scholarly journals ‘It is unbelievable how many come to us’:

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 26-45
Author(s):  
Mariana Gustafsson ◽  
Elin Wihlborg
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Central Function ◽  
Democratic Communities ◽  
Community Library

In advanced, digitalized democratic communities the demands for literacy are a prerequisite for engagement and inclusion, at the same time different forms of divides are omnipresent. By providing access and qualified support to all citizens, public libraries play a central function in the building of democratic and inclusive local communities, being increasingly relied upon by governments to deliver access and support for e-services. Based on a case study of community library services in Sweden, Östergötland, this paper aims to study digital inclusion as reflected in daily practices through the perspective of librarians. In this paper we argue that while advancing digitalisation involves opening of new access and engagement opportunities through empowering digital tools and Internet, it also involves different challenges of exclusion for those who cannot use, choose not to use or have other needs

scholarly journals Public Libraries Worked in the Tohoku Mega-disaster

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Vårheim
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Recovery ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Local Information ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Success Stories ◽  
The Usa

Public libraries play important roles during disaster recovery, even when other government actors fail. Libraries are centers of local information and have local knowledge. Patrons, as well as government agencies and NGOs, benefit from public libraries’ local grounding. Along with their local communities, many public libraries in the Tohoku region of Japan were severely damaged in the earthquake and tsunami of 3.11.2011. The nuclear accident in Fukushima following the tsunami meant that libraries in the evacuated zone were abandoned. Disaster recovery is difficult to handle and few success stories are found. Studies show that where other public services have failed, public libraries have been successful in disaster recovery. The literature on the role of libraries in disaster recovery is scant and only a few cases have been studied, all in the USA. This three-case study shows that libraries worked, that is, library services were offered and were helpful in areas where libraries had been completely demolished in the Japanese prefectures of Iwate and Miyagi.

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.

Exploring the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge Into Public Library Services With an Inclusive Intent Using a Critical Theory Lens

2020 ◽  
pp. 266-285
Author(s):  
Maned Mhlongo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Critical Theory ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Multiple Case

Despite legislative and regulatory frameworks that have paved the way for transformation and inclusivity of public libraries in South Africa, there seems to be little or no integration of indigenous knowledge (IK). The exclusion of IK from public library services has potential to counteract efforts towards the provision of inclusive services. This chapter demonstrates how critical theory was used as a lens in a multiple case study that explored the integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) into services of public libraries in South Africa. Looking at the articulation of IK, services that are provided to ensure inclusivity, and issues that impact on IK integration in public libraries, semi-structured interviews were conducted from purposefully selected heads of provincial library services in South Africa. Thematic analysis was used. Using critical theory to frame the analysis, findings indicate understanding of aspects of IK including its oral nature. A paucity of engagement with IK as an aspect of inclusive service provision was noted.

scholarly journals Powering digital communities: How Public Libraries Can Foster Digital Inclusion and Digital Literacy in Ontario

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Panzarella
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Digital Economy ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Digital Communities ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The People

In the digital age, many aspects of life increasingly rely on the use of technology. In response to this shift toward digitization, it is important to ensure that the people of Ontario not only have adequate access to digital tools, but also the skills to operate such equipment. However, several segments of Ontario’s population, including seniors, low-income individuals, and those living in rural communities, face greater barriers to meaningful participation in the digital economy because of a lack of exposure to digital tools and digital literacy. Numerous institutions and community organizations in the province, including public libraries, are working to bridge the gap in terms of skills and access. As institutions that connect patrons to technologies and digital literacy programs taught by trained literacy professionals, libraries are a crucial resource for fostering a digitally inclusive environment that prepares Ontarians with the skills required to partake in the digital economy.

Resource provision and access to indigenous knowledge in public libraries in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-287
Author(s):  
Maned Mhlongo ◽  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Multiple Case

This paper is part of a larger qualitative multiple case study that sought to explore the integration of indigenous knowledge in public libraries in South Africa. The paper draws from semi-structured interviews with selected heads of provincial library services in South Africa to determine the extent to which public libraries provide targeted resources to enhance access to IK. Results reveal that that there are no targeted resources to facilitate access to IK. Concerted efforts to facilitate access by increasing the number of libraries were noted. Notwithstanding these efforts, there seems to be a paucity of IK, which has implication for inclusive services. It is recommended that libraries look beyond enabling access to the Internet but also explore how they can further optimise ICT usage as a way of facilitating access to IK through capturing, organising and disseminating knowledge of indigenous communities.

scholarly journals ‘Talk to them like they’re people’: A cross-cultural comparison of teen-centred approaches in public library services

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062110200
Author(s):  
Ella Ornstein ◽  
Peter H. Reid
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Cross Cultural Comparison ◽  
Mind Set

The aim of this research is to observe and analyse cross-cultural examples of public libraries with strong teen services, to identify key elements of practice and approach that enable these libraries’ successful and impactful interactions with teenagers. A particular focus is placed on factors that are a matter of mind-set rather than of specific facilities, to offer these as transferable lessons that can be applied widely, including by smaller libraries and those with fewer resources. A comparative case study was conducted at two locations selected as examples of strong teen services in their respective regions: Lava and TioTretton in Sweden and Tompkins County Public Library in the United States. Data were collected via interviews, observation and document analysis. Key factors identified as contributing to successful, teen-centred services include providing a space, no matter how small, that is solely for teens, where they can experience a sense of ownership and belonging; according teens the same respect as any other library visitor; creating a space that is comfortable and actively signals that everyone is welcome; letting teens take the lead, with staff following their interests and serving as facilitators for their projects; creating flexibility in spaces and programming; employing staff who have varied expertise and genuinely enjoy working with young people; mingling and interacting with visitors; and continually re-evaluating and improving practices.

scholarly journals Using Open Data to Inform Public Library Branch Services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karalyn Rose Ostler ◽  
Bree Norlander ◽  
Nic Weber
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Potential Development

This article describes the curation and use of open demographic data to inform public library services. A case study of census data curated for the Seattle Public Library (SPL) system is described. To understand the information needs of library branches, a set of SPL regional managers were interviewed, a set of use cases were created, and a prototype dashboard tool using open census data was developed to address the needs of two SPL regions. The utility of available open data to meet the needs of regional managers is reviewed, as well as the potential development of replicable data analysis tools for keeping public libraries aware of shifting neighborhood demographics.

scholarly journals Back to the Future: Library Book Clubs for Individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Conner ◽  
Leah Plocharczyk
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Book Club ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Book Clubs ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
Library Services

This article provides context for library services for individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and then provides a case study and preliminary data on new efforts in the field for public libraries, school media centers, and academic libraries connected with the educational system. While many libraries are dedicated to serving diverse populations, they have done little to support individuals with ID who have difficulty using library services and accessing their collections. Efforts to advertise, to develop specialized collections, and to utilize assistive technology have floundered on high costs and low returns. These shortcomings are especially critical for adults with ID. While the law mandates the inclusion of individuals with ID in the public school system, there are few opportunities for education, employment, or socializing for those who age out; the library, as a fundamental public institution, is one of the few resources available to them. For the benefit of both libraries and adults with ID, it is critical that libraries develop improved services for this group of patrons. The case study in this article provides data on a book club for persons with ID held at an academic library and based on the model of the Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) organization. By comparing data between the case study and 30 similar book clubs at public libraries throughout the nation, the article develops a profile of what these book clubs do and how to measure their successes. We conclude that such clubs represent a low-cost, effective way for libraries to support persons with ID that helps libraries fulfill their mission of serving diverse groups and provides critical support to this particular population.

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