Telling A True Story Or Makingit Up:rndiscourse On The Effectivenessrnof The Bookshop Model Forrnpublic Libraries

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the often cited example of the book retailer, andrnother commercial imperatives, as adequate models for implementation in the public library.rnDesign/methodology/approach - The paper provides a critical reflection on some of the pertinentrnissues.rnFindings - The paper finds that we should consider models in their entirety and not on the basis ofrnsuperficial improvements to layout and design. The adoption of a commercial model within the publicrnrealm poses as many dangers as it does advantages.rnPractical implication - The paper should be of interest to anyone working in public libraries, orrnthose considering some of the issues related to the commercialisation of the public sector, especiallyrnpublic libraries.rnOriginality/value - The paper offers an original thought piece on the influence of the privaternsector on the public library service in the UK, and the potential this has to alter the ethos of thernservice.