scholarly journals Mind the Gap: Towards the Integration of Critical Gerontology in Public Library Praxis

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole K. Dalmer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
The Public ◽  
Critical Gerontology ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State ◽  
Aging Populations

Aging populations challenge public libraries to adapt their materials, services and programming to maximize the wellbeing and functional capacity of older adults and enhance their social participation and security. For older adult patrons using public library spaces and services, the capacity to which the public library has been able to deliver on these qualities remains unclear. In the past, libraries and library staff have been critiqued for narrowly interpreting the needs of older adults, concentrating on aging as a loss or deficit. To understand the current state of Canadian urban public library services for older adults, publically accessible texts, documents and reports made available on five public library systems' websites were analyzed. This analysis uncovered certain gaps in adherence to key guidelines in the Canadian Library Association's Guidelines on Library and Information Services for Older Adults and revealed a lack of integration of older adults' own ideas and feedback for their programs and events. The incorporation of a critical gerontology approach throughout the analysis begins to elucidate this study's findings and calls for the questioning of current conceptualizations of older adults and the library services created for them. Public libraries are uniquely poised to engage with older adults and the addition of a critical gerontology lens in library practice and research will aid in the refocusing of resources and policies to more responsively support older adults' evolving needs.

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 The importance of legislation in the provision of national and public library services in Zambia

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Zulu ◽  
Mpho Ngoepe ◽  
Nampombe Saurombe
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Library Service ◽  
National Library ◽  
The Past ◽  
Service Legislation ◽  
National Libraries ◽  
Made In

Legislation plays an important role in the provision of national and public library services. In Zambia, however, libraries that perform the functions of national and public libraries are operating without a legislative mandate. As a result, there is fragmentation of library services as there is no single institution which performs all the functions of a national library service. Although several efforts have been made in the past to enact national library service legislation, no Act of Parliament has been passed to date (2015). This study provides empirical evidence depicting the benefits of having legislation in the provision of national and public library services. The study identifies institutions that perform functions of national and public library services in Zambia. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires administered to public library staff and interviews with senior government officials and executive members of the Zambia Library Association and Zambia Library Consortium. The study recommends that appropriate legislation that puts together the functions of public and national libraries under one institution be enacted in Zambia as soon as possible. Failure to transform this pattern will jeopardise the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.

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.

Understanding public libraries’ challenges, motivators, and perceptions toward the use of social media for marketing

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Namjoo Choi ◽  
Soohyung Joo
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Library Marketing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify challenges and motivators to social media adoption for marketing purposes in public libraries and to investigate how these libraries perceive the importance of social media marketing. Design/methodology/approach A nation-wide online survey on public libraries in the USA was conducted to carry out this study, and a total number of 470 responses were used for data analysis. Findings This study determined a range of challenges and motivators to implementing social media for marketing in public libraries. The results also showed that public libraries perceive social media as an important tool for their library marketing and intend to increase their use. Practical implications The findings from this study can serve as a guideline for public libraries when employing social media for marketing purposes in their libraries. Originality/value This study assessed the current state of social media use for marketing in the public library context, a context that has been under-researched in the literature, from three perspectives: challenges, motivators, and perceptions.

scholarly journals Survey of Reading Promotion of Public Libraries in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Junling Zhao ◽  
Wenxian Ge
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Reading Programs ◽  
Reading Public ◽  
Contracting Out ◽  
Digital Platform ◽  
The Public ◽  
Current State ◽  
Reading Promotion

Reading promotion is a key service of the public library. This article investigates the current state of reading promotion in public libraries in China. There were 86 public libraries chosen as a sample. The research finds that Chinese libraries have been paying more and more attention to the importance of reading promotion. A variety of reading promotion services and programs are being carried out, including reading festivals, booklists, reading contests, reading communication and lectures on reading. Public libraries tend to apply more towards the digital platform when promoting reading. Public libraries have cooperated with NGO and business fields to promote reading. This study suggests more can be done to improve the service, including improving the librarian's knowledge of genre books, enhancing reading communication, deeply investigating measurement of reading promotion, and the influence of contracting out reading programs.

