For library and information science students and professionals, Baker and Evans (strategic information management and library, U. College Plymouth St. Mark and St. John, UK) bring together a group of library, information, and academic specialists from the US, Europe, and Africa to examine the changing role of libraries in society in various countries. In 25 chapters, they discuss societal aspects related to social responsibility, scholarly communication and access to research outputs, freedom of access and equitable access, public libraries and social inclusion, and inequalities. They also consider different types and patrons, such as academic libraries, distance education, children, and young people, as well as the redefinition of the librarian's role, the value of libraries, digital developments, library 2.0, and the future. Distributed by Neal-Schuman. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)