Narratives and stories that capture the library’s worth

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Calvert ◽  
Anne Goulding
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Direct Pressure

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a study exploring New Zealand library managers’ views on the purpose, outcomes and approaches to measuring library economic value and social impact. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews with library managers drawn from a purposive sample were undertaken in four main centres in New Zealand. Findings – Analysis of the interviews suggest that library managers do not feel under immediate direct pressure to provide evidence of the value and impact of their services but feel that it is important to have data available if required. There was some scepticism about the validity of quantitative data collected and some uncertainty about how to interpret and communicate it for the best outcome for the service. Strong support for qualitative “stories” or narratives was a feature of the interviews. Research limitations/implications – This was a small scale study, limited to just four centres in the North Island of New Zealand. Practical implications – Library managers may want to consider systematic methods of collecting narrative data to support quantitative data. They could also reflect on how to communicate value and impact data and information proactively, using alternative communication strategies and tools such as social media. Originality/value – There have been no previous studies of library managers’ views of measuring the value and impact of libraries in New Zealand. The focus on the purpose and outcomes of measurement in the New Zealand context is also original.

Auckland libraries as a multicultural bridge in New Zealand

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 581-600
Author(s):  
Wei Xia Lin ◽  
Eric Boamah
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Literary Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members

Purpose The purpose of this research is to explore how immigrant library users view Auckland Libraries as a multicultural bridge in New Zealand. The research explored the various factors keeping different cultures apart in the New Zealand socio cultural systems and to find out the gaps in the provision of multicultural services in Auckland public libraries. The study also discusses the specific roles Auckland public libraries play in the development of multiculturalism in New Zealand from the perspective of immigrant users. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a qualitative research approach. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 participants including five library staff members and ten users of the Auckland library. Thematic analysis (qualitative data analysis, where data is grouped into themes) was used for data analysis. Findings Participants perceive that the Auckland Library had an advantage over other citizen service institutions in the development and services of multiculturalism in New Zealand. The participants understand that language, cultural background, beliefs and values are some of the causes of gaps between different ethnic groups, and only by learning from each other can groups enhance mutual understanding between them. The services and programs Auckland Library offer to immigrant enable various interactions among different cultural groups and enhance learning from one another to facilitate their integration into the New Zealand society. The findings show that Auckland public libraries have some gaps in multicultural services. In particular, there are more than 200 different ethnicities in Auckland, but the Auckland library's website does not have the function of a multilingual search tab service, lacks a multicultural book collection and some of the existing collections of books are of low quality, low literary value and so on. The study suggests that these issues need to be improved. Research limitations/implications This was small-scale research involving the perspectives of only 15 participants. Nevertheless, the findings provide constructive insight into the development of multicultural services in Auckland libraries that can serve as a useful basis for a broader exploration of more immigrant groups in Auckland and New Zealand as a whole. Practical implications The results of this research will provide valuable information for the Auckland libraries to have a better plan for multicultural services in the future. The findings will also serve as a reference for improving multicultural services in the Auckland libraries. Originality/value Although other studies have looked at immigrants’ behavior and perception on various issues in New Zealand, this study is the first to look at how different immigrant groups percept Auckland libraries as a multicultural bridge to help integrate them.

scholarly journals Residents' perceptions of the environmental and social impact of tourism in rural areas

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sotiroula Liasidou ◽  
Christiana Stylianou ◽  
Galina Berjozkina ◽  
Zanete Garanti
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Activity ◽  
Social And Environmental Impacts

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an understanding of residents' perceptions of how tourism activity in a rural area impacts their environment as well as their economic and social lives individually and as a community.Design/methodology/approachAs a primary method of data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 residents in the rural areas of Cyprus.FindingsThe study's findings suggest that tourism activity in the rural areas provides a plethora of opportunities to residents, but comes with challenges and threats. Both social and environmental impacts are mainly for the benefit of the local communities as the engine of development. Emphasis is given to the revival of the local culture with the emergence of small and medium enterprises, along with the motivation of younger populations and women to become active entrepreneurs. However, a more holistic approach should be taken to sustainable tourism development in Cyprus, ensuring that all local communities have an opportunity to develop small-scale niche tourism products that enhance the image of rural destinations and which become a source of pride for the residents.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the literature by enhancing knowledge of the relationship between tourism and local rural communities. Shedding light on residents' perceptions by evaluating social and environmental impacts can guide government policy making and implementation.

