming,

collection development Library collection development is the process of systematically building the collection of a particular library to meet the information needs of the library users (a service population) in a timely and economical manner using information resources ...

, and creating stronger connections with young adult

patrons Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows on another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists su ...

.")Public Libraries 49.6 (2010): 28. * By the Book ("'By the Book' reviews professional development materials of potential interest to public librarians, trustees, and others involved in library service.")Public Libraries 49.6 (2010): 48.

Website

Major sections i
''Public Libraries Web presence
include free access to selected material from the print magazine, Web-only material, and a blog.Public Library Associatio
"Public Libraries Online"
Chicago. Retrieved on 2011-2-10. Additionally, at th
American Library Association's Web site
older issues of ''Public Libraries'' are available for free in PDF format.American Library Association
"Past Issues"
, Chicago. Retrieved on 2011-2-10.

References

External links

''Public Libraries Magazine''''Public Libraries'' OnlineAmerican Library AssociationPublic Library Association
{{American Library Association American Library Association Library science magazines Magazines established in 1896 Bimonthly magazines published in the United States Magazines published in Chicago