In George Bobinski's sixty-year career as a library professional (1945 – 2005), libraries underwent massive changes and epochal advancements. In this important work, Bobinski summarizes the major trends and events that have transformed the library world and the profession of librarianship into what it is today. Libraries and Librarianship begins with a historical review of the core of librarianship, focusing on the information formats available in or through libraries; the organization of library information sources; changes in reference service; trends in library management; and the all-embracing impact of technology on libraries. Bobinski also addresses library types and the growth of library cooperation and resource sharing; the spread of collaboration through library systems, consortia, and networks; federal funding, library philanthropy, and the important role of the Council on Library and Information Resources since its establishment in 1956; the growth and activities of professional library associations; the shifting roles of gender and ethnicity; and the changes in library buildings. Furthermore, a list of eminent individuals who had the greatest impact on the field during this period and influenced the dramatic changes that have taken place in library and information science education is included. Concluding with a discussion of the major developments in the field and providing a look into what the future might hold for libraries, this book will be embraced by library students, practitioners, and professors alike.

"This is a very good book....This would be a good addition to any library." - American Reference Books Annual, March 2008

"...summarizes the major trends and events that changed the library profession and world of libraries over the last 60 years....For comprehensive professional collections." - Booklist, September 1, 2007

"...an insightful retrospective on the past 60 years of the library profession." - Zentralblatt für Geologie und Paläontologie, Vol. 68, No. 6 (June 2007)

"This work is a successful, substantial snapshot of digital library development....So much is occurring in the digital library world that the provision of an organized, coherent overview is more than welcome." - College & Research Libraries, Vol. 68, No. 5 (September 2007)

"The book was enjoyable to read...Bobinski's text provides a perfect foundation to understand present and future library operations." - Public Libraries

"Writing with students, practitioners, and professors in mind, Bobinski (library and information studies, U. of Buffalo, SUNY) describes changes in the field of librarianship from 1945 to 2005 and related social, political, and economic factors. He begins with a review of information formats, the organization of sources, changes in reference service, trends in management, and the impact of technology. Subsequent chapters address different types of libraries, cooperation, funding, philanthropy, the role of the Council on Library and Information Resources, professional associations, gender and ethnicity, buildings, and education. The last chapter lists important figures in the field and their contributions." - Reference and Research Book News, May 2007

"This book is highly recommended for libraries used by students in library programs and as a reference resource in large public libraries." - Canadian Library Association

"The author is well qualified to write on this subject....a worthwhile read." - Reference and User Services Quarterly

"Anyone interested in a tightly constructed history of American librarianship in one volume, written with authority by an established library historian and educator, will find Bobinski's Libraries and Librarianship a wonderful book to read. Better yet, if you can, buy this for your own professional reading shelf. It will stand you in good stead for years to come!" - Collection Management

"This book is recommended for academic libraries, especially those with library and information science programs." - Public Services Quarterly

"An important point of origin for further scholarly study.... Insightful chronology, an extensive bibliography, and a helpful index....If we are to learn the lessons of our own history, this book would be an excellent place to begin." - Libraries and The Cultural Road