scholarly journals A Survey on the Teenagers’ Need of Public Libraries’ Resources and Services

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 295
Author(s):  
Asefeh Asemi
Keyword(s):  
Leisure Time ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Title Page ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Inferential Statistics ◽  
The Public ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Descriptive Method

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>This paper discusses teenagers’ need of library resources and library services in the public libraries in Iran. Descriptive method is used and a researcher-made questionnaire formed the major instrument for data gathering. Descriptive and inferential statistics are applied. It found that teenagers’ need is more textbooks than other resources, </span><span>of course their first priority is educational books. It means that the teenagers interest to educational books, but it </span><span>wasn’t their main need. Most used library services was familiarity to library while adolescents need to expand and improve lending services. Finally, it was concluded that libraries were less successful in meeting the teenagers’ need based on their priorities. Therefore, libraries need to be equally important in the development of their resources and services based on the priorities and needs. In this way, their needs are answered, and according to their priority, the library will answer their leisure time according to teenagers’ interest. </span></p></div></div></div>

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 FORMATION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY MODEL IN THE CONDITIONS OF UNITED TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF THE SOUTH OF UKRAINE

2021 ◽  
pp. 12-20
Author(s):  
Irina Burmis
Keyword(s):  
Information Technologies ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
The South ◽  
The Public ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Library Network ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Purpose of the article. The analysis of the specificities of formation of the public library model in the conditions of creation of the united territorial communities (UTC) of the South of Ukraine. The methodology of the research is based on the complex of general methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization, and modeling) and approaches (system, socio-communicative, modernization). The scientific novelty of the work is to conducta comprehensive study of the possibility of choosing libraries of Odesa, Kherson, and Mykolayiv a certain profile and their own path of development in the formation of UTC as centers of legal and regional information in the form of centers of public initiatives, socio-communication platforms, multimedia mobile libraries or multicultural centers. Conclusions. Suggestions that are based on the comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed models of reforming the library network are made regarding the development of the optimal model of functioning of public libraries in the South of Ukraine, which provides for the following important elements. Firstly, automation, that is based on the development and implementation of the newest information technologies, which, in turn, activates the material and technical base modernization, organization structure, and the library staff training; providing new services or products. Secondly, renovating the activity and staff management methods. Thirdly, providing stable financing to UTC possibilities, applying marketing and advertising technologies of library activity popularization according to the UTC functioning. Next, saving the valuable stuff resource and technologies in library staff’ work. Then, organizing the UTC public library work as the informative intelligent center, cultural and leisure space, that is discovered on the Chornomorska library example. Finally, the introduction of non-stationary library services on the basis of the Law of Ukraine«On territorial communities’ cooperation». Key words: public libraries, the South of Ukraine, united territorial communities (UTC), modernization,model, profiling.

scholarly journals Library Services to Diverse Communities in Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3/4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Agustín-Lacruz ◽  
Julia Saurin-Parra
Keyword(s):  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Public ◽  
Diverse Communities

Public libraries have developed standards to provide reading and information services to diverse populations. This has helped the public library to fulfil an informal educational and social role, particularly in engaging traditionally excluded groups, such as the Roma minority in Spain. However, well-developed library initiatives in Spain are scarce; in addition, culturally sensitive services do not thrive, and research and reflection on this reality from the library standpoint are rare. The overarching goal of this article is to provide librarians with suggestions for improved services for the Roma community in Spain. It is achieved through the critical analysis of public library services to the Roma community that currently exist in the European Union. Based on this analysis, practical suggestions are offered.

scholarly journals Lydbogsbrugere og folkebiblioteket

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (83) ◽  
pp. 119-141
Author(s):  
Birgitta Wallin ◽  
Katarina Michnik ◽  
Catarina Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
The Public ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
Digital Books ◽  
High Level

