Public libraries digital services and sustainability issues

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 34-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Michnik
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
Local Politicians ◽  
Physical Spaces ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how Swedish local politicians perceive the impact of public library digital services on public libraries and to discuss how this can affect the sustainable development of public libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local politicians from 19 different Swedish municipalities. Data were treated to qualitative content analysis and discussed based on the concept of sustainable organization. Findings – According to local politicians, public library digital services may affect public libraries through changes to libraries’ physical spaces, librarians’ tasks and competencies and libraries’ economic situations. Based on these findings, public library digital services can both strengthen and weaken public library sustainability through, for example, increased access and expenditures, the latter of which may threaten public library sustainability. Research limitations/implications – Interviews did not focus specifically on the politicians’ views on public library digital services but dealt generally with their views on public libraries. To identify reasons for variations in views on this topic, follow-up interviews should be done. Data on views from public library managers would also be of use to determine the degree to which they are shared with local politicians. Originality/value – When sustainability and public libraries are discussed, the focus is generally on the library’s contribution to a sustainable society. Here, the focus is instead on the sustainability of the public library itself.

Democracy, digitisation and public libraries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Skøtt
Keyword(s):  
Digital Media ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
National Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Media Types

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate what democratic challenges the digitisation of the public libraries in Denmark has entailed. Using the concepts from a national library professional strategy from 2012, an analysis of 9 librarians’ experiences with digital dissemination in practice is conducted. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a part of a larger research project called “If digitisation is the answer, then what was the question?”. This sub study builds on the semi-structured interviews with library staff members, case-descriptions of two central providers of digital public library materials, as well as literature studies of missions, vision and strategies from different public library policy institutions. To frame the study, a literature review has been conducted. Findings The author detects the presence of several incompatible conditions in digital dissemination. These conditions are predominantly of an organisational nature, potentially containing major consequences for citizens’ free and equal access to information, knowledge and culture. Among other things, the Danish public libraries risk substantiating an already existing and problematic polarisation between technologically capable and incapacitated groups of people. Originality/value The digital transformation of society has only just begun. Therefore, it is important to examine the consequences of the transition to digital media types for central cultural institution such as the public libraries. The present study is an early and minor contribution to the illumination of a process requiring many more and large-scale studies.

Borrowing tools from the public library

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Söderholm
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Community Development ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Lending Library

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate tool lending library patrons’ perception of their tool borrowing, in order to explore the role of a public lending service in the context of their lives. It addresses the research question, why do patrons borrow tools from the library? Design/methodology/approach – A case study was conducted, consisting of semi-structured interviews with patrons of a tool lending library. Led by a phenomenographic approach, the interviews focused on participants’ recounted experiences. Transcripts were structured into major categories and underlying themes. Findings were discussed from a perspective taking departure in Wiegand’s notion of “the library in the life of the user,” and summarized with regards to sustainable community development. Findings – Participants are found to talk about their tool borrowing from two main viewpoints. First, reasons for making the decision. This involves weighing practical considerations, e.g., cost, storage, access, and frequency of use. It also includes ideological motivations, and sympathy with the concept. Second, effects of their borrowing, interpreted as how it enables them. This enablement includes inspiration, learning, support to self-employment, and strengthening of community. Patrons focus on local aspects of social and economic development, rather than global or environmental motivations. Research limitations/implications – A single and in part unique setting was studied. The findings provide foundation for a developed discussion on the societal role of public libraries providing “non-traditional” materials such as tools, with particular regards to community settings and sustainability. Originality/value – Addresses knowledge gaps on borrowing and tool lending libraries.

Evaluating the success of markerspace in a public library

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 587-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Lille
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Recent Trend ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
City Government ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Arising from the modern IT-driven society, libraries in Estonia face tremendous challenges. They are no longer viewed as collection facilities but rather as knowledge enhancers and creators. Libraries carry a significant potential to make a greater impact on communities by enabling informal ways of learning new skills and technologies. This paper aims to evaluate a pilot project at Narva Library MakerLab launched by the Narva City Government to motivate the citizens of Narva to learn new skills and improve their employment prospects. Design/methodology/approach The focus of the study was on understanding how a library makerspace makes an impact on users’ skills, knowledge and attitudes. Quantitative measures for indicators were designed to evaluate the new skills and knowledge that participants learn during the workshops. Semi-structured interviews aimed to show values, behaviour, perception and aims for the future. Findings As an outcome of the study, it was found that the MakerLab project was successful; the participants learned new skills, felt an increase in self-confidence and improved their teamwork abilities. Many users engaged with prototyping and initiated new projects. Originality/value Setting up a makerspace in a public library is a recent trend and not much research has been done in this area. The study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the impact of makerspaces in a library environment.

