scholarly journals Indie media and digital community collaborations in public libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 127-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jen Pecoskie ◽  
Heather L. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Digital Media ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Digital Content ◽  
Cultural Products ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Content Creation ◽  
Current State ◽  
Digital Community ◽  
Library Users

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the current state of collecting with emphasis on small, independent and local digital media for the purpose of exploring librarians’ tools to develop unique collections with these types of cultural products included. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper is based on examination of the current state of publishing and digital media, of case profiles of independent digital content providers, of case profiles of public libraries using digital media to expand collections and of collection developers’ tools, including reviewing sources. Findings – With regard to expanding collections from small, independent and local digital content providers, user-generated content (UGC) is offered as a tool for collection developers to use alongside other traditional reviewing sources. UGC allows for embedding collective voices into collection development practices to capture digital cultural products from these providers. Originality/value – This paper reflects on the current state of digital content creation and publishing, including the limitations and possibilities in place for the future of public library collections from both large publishing companies and smaller media creators. Non-traditional digital media are cultural products produced for consumption and reception; therefore, we consider how these materials fit into contemporary collections, how they are connected to public libraries and subsequently are made available to library users.

The role of libraries in the dissemination of health information in Botswana

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 320-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuelo Ntlotlang ◽  
Balulwami Grand
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Health Information Sources

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the role of public libraries in the dissemination of health information in the southern part of Botswana, namely, Kgatleng and Kweneng districts. It also explored how these libraries market health information services to the community they serve. The study also used health information acquisition model to get an understanding on how public library users seek health information. Design/methodology/approach The survey research design was chosen for the study and purposive sampling procedure was used to obtain the sample size of the population. The sample size consisted of 120 respondents and six interviewees. Data were collected from both library staff and users using questionnaires and interviews. Findings The results of the study showed that public libraries are striving to provide accurate and useful health information to members of the community by collecting and availing both print and electronic health information sources. The findings further indicated that public libraries have marketing programmes that they use on raising awareness of health information to their clientele. The marketing programmes include outreach, library brochures/leaflets, newsletters and library exhibitions. The results of the study also showed that there were some challenges that hindered the library users to access and use health information (e.g. lack of appropriateness of information resources and limited number of health information sources). Originality/value For a better dissemination of health information, public libraries should establish working relationships with health agencies and communication organisations or media houses with the objective of cooperative developments of collections, referrals and shared training.

scholarly journals The role of library user preferences in the willingness to read and pay for e-books: case of the Czech Republic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Stejskal ◽  
Petr Hajek ◽  
Viktor Prokop
Keyword(s):  
Digital Media ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Library ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lump Sum ◽  
Library Users ◽  
A Charge ◽  
Library User

Purpose The study aims to analyse library user preferences in the willingness to read and pay for e-books, using a sample of both active readers (users of public library services) and non-users (the general population). Design/methodology/approach Two empirical surveys were conducted from August to November of 2019; the research sample consisted of 1,334 users from the Municipal Library of Prague and 1,101 non-users from the general Czech population. The research was focussed on e-book user preferences. The willingness to pay (WTP) for e-book services and the determinants that affect this willingness were also examined. Findings The results show the specific approach of Czech readers, whose main determinant of WTP is not the content, but the price and method of its payment (allocation). Some people prefer a cheaper annual lump sum, whereas others may prefer a charge of small regular fees. The decision to pay depends on their reading or payment habits. Originality/value This study also aims to clarify the demand for various types of digital media in Czech libraries and the preferred distribution models. Furthermore, the study determines the dependence of the preferences of library users in their WTP for e-books using different evaluation models. The originality of this study is in the evaluation of the determinants of WTP for e-books, which makes this study unique, and the findings should contribute to the expansion of existing knowledge in the field of information science.

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.

Estimation of GDP from public library usage: Turkey sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 153-171
Author(s):  
Semanur Öztemiz ◽  
Mustafa Agah Tekindal
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Var Model ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Causality Test ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integration Test ◽  
Library Users

