03 Contents 04 Foreword


Arts Council England’s Director, Libraries, Luke Burton welcomes you to the world of public library services.


06 Public libraries: more important than ever


A look at why libraries are an indispensable part of local communities – adaptable, innovative and looking to the future.


10 Universal Offers


How libraries are delivering key services to users through Libraries Connected’s Universal Offers, helping to raise standards and improve outcomes.


14 From then to now


The history and development of modern public library services.


18 Values and ethics Martyn Wade considers the ethical impact of working in public libraries.


22 Words of wisdom


Former Arts Council England Director, Libraries, Sue Williamson and current library staff share their experiences of starting out in the profession.


26 Your role


Find out more about the roles within a library service, where you fit in and where your career could take you.


30 Libraries in focus: Warwickshire case study


Finding the right balance to meet the needs of rural and urban communities.


Leeds case study


Discover the challenges and opportunities of delivering a city’s library service.


Redbridge case study


Inner city London library services through the Vision Redbridge charitable trust.


40 Invest in yourself


Why it is never too early to start thinking about professional development and what it can do for your career.


44 Part of the network


Words of welcome from Nick Poole (CILIP) to all those joining the sector for the first time.


47 Here to help


Organisations, services and resources to help you every step of the way in your career.


52 Endnotes


54 Supported by Thanks to all those who contributed.


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