Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the historical background to social exclusion and the strategic context in terms of government and professional policy. It proposes a manifesto for change and ways in which public libraries can be transformed into needs-based services. The book shows UK public libraries have a proud and the library workers of tomorrow can stand on the shoulders of those who have blazed a path in the past and those who continue to hold a beacon for social justice today. It draws a recent work by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and by Derek Birrell to evaluate just what progress has been made across the UK in tackling social exclusion. The book highlights some examples of best practice and research from the UK and abroad, which can be used to create a framework for developing inclusive and needs-based library services.