PurposePublic libraries are institutions that provide information services to all citizens in a country and support the development of lifelong learning, awareness and creativity. All these provide an advantage for having a developed economy and being a developed society. This study aims to reveal the interaction between the gross domestic product (GDP) and public library usage in Turkey. The study also purposed to increase awareness of the economic benefits of public libraries.Design/methodology/approachIn the study, a vector autoregression (VAR) model and co-integration techniques were used. Johansen co-integration test was used examining the long-term relationship between the variables. Due to the variables moving together in the long term, the vector error-correction model was preferred instead of the VAR model, as a result.FindingsAccording to the causality test results, GDP was found to be affected when there was a change in the number of library users. According to the Granger causality test result, a change in GDP was also found to have a significant effect on the number of library users. All these indicate an interaction between GDP and public library usage in Turkey between 2001 and 2017.Social implicationsThe revealed interaction between GDP and the number of public library users can be useful for policymakers who are making decisions to develop public library services and to increase GDP.Originality/valueThe interaction between public library usage and GDP can be seen such as an unlikely combination. However, this study presented a mutual interaction between public library usage and GDP. The findings of the study will be of a great importance in developing countries to be motivated to make public library services better.

Understanding public libraries’ challenges, motivators, and perceptions toward the use of social media for marketing

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Namjoo Choi ◽  
Soohyung Joo
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Library Marketing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify challenges and motivators to social media adoption for marketing purposes in public libraries and to investigate how these libraries perceive the importance of social media marketing. Design/methodology/approach A nation-wide online survey on public libraries in the USA was conducted to carry out this study, and a total number of 470 responses were used for data analysis. Findings This study determined a range of challenges and motivators to implementing social media for marketing in public libraries. The results also showed that public libraries perceive social media as an important tool for their library marketing and intend to increase their use. Practical implications The findings from this study can serve as a guideline for public libraries when employing social media for marketing purposes in their libraries. Originality/value This study assessed the current state of social media use for marketing in the public library context, a context that has been under-researched in the literature, from three perspectives: challenges, motivators, and perceptions.

The long tail of search and topical queries in public libraries

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 430-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tami Oliphant ◽  
Ali Shiri
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Long Tail ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Search Queries ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Current Events ◽  
Public Library Users ◽  
June July

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the long tail of topical search queries, including the influence of current events, posed to a large, urban public library discovery system. Design/methodology/approach Search queries from the months of June, July, August and September 2014 (1,488,339 total queries) were collected from the Edmonton Public Library’s BiblioCommons database using Google Analytics and exported to Excel. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency counts and textual analysis to explicate the long tail of search, (including the most popular searches) and to explore the relationship between topical search queries and current events. Findings The findings support the long tail theory, as the aggregate tail of topical search queries comprised the vast majority of the total searches and current events exert some influence on the nature and frequency of topical searches. Research limitations/implications Data collection was limited to four months of the year; thus, comparisons across the year cannot be made. There are practical implications for public libraries in terms of marketing and collections, as well as for improving catalogue functionality, to support user search behaviour. Originality/value Not much research attention has been focused on the nature of topical search queries in public libraries compared to academic libraries and the Web. The findings contribute to developing insight into the divergent interests of intergenerational public library users and the topics of materials they are searching for.

scholarly journals Public library mobile apps in Scotland: views from the local authorities and the public

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Kerr ◽  
Diane Rasmussen Pennington
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Alternative Means ◽  
Least Core ◽  
Public Library Users

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine current public library apps in Scotland and assess Scottish public library users’ opinions of those apps. Design/methodology/approach Two qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted. One survey was distributed to each Scottish local authority, the entities responsible for public libraries and Scotland. The second survey was made available to the public. The results were analysed with nonparametric statistics and content analysis. Findings All 32 authorities responded. In all, 17 authorities had an app, two had one in development, and 13 had none. Offering an alternative means of communication to patrons was the main reason for providing an app, while cost and low priority were the main reasons provided against app provision. Authorities were satisfied with the core services offered in their apps, but less so with others. No authorities had consulted the public regarding app provision. The public (n=185), while satisfied with current library apps, criticised the complex procedures required to access external services. Patrons from authorities without an app stated interest in apps. Research limitations/implications It is vital for public libraries to implement at least core services that are optimised for mobile devices. They should consult with the public before and throughout the development process to ensure they are happy with the implementation. Originality/value This is the first known study to explore public library app use in Scotland as well as one of the first in public library app use worldwide.

