Includes bibliographical references and index.; The landscape of public libraries in the twenty-first century -- Brahmins, bequests, and determined women : the beginnings to 1918 -- Public library growth and values : 1918-today -- Statistics, standards, planning, results, and quality of life -- Organization, law, advocacy, funding, and politics -- Administration and staffing -- Structure and infrastructure -- Adult services -- Youth services / Alicia K. Long and Kathleen de la Peña McCook -- The interconnective nature of the public library -- Global perspectives on public libraries / Barbara J. Ford -- The future of public libraries in the twenty-first century : human rights and human capabilities / Kathleen de la Peña McCook and Katharine J. Phenix -- Access to knowledge is fundamental to human development.;