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"Incredibly, this is the first encyclopedia to focus on community as concept and experience, so stands alone in its field as the one title any library must buy to cover this topic. Essential for all readerships."
--CHOICE

"A timely, comprehensive, and very welcome overview of a rich and rapidly growing field of inquiry."
--Robert D. Putnam, Professor at Harvard University and author of Bowling Alone

"With every passing minute, it becomes more and more apparent that our world is one community. The Encyclopedia of Community serves as recognition of this trend and as a needed resource. The four-volume set not only explains the emerging buzz words of community such as 'social capital' or 'civic engagement' but also tells many stories of community institutions that work, such as public libraries."
--Sarah Ann Long, Past President, (1999-2000) American Library Association

"As we yearn to connect with our fellow citizens during these uncertain times, we have a unique moment to encourage greater participation in our democracy and reinvigorate our communities. The Encyclopedia of Community provides a timely, diverse array of theories and practices that will help citizens understand the value of engaging together to make the critical choices that enrich the way we live, learn, work and govern in our local communities. The Encyclopedia deserves a prime spot in the libraries, homes, and offices of all communities that want to invest in a brighter future for their residents and their children."
--Nancy Kranich, Past President of the American Library Association, whose presidential theme was "Libraries: The Cornerstone of Democracy" (2000-2001)

"American politicians often pair the word 'community' with the word 'freedom' to describe our basic values. Yet, though used constantly, the word community is defined in widely different and contested ways. Most people like the idea of community, but some intellectuals worry that it might imply collectivism. The great value of this new Encyclopedia is that it gives readers a chance to sample the many uses of the term and gain clarity about the issues at stake. It is a major contribution to a more coherent understanding of this fundamental idea."
--Robert Bellah, Professor of Sociology, Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley and co-author of Habits of the Heart

SAGE Publications is proud to announce the Encyclopedia of Community, a major reference work that summarizes the many fascinating and important concepts of a global topic.

Community itself is a concept, an experience, and a central part of being human. Whether the reader is a student, researcher, or professional in the field of psychology, sociology, or even economics, this three-volume work will provide the necessary definitions of community beyond traditional views. Arranged in an A-to-Z fashion, the Encyclopedia can also be viewed topically via a Reader's Guide. This allows for interdisciplinary "compare and contrast" among topics such as types of communities, social capital, technology, urban life, politics and law, community design, and global studies.

Edited by the award-winning team at Berkshire Reference and assisted by an editorial board of world-renowned scholars, the Encyclopedia of Community will prove to be one of the most widely used reference works in your collection.

Key Features:

* 500 signed articles

* 3 volumes

* 2000 pages

* Reader's Guide

* Master bibliography

* 250 sidebars

Appendices:

* Resource Guides

* Master Bibliography

* Libraries Build Community

* Libraries and Popular Culture