Library services for all ages – building economical, equal, and complete audio collections

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 116-142
Author(s):  
Hui-Lan H. Titangos
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Limited Budget ◽  
Development Experience ◽  
Library Professionals ◽  
Library Collections

Purpose To provide library service to users of all ages has been one of the primary missions of county libraries since 1908 when the first branch of the first county library system was born in Sacramento as a proud milestone in the history of California public library. It has been a constant challenge to local governments and library staff members alike, especially when there are economic downturns or many priority programs to balance with. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach The paper introduces an innovative methodology in collection development to promote the concept that library collections, traditional or digital, can serve users of all ages as long as they can be adaptable to meet the changing needs of users, and compatible with changing information technologies. Findings By examining the process of an audio collection integrated as part of library collections and deeply rooted in users’ lives, the author reports the findings in the following areas: developing a robust audio collection catering to all users at Santa Cruz Public Libraries, despite technological changes and limited budget; getting involved in the whole organization’s programs and projects by collaborations; offering innovative promotion approaches; providing comprehensive subject coverage and always keeping the local community in mind; and evolving constantly to make technologies your friends, not foes. Research limitations/implications The paper analyzes a successful collection development experience in audio collections to strive to realize the original county library’s ideal to serve users of all ages in California. Practical implications The successful collection development experience is useful not only for acquisition librarians, but a much broader audience such as library managers in charge of library material budgets. Social implications The findings point out a number of social implications confronting library professionals worldwide. They include conflicts between users’ real needs vs our assumptions, limited budget vs expanding coverage, and library services vs the nature of technology. Originality/value The paper helps library professionals to develop, maintain, and succeed in their short- and long-term goals in collection development.

scholarly journals Free and for all? A comparative study of programs with user fees in North American and Danish public libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 103-115
Author(s):  
Noah Lenstra ◽  
Mia Høj Mathiasson
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
User Fees ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Cross National

PurposeAs a research topic within the field of LIS, programs in public libraries are underexplored, and the question of user fees for programs has not previously been addressed.Design/methodology/approachThis article compares data collected from two individually conducted studies of public library programs in North America and Denmark to enrich our understanding of user fees in relation to programs.FindingsThe comparative analysis shows both similarities and deviations regarding the levying of fees for library programs. While paying a fee to attend a program is rather normal in Denmark, it is more of a fringe idea in North America.Research limitations/implicationsBy exploring a previously understudied facet of contemporary public librarianship, this article opens up new avenues for inquiry regarding how the relative accessibility and availability of programs relate to theoretical discussions about programs as public library services.Practical implicationsThis article provides library managers with needed information about how to conceptualize the roles of programs as public library services.Social implicationsAs programming surges to the fore in contemporary public librarianship, the levying of user fees has social implications in terms of social equity and the public library ethos of free and equal access for all.Originality/valueThis article is the first study of user fees for public library programs, as well as among the first cross-national comparisons of programming as a dimension of public librarianship.

scholarly journals Big data analysis of public library operations and services by using the Chernoff face method

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 466-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-seok Kim ◽  
Louise Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Big Data Analysis ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Research ◽  
R Programming

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conduct a big data analysis of public library operations and services of two cities in two countries by using the Chernoff face method. Design/methodology/approach The study is designed to evaluate library services by analyzing the Chernoff face. Big data on public libraries in London and Seoul were collected, respectively, from Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and the Korean government’s website for drawing a Chernoff face. The association of variables and human facial features was decided by survey. Although limited in its capacity to handle a large number of variables (eight were analyzed in this study) the Chernoff face method does readily allow for the comparison of a large number of instances of analysis. A total of 58 Chernoff faces were drawn from the formatted data by using the R programming language. Findings The study reveals that most of the local governments in London perform better than those of Seoul. This consequence is due to the fact that local governments in London operate more libraries, invest more budgets, allocate more staff and hold more collections than local governments in Seoul. This administration resulted in more use of libraries in London than Seoul. The study validates the benefit of using the Chernoff face method for big data analysis of library services. Practical implications The Chernoff face method for big data analysis offers a new evaluation technique for library services and provides insights that may not be as readily apparent and discernible using more traditional analytical methods. Originality/value This study is the first to use the Chernoff face method for big data analysis of library services in library and information research.