The impact of library associations: preliminary findings of a qualitative study

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 122-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Henczel
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
National Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Associations ◽  
Evidence Of Impact ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview, including methodology and preliminary findings, of a current and ongoing doctoral research study of the impact of national library associations. The study uses the impact assessment framework provided by ISO16439:2014 Methods and procedures for assessing the impact of libraries. Design/methodology/approach – If the professional associations supporting the profession are to become sustainable we need to understand the difference they make to the individual members of the profession, to the employers of those individuals and to the profession of librarianship. This study applies the framework provided by ISO 16439:2014 to the national library association environment to explore and gather evidence of impact. To align with the ISO model, impact is differentiated into impact on individuals; social impact – institution (library or employing organization); and social impact – community (the profession). Preliminary findings show evidence of impact in all categories. Findings – Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews that were conducted with members of national library associations in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA during the third quarter of 2013. Originality/value – This study contributes to research methodologies by testing the use of a qualitative assessment tool in a way that could be transferable to other associations both within and external to the library environment and to enable it to be adapted more broadly for other purposes within the library and information environment.

scholarly journals Long-Term Study of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Prevalence and Distribution in New Zealand Shellfish

2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (7) ◽  
pp. 2320-2327 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. D. Cruz ◽  
D. Hedderley ◽  
G. C. Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Vibrio Parahaemolyticus ◽  
Most Probable Number ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Food Borne

ABSTRACTThe food-borne pathogenVibrio parahaemolyticushas been reported as being present in New Zealand (NZ) seawaters, but there have been no reported outbreaks of food-borne infection from commercially grown NZ seafood. Our study determined the current incidence ofV. parahaemolyticusin NZ oysters and Greenshell mussels and the prevalence ofV. parahaemolyticustdhandtrhstrains. Pacific (235) and dredge (21) oyster samples and mussel samples (55) were obtained from commercial shellfish-growing areas between December 2009 and June 2012. TotalV. parahaemolyticusnumbers and the presence of pathogenic genestdhandtrhwere determined using the FDA most-probable-number (MPN) method and confirmed using PCR analysis. In samples from the North Island of NZ,V. parahaemolyticuswas detected in 81% of Pacific oysters and 34% of mussel samples, while the numbers ofV. parahaemolyticustdhandtrhstrains were low, with just 3/215 Pacific oyster samples carrying thetdhgene.V. parahaemolyticusorganisms carryingtdhandtrhwere not detected in South Island samples, andV. parahaemolyticuswas detected in just 1/21 dredge oyster and 2/16 mussel samples. Numbers ofV. parahaemolyticusorganisms increased when seawater temperatures were high, the season when most commercial shellfish-growing areas are not harvested. The numbers ofV. parahaemolyticusorganisms in samples exceeded 1,000 MPN/g only when the seawater temperatures exceeded 19°C, so this environmental parameter could be used as a trigger warning of potential hazard. There is some evidence that the totalV. parahaemolyticusnumbers increased compared with those reported from a previous 1981 to 1984 study, but the analytical methods differed significantly.

scholarly journals Practitioner perspectives of multi-agency safeguarding hubs (MASH)

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-20
Author(s):  
Sarah Shorrock ◽  
Michelle M. McManus ◽  
Stuart Kirby
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Everyday Practices ◽  
Agency Practices ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The challenges of transferring the theoretical requirements of an effective multi-agency partnership into everyday practices are often overlooked, particularly within safeguarding practices. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore practitioner perspectives of working within a multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) and those factors that encourage or hinder a multi-agency approach to safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews with 23 practitioners from one MASH location in the North of England were conducted, with a thematic analysis being used to analyse findings. Findings The interviews with practitioners illustrated the complexity of establishing a multi-agency approach to safeguarding. It was inferred that whilst information sharing and trust between agencies had improved, the absence of a common governance structure, unified management system, formalisation of practices and procedures and shared pool of resources limited the degree to which MASH could be considered a multi-agency approach to safeguarding. Practical implications Establishing a multi-agency approach to safeguarding is complex and does not occur automatically. Rather, the transition to collaborative practices needs to be planned, with agreed practices and processes implemented from the beginning and reviewed regularly. Originality/value Few studies have investigated the implementation of MASH into safeguarding practices, with this paper providing a unique insight into practitioner opinions regarding the transition to multi-agency practices. Whilst there is a focus on MASH, the challenges to arise from the research may be reflective of other multi-agency partnerships, providing a foundation for best practice to emerge.

