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.

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.

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.

The mindset of activity-based working

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari Anna Chatarina Skogland
Keyword(s):  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Architectural Drawings ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Work Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Actual Use ◽  
The Right

Purpose The study aims to provide insight on the relationship between a newly implemented workplace concept, its intentions, the actual use and ultimately its ability to function as a strategic tool. By addressing the intended and unintended consequences of planned spatial arrangements, the interest lies in studying underlying factors affecting the concepts’ ability to function as a strategic tool. Design/methodology/approach The case study builds on semi-structured interviews and observational studies from a larger Norwegian organisation that recently implemented an activity-based workplace concept. Concept descriptions and architectural drawings have also been important sources to study how the concept was interpreted and used by different groups. Findings Taking a socio-material perspective, the findings illustrate that spatial aspects and different concept structures, together with issues such as employee mobility and time spent in the office, different work processes, management style and departmental cultures influenced the way the activity-based workplace concept was perceived and taken into use. Originality/value The findings indicate that social and cultural aspects may play a more significant role in the adaptation process than previously emphasised. The article further provides knowledge on how organisations, in planning and implementation of such concepts, may address the right issues to overcome challenges and achieve the higher strategic ends.

Modelling influential factors on customer loyalty in public libraries: a study of West Iran

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 810-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Keshvari ◽  
Firoozeh Zare Farashbandi ◽  
Ehsan Geraei
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Statistical Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Western Iran

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to present a model for influential factors on customer loyalty in public libraries and its evaluation in public libraries of western Iran. Design/methodology/approach – This research is a correlation study and uses a questionnaire as a data gathering tool. The statistical population consists of all members of public libraries in western Iran. The final data analysis was carried out using 467 completed questionnaires and data were analysed using SPSS19 and AMOS19 software. Findings – The findings of this study showed that perceived value has the largest influence on customer loyalty with a factor of 0.451. The second most influential factor is customer satisfaction with a factor of 0.214. Three predictor variables are the effect of the services, controlling the provided information and library as a location, which had the highest influence on perceived value of libraries’ customers. The findings also showed that perceived value with meaningfulness level of p < 0.001 and a value of 0.316 has the most influence on libraries’ customer satisfaction. Originality/value – Identifying and improving the influential factors on customer loyalty in public libraries can increase the customer return rate of these libraries. Public library managers of Iran, especially in western Iran, can use the findings of this study to improve the influential factors on customer loyalty in libraries under their care.

Canadian public libraries and search engines: barriers to visibility

2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 589-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Dickinson ◽  
Michael Smit
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Search Engine ◽  
Search Engines ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Decision Making Processes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges presented by search engine visibility for public libraries. The paper outlines the results of a pilot study investigating search engine visibility in two Canadian public libraries. 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. 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. By delving into the underlying issues which may be affecting libraries’ progress on the issue, this paper may help inform libraries’ decision-making processes and practices. 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.

The role of influence in city and public library partnerships: an exploratory study

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Stenstrom ◽  
Ken Roberts ◽  
Ken Haycock
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Service Level ◽  
Interpersonal Influence ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Models ◽  
Urban Libraries

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to discuss whether interpersonal influence impacts the success of information technology support jointly managed by public libraries and their corresponding city departments. By exploring various management models of the information technology departments serving Canada's urban public libraries, the role of interpersonal influence in these partnerships is described. Design/methodology/approach – A two-part survey was administered to all Canadian urban libraries to explore which management models exist and to determine current issues. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with exemplary sites. The survey data were used to rank dependence levels of public libraries on their corresponding cities. Using Cialdini's framework of influence, a thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data to note the presence or absence of each principle. Findings – Most Canadian urban public libraries rely on their corresponding cities for a small number of IT-related services; 25 percent have somewhat or highly integrated departmental partnerships. Interpersonal influence, particularly the principles of “authority” and “liking” are important factors in these partnerships. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to Canadian urban public libraries and explores a single service. It builds on previous studies exploring the role of influence and public libraries, and indicates the utility of further research of city and public library partnerships. Practical implications – The findings may help inform the development of Library Service Level Agreements and other shared policy documents. Originality/value – This is the first study to explore shared management models and the role of influence at the municipal level in Canadian public libraries.

Individuals' waste separation practice in a relationship with social bonds: a case study of Hanoi, Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thi Kim Nhung Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Social Bonds ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Household Waste ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sociological Approach ◽  
Waste Separation

PurposeThe paper aims to ascertain whether residents in Nguyen Du ward still sort their waste at source following the end of the 3R project that ended in 2009. Additionally, this paper aims to explore the relationship between waste separation practices and social bonds.Design/methodology/approachThe Travis Hirschi theory of social control was applied, together with the mixed method research design which included a structured questionnaire survey. Twelve semi-structured interviews were also conducted with residents and the data processed by SPSS software, using Chi-Square test, Independent-Samples t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis.FindingsA proportion of respondents has continued practicing waste separation since the 3R project ended. The study also indicated that the greater the involvement in family and neighborhood activities the more the participants were likely to practice waste separation.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size limits the extent to which the most influential factors can be determined and therefore the degree to which the findings can be generalized.Practical implicationsThe study includes implications for rerunning the waste separation programs for households as together with community campaigns to improve individuals' attachment and commitment and thus their participation in pro-environmental behaviors.Originality/valueTo the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to take a sociological approach to investigate factors affecting household waste separation, which has attracted little attention in previous studies. Useful information is also provided to local authorities for a policy-making process to implement effective domestic waste policies.

Library services enriching community engagement for dementia care: The Tales & Travels Program at a Canadian Public Library as a case study

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062110651
Author(s):  
Jiamin Dai ◽  
Joan C. Bartlett ◽  
Karyn Moffatt
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
People With Dementia

Growing dementia-friendly library services are contributing to community-based dementia care. Emerging community programs in libraries and museums provide notable opportunities for promoting engagement and inclusivity, but these programs have yet to receive in-depth assessments and analyses to guide future research and practice. This paper presents a case study examining a social and storytelling program for people with dementia run by a Canadian public library. It investigates two research questions: How can public library programs contribute to community-based dementia care? And what are public libraries’ strengths and challenges in running programs for people with dementia? The study involves participant observations of the program and semi-structured interviews with people with dementia, caregivers, and program facilitators (librarians and Alzheimer Society coordinators). Through thematic analysis of fieldnotes and transcripts, the study reveals how this inclusive platform supports engagement, fosters relationships, helps caregivers, and reaches broader communities. This research further uncovers the librarians’ diversified roles as demonstrated through their collaboration with professionals, preparation and research, and facilitation of the sessions. This paper advances librarianship research on enriching community-based dementia care, including furthering inclusivity and engagement and extending accessible library services. By analyzing library programming for the dementia community and assessing its strengths and challenges, the paper highlights librarians’ awareness of the community’s evolving needs and their collaboration with other professionals. It offers practical insights on useful resources and emerging best practices that will hopefully inspire other initiatives in which information professionals can help improve the well-being of vulnerable populations.

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