scholarly journals New Consortial Model for E-Books Acquisitions

2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Swindler
Keyword(s):  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Oxford University ◽  
Electronic Environment ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Oxford University Press ◽  
Library Collections

E-books constitute major challenges for library collections generally and present fundamental problems for consortial collection development specifically. The Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN) and Oxford University Press (OUP) have created a mutually equitable and financially sustainable model for the consortial acquisition of e-books coupled with print titles needed to support instruction and research across the disciplinary spectrum within a transitional framework that is acceptable to users while moving both libraries and publishers to a decidedly electronic environment for monographs. Working with YBP Library Services, TRLN and OUP developed a flexible vending model for systematically increasing e-books acquisitions in tandem with reducing print intake over time and keeping net costs constant that other consortia and publishers would find useful. This article focuses on creating an acceptable and sustainable model that allows libraries to shift to e-books and the implications for traditional cooperative collection development. The research reports on the principles undergirding the pilot, how it developed, challenges encountered and lessons learned, librarian and user reactions to this format shift, and resulting philosophical and practical evolutions in consortial approaches to monographic acquisitions and understandings of what constitutes cooperative collections success in a digital environment.

Crowd funding in libraries: by the people and for the people

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 12-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarika Sawant
Keyword(s):  
Nongovernmental Organizations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Success Stories ◽  
The People ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Library Professionals

Purpose Crowd funding is a method to raise funds for a specific cause or project by asking a large number of people to donate money, usually in small amounts, and usually during a relatively short period, such as a few months. This paper aims to explore the global as well as Indian crowd funding platforms and literature as well to find out the success stories of crowd funding. Design/methodology/approach General literature was reviewed. Various crowd funding platforms were scanned, especially Indian, to find the successful crowd funding stories. Findings It was found that plenty of crowd funding initiatives have been taken in India, especially to build libraries, to decorate libraries, for collection development, to provide services, etc. Nongovernmental organizations/trusts are the ones who are undertaking these initiatives. There is a need to create awareness of such activities by experienced library professionals/nonprofessionals who have done crowd funding and for them to share their experiences and practices of crowd funding among other professionals, so that others can also explore such methods. Originality/value This paper promptly presents the Indian crowd funding initiatives and the success stories.

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.

scholarly journals Innovative public library services – staff-less or staff-intensive?

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 469-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Gustav Johannsen
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Initiatives ◽  
Library Development ◽  
Self Service

Purpose – Several recent library innovations seem to make professional and clerical staff superfluous such as automated loan and delivery equipment, staff-less libraries open in 80 hours a week, and virtual services, enabling users to search the library catalogue and make reservations of library materials from their home address. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether such developments will necessarily lead to a situation where public libraries become self-service institutions or to what extent self-service and innovative staff-intensive library services can develop and co-exist. Furthermore, the paper will examine what challenges library leaders face and what they can do, and actually have done, to handle staff resistance and other related problems to the benefit of both the users, the local communities, and also, the staff, in particular, when introducing new and innovative services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the author's evaluations of two recent Danish library development projects. Both evaluations are based on empirical data and apply quantitative (questionnaires) as well as qualitative (interviews, observations) methods. Findings – The findings reveal that staff attitudes toward staff-less libraries, and – more surprising – also toward more staff-intensive practices have been somewhat reluctant and skeptical. The paper also presents leadership initiatives which have proved to handle such resistances constructively. Originality/value – The paper contains a first-hand report on the results of a recent (2011-2012) unique, full-scale, Danish public library development project, investigating the experiences with pro-active and guest-customer relationships within a public library setting.

scholarly journals Efficiency Analysis of Public Library Services Based on Establishing Entity and Outsourcing

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (21) ◽  
pp. 9205
Author(s):  
Changhee Kim ◽  
Hyunjung Kim ◽  
Kanghwa Choi
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Sustainable Performance ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Excess Quantity ◽  
Using Data