Examining the impact of political candidates on hotel revenue

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-53
Author(s):  
Amanda Belarmino ◽  
Elizabeth A. Whalen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
The State ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Political Candidates ◽  
Bandwagon Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Candidate ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of a charismatic political candidate on hotel revenue in the USA, particularly in their home states, through the lens of the bandwagon effect. Previous researchers have found that political primaries have a significant impact on hotel revenue due to travel to those states; however, there has yet to be an examination of the impact of popular political candidates on hotel revenue. Design/methodology/approach This research examined the impact of Bernie Sanders’ campaign on hotel revenue in the state Vermont due to the relatively stable demand experienced in that market. First, the researchers used forecasting methodology and t-tests to determine if there was a significant increase in hotel revenue during the time of the Sanders’ campaign for the state and for Burlington, Vermont, his campaign headquarters. Then, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with hoteliers in Vermont to determine if the Sanders’ campaign was responsible for the observed changes. Findings While the hotel revenue for the state was not significantly different than what would be expected, the hotel revenue in Burlington did see a significant increase. Hoteliers did attribute an increased awareness of the destination and some specific instances of travelers to Sanders’ campaign. Originality/value This is the first study to date to demonstrate the influence of a political candidate on hotel revenue and demonstrated that the bandwagon effect can impact hotel revenue. For hoteliers, it demonstrates that increased destination awareness can impact behavioral intentions on a small scale.

Fitness industry self-regulation: institutional or by choice?

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 506-524
Author(s):  
John Douglas MacFarlane ◽  
Sean Phelps ◽  
Nico Schulenkorf
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
Institutional Development ◽  
Institutional Pressures ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Regulation ◽  
Regulatory Systems ◽  
Fitness Industry

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to document and explore the perceptual motivations for voluntary and continued affiliation with a fitness industry register by its affiliates (“members”) and non-affiliates (“non-members”). The formation of fitness industry registers to impart self-regulation is a common global occurrence. Their sustainment, however, is reliant on the motivations and voluntary support of industry members. Limited work has been done in this area. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study uses the interpretive research paradigm, involving semi-structured interviews with 12 Auckland, New Zealand, fitness centre managers, industry associations, New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (Reps NZ) and Fitness New Zealand. Lenox’s (2006) participation-contingent benefits framework provides the necessary lens to explore the perceptual motivations behind participation/non-participation by fitness centres with an industry self-regulatory system (i.e. Reps NZ). Findings Whereas participation-contingent benefits are perceived minimal, and exceeded by affiliation limitations, there is institutional congruence for industry regulation to exist, thus creating institutional pressures that encourage affiliation and retention. Whereas affiliates choose to absorb the associated inconveniences of affiliation to “support” Reps NZ, non-affiliates question the register’s regulatory form, choosing to avoid the affiliation costs and limitations. Originality/value This study lends further support that institutional development is crucial for inclusive, substantive and sustainable self-regulatory systems. Regardless of the perceived low return on participation-contingent benefits, industry self-regulation can be sustained if there is a desire by industry members to maintain the institutional notion that the regulation needs to exist.

