Susan E. Thomas

Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management by Peggy Johnson

or library professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the case for intellectual freedom in all library environments. From advice on planning the physical space of a library, collection development (including physical and virtual content), Internet access, the library as a public space, and technology and all of its various components including social networking, she has made the case for intellectual freedom clear. Be it a lecture from the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a student viewing pornography on a library workstation, or students simply stopping by to check their e-mail, Ms. Jones makes the case that the environment of the library has changed to more fully protect intellectual, and personal, freedom. The library is no longer the stiff collared version of yesterday, but is now a place for intellectual challenge, freedom of speech, comfy couches, coffee shops, and flips flops. This most current ALA release allows the reader to delve deeper into the folds of academic librarianship by sharing insider information on the key players in the “Campus Constituencies” game. Ms. Jones addresses the issues facing faculty, administration, state legislature, board of trustees, students, Information Technology services, alumni and other donors, the general community, and taxpayers and what their stake is in the intellectual freedom game by breaking down the library’s relationship to each key player and how each is either encroaching on or promoting intellectual freedom. Facing down the tough issues such as academic freedom, assessment, and finances, Jones makes certain to help each reader achieve insight into the resolutions that will suit all of an institution’s needs while satisfying the mission and goals of the larger institution itself. This book is a must read for all interested in learning more about intellectual freedom. A book shelf mainstay! Hospital librarians may not face these issues as often as their academic library colleagues, but they too will be informed and challenged to face the issue of intellectual freedom as it pertains to their users, patients, and families.