The use of audiobooks has risen significantly during the last few years in Sweden, a trend reflected in increasing demands for public libraries to provide their users with these books. Digital books are by no means a new phenomenon in public libraries, but the marked interest in borrowing audiobooks and new ways of distributing have led to changes in public libraries’ digital services and a redistribution of media budgets. This article describes who the audiobook users are and which other media they use. Building on this information, the article asks what challenges the demographic data of audiobook users – such as gender, age, and level of education – may pose for public libraries. Based on a quantitative analysis of survey data from Sweden, it is concluded that audiobook use is more common among young, well-educated people with a high level of digital literacy. Subscription services appear to be more popular among audiobook users, as their sale numbers are higher than lending numbers at public libraries. Nevertheless, the conclusions are that audiobooks have a place in public libraries, as they increase the service to communities and have the potential to reach new users. However, it is unclear if public libraries are reaching new groups by offering audiobooks; although the use of digital public library services is increasing, these services are mainly used by people who are already library visitors, and the public library seems to be primarily associated with the printed book.

User Perception about the Services in the Central Library of Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu: An Analytical Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-80
Author(s):  
N. Sundareswaran ◽  
E. S. Kavitha
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Social Institution ◽  
Search Pattern ◽  
Library Services ◽  
User Perception ◽  
The People ◽  
Library Resources

Public libraries are called the social institution that of the people by the people and for the people and it is always called ‘People’s University’ too as it provides education to all and to improve Information literacy, empowerment, and cultural heritage. This study has made an attempt to examine the current trends of user perception in terms of library services and availability of resources in public libraries in one of the western Tamil Nadu State particularly Tiruppur District Central Public Library. This study highlighted the various elements such as the gender and age wise distribution, Marital status and Educational qualifications, Occupation, and Membership, Residence, Availability of library resources, Frequency of Library visit, and Time spent in Library, Purpose of visiting the Library, Information search pattern, Level of satisfaction in terms of library services and resources were discussed. A total number of 200 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents who are actively participated at Tiruppur district public library. Out of 200 samples, we received only 177 dully filled questionnaires were returned. Further, all the valued data tabulated and interpreted with relevant statistical tools for better results.

scholarly journals Public libraries in the "age of austerity": income generation and public library ethos

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (117) ◽  
pp. 20-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hartwig Pautz ◽  
Alan Poulter
Keyword(s):  
Research Methods ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Spending ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Supplementary File ◽  
Income Generation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Spending Cuts ◽  
Additional Income

The budgets of Britain’s public services have been under sustained pressure and public libraries are no exception to public spending cuts in today’s “age of austerity”. Librarians increasingly try to supplement shrinking budgets by employing a variety of income generation methods. But are these methods always in line with the public library ethos? This article presents data showing what British librarians hold to be the public library ethos, what they undertake to generate extra income to maintain public library services and whether they think that their efforts to generate additional income are ever in contradiction to the public library ethos. The article is based on survey and interview data produced in 2013 and also provides, in a Supplementary File, a comprehensive list of income generation methods. The research methods only allowed for the production of non-generalisable data.

A study to evaluate the digitization level of Korean libraries (part I)

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 314-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Younghee Noh
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Wide Margin ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Library Program ◽  
Reference Service

