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.

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.

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.

scholarly journals The use of participatory methodologies for conducting literacy activities

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 456-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan D. Machin-Mastromatteo
Keyword(s):  
Digital Media ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Science Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Methodological Basis ◽  
Methodological Foundation ◽  
The Media ◽  
Digital Media Literacy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to construct the basis for a research agenda that integrates participatory methodologies (PMs) into literacies (L) research and practice as a valuable methodological basis. Design/methodology/approach The pros and cons of using PM on L research and practice are explained, as well as its possibilities, characteristics and the contributions of a research agenda under such integration (PM-L agenda). This analysis draws from the pertinent literature, Scopus publication data, the author’s own practice as an information literacy (IL) researcher and a questionnaire used to gather further insights from the research community in this matter. Findings A further understanding of the contributions that a PM-L research agenda can bring to the library and information science field is achieved. The pros, cons, hesitations and eagerness that researchers might have toward the idea of using such integration are valuable for determining if this really is a perfect but not an explicit fit. Research limitations/implications Although the questionnaire was promoted in a large international conference during a four-year period (2013-2017), it was answered by 34 participants; only 16 participants had previous experiences with the PM-L integration, and only an average of 8 participants provided significant answers to our open-ended questions. Thus, the amount of data available to analyze was limited. Certainly, using Scopus data provides a large but incomplete picture of the specialized literature that is peer reviewed and indexed, because it excludes publications not indexed that may be pertinent. Originality/value The PM-L integration is deemed as highly adequate, as PMs seek to improve participants’ conditions, situations and realities through reflection and engagement, while L-related activities and research (including information, digital, media literacy or new literacies) are conducted to improve people’s use and understanding of the media for which they are developing literacy. This contributes to their betterment as critical-thinkers, persons, citizens and learners. However, many researchers and especially practitioners do not formally use PM to conduct L activities, at least in many cases, this is not made explicitly. In the case of practitioners, some have conducted such activities empirically, without an appropriate methodological foundation. Hence, to establish PM as the methodologies of choice may help researchers and practitioners have a stronger methodological basis to conduct their work.

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.

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.

Using SEM-PLS to assess users satisfaction of library service quality: evidence from Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 240-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Hosseinikhah Choshaly ◽  
Marva Mirabolghasemi
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Information Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Library User ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of Libqual+™ dimension (affect of services, information control and Library as a place) on user satisfaction at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using a sample of 100 students and it was analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS. The measurement model was analyzed using composite reliability, convergent and discriminate validity while the structural model was used to predict the relationships between variables. Findings The results indicated that services, information control and library as a place have a significant and positive impact on the overall satisfaction of library users, with affect of services being the most important predictor of library user satisfaction. Practical implications Overall, users are satisfied with the services provided by the UKM library. Results from this study will help librarians to make better decisions in providing effective services and fulfilling the library’s vision and mission. Originality/value The study provides insight into the UKM University how to use LibQual+™ dimension to improve user’s satisfaction.

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.

On the Horizon: The 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Part 1

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Martin Kesselman
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Las Vegas ◽  
Conference Report ◽  
Consumer Electronics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Industry ◽  
Library Users ◽  
User Communities ◽  
Library User

Purpose – This paper aims to review the highlights, new technologies and trends presented at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Design/methodology/approach – Conference report. Findings – This report demonstrates the importance of learning about these technologies and trends and possible implications for libraries, not only for possible library applications but also to be aware of new technologies that are being used by library user communities. Originality/value – The CES is the premiere event for the 200-billion dollar consumer technology industry and where new products are introduced and highlighted, some of which may have applicability to libraries and library users.

scholarly journals Management of acceptable use of computing facilities in the public library: avoiding a panoptic gaze?

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 572-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Gallagher ◽  
David McMenemy ◽  
Alan Poulter
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Features

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the language utilised in Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) in Scottish public libraries. Through this examination the paper aims to ascertain if power relationships between local authorities, public libraries and users are apparent. Finally, the paper aims to determine if Foucault’s theory of panopticism is relevant to public libraries in this context. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses all 32 of the AUPs used in Scottish public libraries, applying a Foucaldian discourse analysis to the content of the policies. Findings – By thorough examination of the literature the researchers were able to extract ten key features that ought to appear in an AUP. It was found that only one of 32 local authorities included information relating to all of these features. It was also found that one local authority contained as few as four of these key features. The median number of features included in the policies was seven. It was also found that power relationships are evident and can be perceived throughout the AUPs. By identifying the key Foucauldian themes of discipline, surveillance, knowledge, and power and resistance throughout the AUPs, the researchers were able to analyse and identify the existence of power relationships and consider the implications these could have on users and on the library services being provided. Research limitations/implications – The study examines one geographic region, and is only indicative of the region concerned. In addition the usage of the qualitative methodology utilised could be deemed to have elements of subjectivity. Practical implications – The study would be of benefit to researchers and professionals interested in issues around AUPs and surveillance of library users. Originality/value – The use of Foucaldian discourse analysis is limited in library and information science research, and this study helps fill this gap. It is the first study the researchers have found that critically examines a range of public library AUPs.

Decision-making experiences of public library CEOs

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 644-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Stenstrom
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Interpersonal Influence ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe the decision-making practices of public library managers in the context of interpersonal influence and evidence-based information sources, and to investigate the relationship between models of evidence-based practice and interpersonal influence in the decision-making process of public library managers. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through short audio blog posts participants made about their everyday decisions and coded considering the facets of three existing evidence-based library and information practice (EBLIP) models as well as the facets of interpersonal influence. Findings – The findings show that public library CEOs decision-making behaviours reflect the use of a variety of practices from analytical to intuitive as is expected of managers in any sector; however, a stronger reliance on gathering objective information may be present than in other sectors. Seeking multiple sources of information and a tendency towards rationalism may indicate a more sophisticated approach to decision making, but be less indicative of the practices employed more broadly. A possible outcome of these tendencies may result in discordance with external partners and collaborators. Practical implications – The findings from this study may inform the work of associations, library and information science (LIS) educators, and library managers in developing strategic directions and instructional strategies within their organisations. It is also the first study to jointly examine models of interpersonal influence and evidence-based decision-making practices in any field. Originality/value – While the study of the decision-making practices of various groups is growing, little previous research has been conducted with public library managers, and none has been undertaken in Canada.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document