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What is the future of libraries? This question is frequently posed, with widespread research into the social and economic impact of libraries. Newspapers play an important role in forming public perceptions, but how do newspapers present libraries, their past, present and future? Nobody has yet taken the press to task on the quantity and quality of articles on libraries, however Libraries and Public Perception does just this, through comparative textual analysis of newspapers in Europe. After a comprehensive and useful introductory chapter, the book consists of the following five chapters: Wondering about the future of libraries; Measuring the value of libraries; Libraries in the newspapers; Contemporary challenges and public perception; Which library model from the newspapers: a synthesis.

Provides an alternative means to evaluate the impact of libraries
Compares different countries and societies regarding their representation of libraries
Pursues its subject through active research, rather than self reflection

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List of figures
About the author
Acknowledgements
1: Wondering about the future of libraries

Abstract
The debate among scientists and professionals
The current situation
Why this book? Why now?
2: Measuring the value of libraries

Abstract
The methods to assess the social and economic impact of libraries
An alternative method: the analysis of the press
Scope and methodology of the research
3: Libraries in the newspapers

Abstract
Are libraries a ´hot´ topic?
Emerging issues and general perception
Synthesis of the quantitative analysis
Stories and threads
4: Contemporary challenges and public perception

Abstract
Looking from the inside and outside
Libraries and knowledge
Libraries and welfare
Libraries and the digital revolution: impact on libraries and public perception
5: Which library model from the newspapers: a synthesis

Abstract
Threats and opportunities for future libraries
Recommendations to librarians
References
Index

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"...interesting reading for anyone seeking an evidence-based understanding of the public perception of libraries." -- Australian Library Journal

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