This study investigates the difference in service efficiency based on establishing entity and outsourcing in 847 public libraries in Korea. The public libraries were categorized into three types based on establishing entity and outsourcing, where Type 1 libraries are those established and directly managed by the Office of Education under the central government, Type 2 libraries are established and directly managed by local governments, and Type 3 libraries are established by local governments and their operations are outsourced. Each library type was analyzed and compared using data envelopment analysis (DEA), and results found that public libraries established by local governments are more efficient than those established by the central government, while outsourcing operations improved the efficiency of public libraries. Further analysis of the projection point and excess quantity of input showed that the main cause of inefficiency for Type 1 libraries is the library area, and for Types 2 and 3, the number of periodicals. This study provides guidelines for the sustainable performance of public library services based on the factors of foundation and operational patterns.

scholarly journals Perceived outcomes of public libraries in Finland, Norway and the Netherlands

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (5) ◽  
pp. 927-944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pertti Vakkari ◽  
Svanhild Aabø ◽  
Ragnar Audunson ◽  
Frank Huysmans ◽  
Marjolein Oomes
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Measurement Instrument ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Web Surveys ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare the perceived benefits of public libraries and their structure in the major areas of life between Finland, Norway and the Netherlands. Design/methodology/approach – The data were based on representative samples of Finnish, Norwegian and Dutch adult library users. In Finland a mail survey was used and in Norway and the Netherlands web surveys were used for data collection. The distribution of the proportion of those benefiting from the library in various areas of life at least sometimes was compared across countries. The structure of benefits was compared across countries by factor analysis. Findings – The results showed that the level of the nineteen benefits observed was considerably higher, and the range of benefits remarkably broader in Finland compared to Norway and the Netherlands. It is likely that the greater supply of library services in Finland compared to the other two countries explains the differences in benefits derived from the public library. The study validated the measurement instrument for the perceived overall outcomes of public libraries. Research limitations/implications – Comparing only three countries is too limited for producing valid results on the relations between the supply of library services and their use and the benefits derived from that use. Analyzing these associations in a larger sample of countries would create reliable results also for policy making. Practical implications – The policy implications of these findings are discussed. Originality/value – This is the first across-country comparison observing perceived benefits of public libraries across major areas of life.

Non-traditional library collections – in digital and other worlds

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 165-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Michnik ◽  
Catarina Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Sustainable Society ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
The Public ◽  
Digital World ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Library Collections

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to study how public libraries argue for the inclusion of non-traditional library collections and to identify public library objectives related to these collections. Design/methodology/approach – The data was collected through a Web survey which was sent to public library managers in all Swedish municipalities. Data were analyzed using a model in which public library practices are divided into three categories relating to the public library’s goals, activities and tools. Findings – Three different main arguments are used to support the introduction of non-traditional collections: as a contribution to public library goals or activities to attract non-users and as the result of external requests or needs. Through analysis of the survey results, the public library’s common goal, a socially sustainable society, was identified. Other library goals identified were an environmentally sustainable society and an improved library. Practical implications – The results may inspire practitioners to reflect upon how non-traditional collections are related to library goals and activities and what consequences their inclusion may have for the library. For example, if non-traditional collections are used only to attract new users, there is a risk of creating expectations that the library cannot live up to. Originality/value – Today, focus is placed on the conditions for public libraries in the digital world. It is easy to overlook the importance of non-traditional library collections, and the role they fulfill. This article draws attention to these collections and their possible consequences for public libraries.

American Indians in feature films: beyond the big Screen

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 121-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisy V. Domínguez
Keyword(s):  
Native American ◽  
American Indian ◽  
American Indians ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Feature Film ◽  
American Experience ◽  
Feature Films ◽  
Library Collections

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether library collections accurately represent the breadth of portrayals of American Indians in feature film. It also provides collection development resources for developing and strengthening feature film collections by and about American Indians. Design/methodology/approach – This study compares WorldCat holdings of a sample of theatrically released films about American Indians with independent American Indian-made films. Findings – WorldCat holdings as a whole do not represent the breadth of portrayals of American Indians in feature film. Originality/value – There are no studies that examine library holdings of feature films by and about American Indians. This paper presents an opportunity to examine our collecting habits and recommends resources for building feature film collections that better represent the manifold Native American experience.

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