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discover and enumerate the elements of the digital library and measure how much an individual library was equipped with the characteristics of the digital library accordingly. Design/methodology/approach – For this purpose several steps were taken. First, research on the characteristics and the representative services of the digital library were comprehensively reviewed. Second, examples of the library services that were being considered for the next generation digital library were investigated to compare with the conventional library services. Third, the elements of the conventional and the digital libraries initially extracted were examined by ten experts. These experts were composed of researchers and professors specializing in digital libraries, and career librarians who had worked in the digital library field for at least ten years. The elements were verified through discussions with them. Fourth, 19 university libraries, 16 public libraries, and 17 special libraries were selected in accordance with the verified elements of the conventional and the digital libraries to measure the digitization level of the libraries. Findings – The following is a summary of the evaluation of the first eight evaluation items, which are covered in Part 1 of this study. The remaining five items will be covered in Part 2. First, the digitization level of the acquisition element and classification and cataloguing was significantly high. Second, book collections excluding “digital video,” reference service, library program service, and space service showed significantly conventional characteristics. Third, in the element of circulation services, the item of lending books offline and returning the books scored 92.64 and the item of lending-returning with use of smart devices and social media obtained significantly low scores. Also, the average in using the book return desk for the circulation service was 81.39, much higher than using the automatic book return machine, which scored 18.61, by a wide margin. Fourth, in the element of user services, the digital item of providing support for mobile services related to the library resources demonstrated higher scores than the conventional item, but other items showed more conventional characteristics. In particular, the item of duplication services for material scored 94.99, but other items such as support for publication/bookbinding services using digital publication tools and devices obtained significantly low scores. Originality/value – This study is first study in the world to measure the level of digitization of the library. Therefore, hereafter, each library will be able to measure and determine its digital position based on these elements. Up to now, some research was performed in pursuit of extracting the elements of a library but it has relied solely on literature review. Comprehensive research had never been performed as in this study.

Role of Public Libraries in Building Knowledge Society

2020 ◽  
pp. 267-283
Author(s):  
N. Nageswari ◽  
R. Natarajan
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Social Institution ◽  
The Public ◽  
The People ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Gender Status ◽  
Library Resources

The library is a social institution. Libraries form a vital part of the world's social and educational system. They are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying knowledge to the doors of those who require it, so that it can be fruitfully utilized both by the educated and the uneducated. Knowledge is available through books, films, recordings, and other media. People in all walks of life use library resources for their day-to-day life. A public library is a social organization, supported by public funds, which provides for self-education, free information on social, economic, cultural, and recreational needs of all members of rural and urban classes of the society. It serves the public without any discrimination of caste, creed, age or gender, status, and educational attainments. It is, therefore, described as ‘People's University'. It is a democratic institution of the people, by the people, and for the people. The study reveals that the majority of the respondents, 73 (11.62%) belonging to the age group of 56-65 years visited the library to read Tamil newspapers.

scholarly journals Our Future, Our Skills: Using Evidence to Drive Practice in Public Libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Gillian Hallam ◽  
Robyn Ellard
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
High Response Rate ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Skills Gap ◽  
The Public ◽  
Research Activities

Abstract Objective – The public library sector’s future prosperity is contingent upon a well-trained, experienced, and valued workforce. In a collaborative initiative, State Library Victoria (SLV) and the Public Libraries Victoria Network (PLVN) commissioned an in-depth research study to examine the skills requirements of staff across the State. The Our Future, Our Skills project sought to identify the range of skills used by public library staff today, to anticipate the range of skills that would be needed in five years’ time, and to present a skills gap analysis to inform future training and development strategies. Methods – The project encompassed qualitative and quantitative research activities: literature review and environmental scan, stakeholder interviews, focus groups and a workforce skills audit. The research populations were staff (Individual survey) and managers (Management survey) employed in 47 library services, including metropolitan, outer metropolitan and regional library services in Victoria. Results – The high response rate (45%) reflected the relevance of the study, with 1,334 individual and 77 management respondents. The data captured their views related to the value of their skillsets, both now and in five years’ time, and the perceived levels of confidence using their skills. The sector now has a bank of baseline evidence which has contributed to a meaningful analysis of the anticipated skills gaps. Conclusions – This paper focuses on the critical importance of implementing evidence-based practice in public libraries. In an interactive workshop, managers determined the skills priorities at both the local and sectoral levels to inform staff development programs and recruitment activities. A collaborative SLV/PLVN project workgroup will implement the report’s recommendations with a state-wide workforce development plan rolled out during 2015-17. This plan will include a training matrix designed to bridge the skills gap, with a focus on evaluation strategies to monitor progress towards objectives. The paper provides insights into the different ways in which the project workgroup is using research evidence to drive practice.

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