Expect more: Demanding Better Libraries for Today's Complex World

Libraries have existed for millennia, but today many question their necessity. In an ever more digital and connected world, do we still need places of books in our towns, colleges, or schools? If libraries aren’t about books, what are they about?
In Expect More: Demanding Better Libraries For Today’s Complex World, David Lankes, winner of the 2012 ABC-CLIO/Greenwood Award for the Best Book in Library Literature, walks you through what to expect out of your library. Lankes argues that, to thrive, communities need libraries that go beyond bricks and mortar, and beyond books and literature. We need to expect more out of our libraries. They should be places of learning and advocates for our communities in terms of privacy, intellectual property, and economic development.
Expect More is a rallying call to communities to raise the bar, and their expectations, for great libraries.


Why Free?
In the two years since Expect More has been published, it has sold thousands of copies and been used by librarians and those working with libraries. By making the digital version of the book freely available it is hoped that more librarians can use the book to engage their boards, principals, and provosts in a constructive conversation about the future of their libraries.
In addition to making the book available, it is hoped that the library community can engage in a conversation on how to improve the book and its impact. All we ask is that if you use the book, please use the form at the bottom of this page to tell us how you are using it.



Book in PDF Format: Expect More PDF
Book in MOBI format: Expect More MOBI (for Kindle)
Book in ePub format: Expect More ePub (for Nook and Sony Readers)
Book in iBooks format: Expect More iBook (for iPads and Macs)
Original Manuscript available in Microsoft Word Format upon request. Use the form at the bottom of this page to outline how you will use it.