Being where the people are: the challenges and benefits of search engine visibility for public libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 11-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Dickinson ◽  
Mike Smit
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Search Engine ◽  
Search Engines ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges and benefits presented by search engine visibility for public libraries. This paper outlines the preliminary results of a pilot study investigating search engine visibility in two Canadian public libraries, and discusses practical approaches to search engine visibility. Design/methodology/approach – The study consists of semi-structured interviews with librarians from two multi-branch Canadian public library systems, combined with quantitative data provided by each library, as well as data obtained through site-specific searches in Google and Bing. Possible barriers to visibility are identified through thematic analysis of the interviews. Practical approaches are identified by the author based on a literature review. Findings – The initial findings of this pilot study identify a complex combination of barriers to visibility on search engines, in the form of attitudes, policies, organizational structures and technological difficulties. Research limitations/implications – This paper describes a small, preliminary pilot study. More research is needed before any firm conclusions can be reached. Practical implications – A review of the literature shows the increasing importance of search engine visibility for public libraries. This paper outlines practical approaches which can be undertaken immediately by libraries, as well as delving into the underlying issues which may be affecting libraries’ progress on the issue. Originality/value – There has been little original research investigating the reasons behind libraries’ lack of visibility in search engine results pages. This paper provides insight into a previously unexplored area by exploring public libraries’ relationships with search engines.

Factors affecting empowerment of female librarians, views of female managers of Tehran public libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 663-672
Author(s):  
Maryam Nakhoda ◽  
Samaneh Rahimian
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Job Skills ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Female Managers ◽  
Inhibiting Factors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study promoting and inhibiting factors in empowerment of female librarians in the opinion of female managers. It is necessary that library managers identify and monitor influential factors in empowering librarians, and attempt to eliminate factors with negative effects. Design/methodology/approach – This study is conducted in a phenomenological approach, which relies on in-depth interviews among nine female managers of top public library in Tehran. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Qualitative thematic analysis method was used for analysis of data. Findings – Interviews analysis revealed that job skills, participation and teamwork, role resolution, access to information, motivation, role modeling, recognition, and appreciation were among the effective factors in empowerment of female librarians. On the other hand, poor organizational communication system, negative attitudes toward staff, and instructional management style were among the inhibiting factors in empowerment of female librarians in the opinion of female public library managers. Originality/value – Results of the present study can help managers of public libraries to identify factors affecting empowerment of female librarians’. Also the findings can be used in managers’ planning and decision-making process.

Broadband, digital literacy and public libraries: the Mill Park story

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 15-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Rolan ◽  
Tom Denison ◽  
Christine Mackenzie
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Successful Design ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The paper aims to present the results of a research project designed to explore the impact of the establishment and operation of a broadband enabled digital training facility at the Mill Park public library, focusing on the role of public libraries in both engaging and educating local communities and exploring issues related to the provision of training through public libraries, benefits or problems in doing so and the relationship to new and existing services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes a case study approach, following the development of the training program and changes implemented throughout the first two years of operation. Findings – The Mill Park Library has successfully met, if not exceeded, the goals of promoting broadband services, up-skilling the community and promoting digital readiness within it local community. Both directly and through partnerships with other organisations and schools, it has not only addressed the needs of community members but also engaged them more fully with the library’s other services. Practical implications – The paper offers insight into the value of strong community-based networks in supporting the successful design and implementation of information and communication technology (ICT)-related training programs. Originality/value – The paper offers insight into the value of strong community-based networks in supporting the successful design and implementation of ICT-related training programs.