The governance and management of public library services in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 389-401
Author(s):  
Abdulsalam Abiodun Salman ◽  
Janneke Mostert ◽  
Tinashe Mugwisi
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Library Directors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Administration ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Public Library Users ◽  
Academic Qualifications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the managerial and governance issues that impact on service delivery in public libraries in Nigeria. Within many countries this seems to be a challenge often resulting in an ineffective service delivery resulting in underutilisation thereof. This study was conducted among administrators and managers of public libraries in Nigeria to establish the current status quo concerning governance and management issues impacting on service delivery. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study using interviews was used to illicit data from three permanent secretaries, six public library directors, and six heads of rural community libraries, purposively selected for the study. Findings The findings show that variables such as relevant academic qualifications, years of experience, and designation of the administrators and managers of public libraries affect service delivery. A huge dependency on government bodies for decision making and funding was established. Impediments to good management of the libraries were found to be inadequate funding; lack of involvement of stakeholders in public library administration; and inappropriate public library legislation. Practical implications The study recommends the promulgation of a public library-specific act in order to regulate the administration and management of this public unit, involve stakeholders in public library administration, as well as the provision of alternative forms of funding in order to alleviate the dependence on governmental budgets. Originality/value With very little research available on these issues in Nigeria, this paper will create awareness among all stakeholders of specific governance and managerial issues impacting on effective service delivery to public library users so that it can be addressed.

Globalization, modernization and functionality of the public library system in Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 426-440
Author(s):  
Patience Uzezi Otolo
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Time And Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Library System ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Public Library Users

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find out: the functionality of public libraries in the provision of needed information resources; the impact of the use of modern electronic gadgets as the level of patronage; the influence of old technology use on libraries; and the globalization effect on the user behavior toward public libraries. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted the descriptive survey design since the opinion, perceptions and observation of public library users were examined. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 185 respondents. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The instrument was validated by research experts in the area of test and measurement and in library and information science research. A reliability test was carried out using 25 academic library users in Delta State University, Abraka, to establish a coefficient of 0.87 using Cronbach’s α. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for research questions while the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient analysis and linear regression analysis were used to test hypotheses. Findings Public libraries in Nigeria are functional and accessible. There is inadequacy in modern information and communication technology devices that aid information provision and dissemination, Globalization and modernization has negatively impacted the patronage of public libraries. The influence of deterritorialization has influenced the user attitude toward regular use. Globalization has made time and space much more closer, thereby reducing contact and interaction between library staff and users in the public library system. Globalization and/or modernization has brought not only challenges to public libraries, but also opportunities to exploit. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study were drawn from one sampled area to represent the entirety of the country. The respondents were public library users who were found using public libraries; therefore, less time was allocated to answering research instrument, thereby potentially and probably not responded to with utmost concern. Practical implications Public library functionality will be deterred if necessary actions are taken to improve the quality of service provision. There will likely be a reduced patronage of public libraries if users do not get the most recent information as supposed. There is already a negative effect of globalization and modernization on the functionality of public libraries. There is an urgent need to update and modernize public libraries across the nation for effective and efficient service delivery. Social implications Globalization has led to the reduction of interpersonal and social interaction which is supposed to promote friendliness between public library users and the staff. It also promoted the use of modern technologies such as telecommunication devices, information disseminating gadgets in homes while inhibiting public library patronage time and space is now been maximized for the benefit of library users who are distant from the public library location in as much as information has become accessible at their fingertips. Originality/value This research was carried out by the author (Dr (Mrs) P.U. Otolo) and is fully individual. All authors cited are duly acknowledged.

How public library users perceive the information professional: is the image transforming?

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 449-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgenia Vassilakaki ◽  
Valentini Moniarou-Papaconstantinou
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Doctoral Degree ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Public Library Users

Purpose This study aims to investigate public library users’ perceptions of information professionals. Specifically, it focuses on exploring users’ perceptions regarding librarians’ status, work duties, performed work and educational background. Design/methodology/approach The method of questionnaire was used to enquire on the users’ perceptions of six different public libraries in the wide area of Attica, Greece. Between November 2014 and February 2015, 320 questionnaires were distributed, and, in total, 291 users participated in the study with response rate 90.9 per cent. Findings This research revealed that public library users have a positive image of the librarians’ status, duties and work performed. Users acknowledge that it is important for librarians to obtain a bachelor’s degree in library and information science (LIS) education and specialized LIS knowledge, as well as general, pedagogical and new technologies knowledge to perform their tasks. Overall, “serving of people” predominates as a task and a series of collection-oriented tasks. Research limitations/implications Perceptions of non-users of public libraries and public librarians themselves were not examined in this study. In addition, some user groups based on level of education (e.g. doctoral degree) had a low level of participation. Originality/value It is one of the few studies that examined public library users’ perceptions of information professionals.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document