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.

scholarly journals Trajetória da biblioteca pública no Maranhão Provincial

2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Cesar Augusto Castro ◽  
Ana Luiza Ferreira Pinheiro
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Physical Structure ◽  
Historical Research ◽  
Ordinary People ◽  
History And Memory ◽  
Civic Society ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Past ◽  
Educational Field

Análise da trajetória da Biblioteca Pública do Maranhão desde a sua criação em 1829, no Convento do Carmo, até 1889. Formada inicialmente com o apoio dos homens da elite e de populares, desde a sua gênese até o advento da República, a Biblioteca Pública passou por diversas situações, ora de pleno abandono e ora de apogeu. Nesse particular, resgata-se o ofício do bibliotecário e diretores que fizeram brotar as iniciativas para a “socialização” do livro e da leitura no Maranhão oitocentista. A partir desta pesquisa histórica, pode-se compreender o papel que a mesma assumiu na formação da intelectualidade maranhense e na constituição do campo educacional, sendo o espaço privilegiado de convergência de idéias e saberes de professores, jornalistas, políticos o que ensejou na fundação da Oficina dos Novos, Sociedade Cívica das Datas Nacionais, Academia Maranhense de Letras, jornais, revistas e outras ações que favoreceram a São Luis ser denominada de Atenas Brasileira. Para o resgate dessa trajetória pesquisou-se em fontes como jornais, relatórios e falas de Presidentes de Província, legislação, iconografias entre outros documentos que possibilitaram traçar os seus caminhos e descaminhos, na constituição do seu acervo e da sua estrutura física. Conclui-se que esta pesquisa ao revisitar o passado revela as contradições na formação das bibliotecas públicas e abre-se um debate para a necessidade de investigações que busquem fazer emergir a história e memória dessas instituições no Brasil. Abstract Analysis of the path of Public Library of Maranhão since its creation in 1829, in Carmo Convent, to 1889. It was formed initially with the support of the elite and the ordinary people, since its genesis until the advent of Republic, the Public Library has been put under different situations, sometimes of complete abandon and others of peak. In this matter, it is rescued the work of librarians and directors that have created the initiatives for the ´socialization´ of the book and reading in Maranhão in the 80´s. From this historical research it is possible to comprehend the role that it has taken in the background of maranhense intelectuality and in the constitution of the educational field, it has been the privileged space of convergent ideas and knowledge of teachers, journalists and politicians that encouraged the foundation of the Oficina dos Novos (Workshop of Novice), Sociedade Civica das Datas Nacionais (Civic Society of National Dates), Academia Maranhense de Letras ( Maranhense Academy of Letters), newspapers, magazines and other actions which helped São Luis to be named as Brazilian Athens. For the rescue of this path, it was made researches on sources as such: newspapers, reports and speeches of Presidents of the Province, legislation, iconography among other documents that made possible to find its ways and non-ways, in the constitution of its heritage and its physical structure. It is concluded that this research by looking back to the past reveals the contradictions in the formation of public libraries and it also opens a debate to the necessity of investigations that bring out the history and memory of these institutions in Brazil.

Changes in Customer Behavior

2011 ◽  
pp. 230-236
Author(s):  
R. Wright Rix
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Information Access ◽  
Public Library ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Research Information ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Past ◽  
Customer Preferences ◽  
Online Tools

Today’s library customers exhibit a decreasing tendency to regard the public library as the primary local repository of research information. The rise of the Internet is at the root of this and many other changes that have taken place in public libraries during the past twenty years. Customer preferences have shifted away from print tools in favor of the simplest available online tools. A pervasive user expectation is that information access should be free, easy, and immediate. Information literacy issues continue to occupy a growing portion of librarians’ time. As customer needs and expectations evolve, so must the library’s services and products.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document