The failure of non‐binding declarations to achieve university sustainability

2007 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.A. Bekessy ◽  
K. Samson ◽  
R.E. Clarkson
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institute Of Technology ◽  
University Leaders ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the impact and value of non‐binding agreements or declarations in achieving sustainability in universities.Design/methodology/approachA case study of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University is presented, analysing the reasons for lack of progress towards sustainability and evaluating best ways forward. Using a timeline and analysis of historical records for the 12 years since RMIT first engaged in the sustainability agenda, major trends in the process of implementing policies are identified. Secondly, 15 semi‐structured interviews with university leaders and key sustainability stakeholders from across the university are analysed to provide insight into how and why the university has failed to achieve sustainability.FindingsNew implications for successfully achieving sustainability arise from these findings. Accountability is a key issue, as RMIT appears to reap benefits from being signatory to declarations without achieving genuine progress. To ensure that declarations are more than simply greenwash, universities must open themselves up to scrutiny of progress to determine whether commitments have been honoured.Practical implicationsRelying on small‐scale “club” activities establishing demonstrations and raising awareness is unlikely to lead to permanent change. The evidence of RMIT's engagement with sustainability shows that, for example, even when successful pilot studies are conducted, these initiatives may do little to affect the mainstream practices of a university unless certain conditions exist. Furthermore, given the on‐paper commitments institutions have made, and the role of the university in society, small‐scale and gradual changes in university practice are a far from adequate response to the urgent sustainability imperative.Originality/valueThe initial engagement of RMIT University with the sustainability agenda 12 years ago marked it as a world leader in sustainability best‐practice. Analysing how and why such a disappointing lack of action has resulted from such promising beginnings provides insight into future directions for implementing sustainability in universities. The paper argues that considering the key responsibility of universities in leading the sustainability agenda, a more systemic and serious response is required.

Efficiency of the electricity sector in Mexico 2008-2015

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 683-706
Author(s):  
César Lenin Navarro-Chávez ◽  
Odette V. Delfín-Ortega ◽  
Atzimba Díaz-Pulido
Keyword(s):  
Network Model ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Factor Rotation ◽  
The Social ◽  
Components Method

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the level of efficiency in the Mexico electricity industry during the 2008-2015 period. Design/methodology/approach A data envelopment analysis (DEA) network model is proposed, where technical efficiency is calculated. A factorial analysis using the principal components method was carried out first. Later, latent dimensions were calculated through the variance criterion and sedimentation graph, where four components were presented. After performing factor rotation, the nodes were grouped: generation, transmission, distribution and sales. It proceeded later to structure a DEA network model. Findings From the calculations made, the most efficient node was the transmission, while the North Gulf and East Center divisions were the only efficient. Research limitations/implications The limitations presented in this study were data collection. Practical implications The implications that were observed were that through the results obtained, proposals can be made to the Mexican electricity sector to improve each of the nodes, and have a better operation and reduce energy losses. Social implications The social impact of this type of study is that based on the results obtained, they present the basis for improving energy policy and users can have a better service that has better quality and coverage. Originality/value The originality of this study consists in the use of two methodologies, factor analysis methodology and DEA network model.

Building and property management framework for state schools in New Zealand

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
An Thi Hoai Le ◽  
Niluka Domingo ◽  
Eziaku Onyeizu Rasheed ◽  
Kenneth Sungho Park
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
School Boards ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
Property Management ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
State Schools

Purpose This paper aims to develop an integrated and comprehensive framework for building and property management (BAPM) for state schools in New Zealand. The results are expected to clarify the complicated process and provide a guide for school boards to manage their property effectively and efficiently. It also seeks to explore the relationship between the key stakeholders and how this impacts the BAPM. Design/methodology/approach In addition, to review literature, qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 16 top managers in state schools. The data analysis results were used to develop the framework using the integration definition for process modelling. Findings The findings contribute to understanding the processes in the BAPM in state schools of school board members by adding input, output, control and mechanism elements in each activity of the processes. The systematic models with main activities and people involved are presented as a guide for school boards in state schools in New Zealand. Challenges and issues in the processes are also identified to draw further study for both school boards and the Ministry of Education. Research limitations/implications The research was conducted with the participation of stakeholders who are sampled from top managers in state schools in New Zealand. A larger scale of participants from other schools may generalise the findings further. Practical implications The research findings are based on the needs and requirements of the stakeholders to understand, implement and control the BAPM for their schools and aid them to achieve the best value for money spending on the management. Originality/value The paper highlights the complexity of the BAPM in schools, presents the roles and responsibilities of the school stakeholders and proposes a systematic framework to assist the school managers in this management process.

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