Conceptual modelling of the public sphere in public libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 591-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael M. Widdersheim ◽  
Masanori Koizumi
Keyword(s):  
Public Sphere ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Public Sphere

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to construct a conceptual model of the public sphere in public libraries. Various international authors over the past 20 years have associated the public sphere with public libraries, but these associations have yet to be clarified and synthesized in a comprehensive way. Design/methodology/approach – This study used qualitative content analysis to identify the dimensions of the public sphere in public libraries. The study’s scope included annual reports from an urban US public library system from 1900 to 2010. Findings – Six dimensions of the public sphere in public libraries are described with examples. The dimensions are: core criteria; internal public sphere; external public sphere; collect and organize discourse; perform legitimation processes; and facilitate discourse. Three of these dimensions are newly identified. The six total dimensions are synthesized into a comprehensive conceptual model with three discourse arenas: governance and management; legitimation; and commons. Originality/value – This study is distinctive because it used a data-based, empirical approach to public libraries to an abstract sociological concept. Three dimensions of the model are new to library studies literature and therefore represent new potential areas of inquiry. The resulting conceptual model is useful for both practitioners and researchers in the public library sector. Further, the model contributes to existing social and political theory.

Impact of tailor-made information literacy provision on rural dwellers’ participation in sustainable development targets in Nigeria:: Implications for public library services to oral societies

IFLA Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-103
Author(s):  
Chimezie P. Uzuegbu
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Rural Dwellers ◽  
The Impact

This paper examined the impact of tailor-made information literacy provision on Nigerian rural dwellers’ participation in three sustainable development targets. A mixed method research design comprised of field experimental approach, site visit and focus group technique was used to collect data that answered the five questions raised in the study. From the findings, rural dwellers who received information literacy provision participated more in the sustainable development targets than their counterparts who depended only on the existing information communication systems accessible to them. Information literacy provision to a sample of 20 households had a spill-over effect on the behaviour of non-sampled households of the same village. In conclusion, the triangulation of methods used in this study showed that rural dwellers’ effective participation in development programmes can be achieved through contextual information literacy provision. This draws implications that are summarised into a model. Public libraries in Nigeria and in similar developing countries can explore the strategy conveyed in the model to launch effective outreach services to their rural dwellers.

Innovative impact planning and assessment through Global Libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Streatfield ◽  
Pablo Andrade Blanco ◽  
Marcel Chiranov ◽  
Ieva Dryžaite ◽  
Maciej Kochanowicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Public Image ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a range of innovative (for public library performance measurement and impact assessment) methods and tools developed by country teams as part of the Global Libraries (GL) initiative. Short reports are provided on: a return on investment study, a simplified data processing system for library managers and an online reporting system for public libraries in Ukraine; a study of the public image of Polish libraries in print mass media, two approaches to sustainability of performance measurement and impact assessment in Romania, through tools to conduct pop-up surveys and use of agricultural subsidies support data, assessments of changes in public library managers’ planning efforts in Poland and of their perceptions of libraries and their own role, using Modified Delphi forecasting, in Lithuania, two ways of focussing on the world of public library users by engaging non-profit organizations in library research in Poland and conducting impact studies in virtual environments in Chile. Design/methodology/approach – A range of methods and tools and their uses are described. Findings – No specific research findings are reported. Research limitations/implications – All of these tools and methods have been (or are being) trialed in national public library contexts; some have been developed over several years. Practical implications – Useful for people in other (non-GL) countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at regional, national or local level or who are interested in performance measurement and impact evaluation. Social implications – This paper is part of a GL effort to share what participants have learnt about impact planning and assessment in public libraries with the wider international libraries community. Originality/value – The impact planning and assessment program of GL has been the largest sustained international public library evaluation program so far attempted. This paper reports on the more innovative evaluation activities undertaken at country level through this program.

Resource sharing in the UK public library system: an update

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Froud
Keyword(s):  
Public Service ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Resource Discovery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to review the position of UnityUK and FABLibraries (Find a Book in Libraries) some five years after a review by the same author (with Elisabeth Robinson) was published in 2011. Design/methodology/approach The UnityUK service and its co-service FABLibraries is placed in the current service and political context: changing politics and reductions in public service. The conclusions of a survey conducted by the University of Sheffield are noted as current technical developments. Findings Subscriptions to UnityUK remain stable despite an overall decline in interlending. The FABLibraries service is well positioned to play a key role in the creation of a single digital presence for public libraries in England and in the UK. Practical implications The outcome of major recent political change in respect of public service is not yet known, but there is reason to be confident about the role of the two services in supporting resource discovery and supply. Social implications The FABLibraries service is well positioned to be the major building block in a national e-public library platform. This would provide a cost-effective means of making national resources accessible to everyone who can get online. Originality/value The author provides an up-to-date perspective of the impact of change, recent government reports and public sector austerity on interlending and the position of key resource discovery tools in that environment.

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