An evaluation of the Electronic Purchasing in Consortium database marketing at a New Zealand public library

10.26686/wgtn.17006383 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Andrew Wreford Armour

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Staff Training ◽

Public Library ◽

Community Outreach ◽

Research Problem ◽

Database Marketing ◽

Product Price ◽

Face To Face ◽

Library Resources ◽

Promotional Efforts

Research problem The Electronic Purchasing in Consortium (EPIC) databases are a useful paid resource that some librarians consider to be underused. Marketing is a key means of increasing awareness and use of library resources, but research into EPIC database marketing is sparse. This study investigated ways of improving the efficiency of marketing at a New Zealand public library through conversations with library staff and a customer. Methodology Data was collected through five semi-structured face-to-face interviews and was qualitatively analysed with reference to the product, price, place and promotion of a public library’s EPIC databases. Results It was found that the library does not market its EPIC databases and that there is a connection between inadequate promotion, low customer awareness and low usage of the EPIC databases. EPIC database accessibility and staff training in database use were found to be areas in need of work. These issues were in part explained by the low priority the EPIC databases had at the library when compared with community outreach initiatives. Implications This study recommends market research be carried out, followed by targeted promotional efforts, further customer and staff training in the use of EPIC databases and more prominent web links to databases. It also recommends the library look into ways of using the EPIC databases in its customer outreach initiatives.

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Non-friction reading: Licensing requirements for e-book lending in New Zealand public libraries

10.26686/wgtn.17005576.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Amy Joseph

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Staff Member ◽

System Integration ◽

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Research Problem ◽

Strong Preference ◽

National Library

Research problem: Libraries face many challenges as they strive to provide e-books to their members, often caused by less-than-ideal licensing conditions, or publishers who will not yet license their titles to libraries for lending. This research project, developed in conjunction with a National Library of New Zealand initiative investigating collaborative ebook procurement for libraries, surveyed New Zealand public libraries in order to discover what elements of existing and proposed models would best meet the needs of their users. Methodology: a link to an online survey was emailed to public library managers, who were asked to complete the survey or delegate it to an appropriate staff member. Results: Valid responses were received from 34 of the 67 library systems contacted (response rate = 50.8). New Zealand public libraries are anticipating a large increase in spending on the provision of e-books, with the growth in spending on e-books set to outstrip growth in spending on other e-resources. They show a strong preference for perpetual access licenses, and generally tend to favour licenses that allow for control over title selection and predictability over budgets. They are concerned with system integration and would ideally like to see e-books from all their chosen vendors available through one interface that integrates with their catalogues. Libraries would like to see more New Zealand content available, and access to library e-book lending on all devices their users may choose to use.

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The Use and Ease of Access of EBooks in Public Libraries

10.26686/wgtn.17006077 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Nichola Ross

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Quantitative Methods ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Research Problem ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Staff Members ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽

Print Books ◽

Ease Of Access

Research Problem: The purpose of this research project is to examine how patrons are using the eBook collection at a New Zealand public library. Specifically the research examines the relationship between print and eBooks and how this relationship affects borrowing habits. It also explores how the eBook borrowing process for affects usage of the collection. There is little information on this topic from a library patron perspective, and even less research conducted in a New Zealand context. Methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this research. Self-completion questionnaires with a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions were offered to members of Christchurch City Libraries. A semi-structured interview was also conducted with two library staff members. Results: It can be observed that print is still the most borrowed and the favoured format. There are a number of reasons for this but the most prominent was that eBooks cannot offer the same sensations and reading experience that a print book gives. Most users were happy with using only print books though the ones that were open to trying eBooks were unable to do so as they did not own eReaders. The incompatibility of Amazon Kindles was also a reason some patrons were borrowing print books as they were unable to get the titles they wanted for their eReaders. The small size of the eBook collection was a deterrent for some users but the library is aware of this and is working towards building a larger collection with a wider selection.

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Non-friction reading: Licensing requirements for e-book lending in New Zealand public libraries

10.26686/wgtn.17005576 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Amy Joseph

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Staff Member ◽

System Integration ◽

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Research Problem ◽

Strong Preference ◽

National Library

Research problem: Libraries face many challenges as they strive to provide e-books to their members, often caused by less-than-ideal licensing conditions, or publishers who will not yet license their titles to libraries for lending. This research project, developed in conjunction with a National Library of New Zealand initiative investigating collaborative ebook procurement for libraries, surveyed New Zealand public libraries in order to discover what elements of existing and proposed models would best meet the needs of their users. Methodology: a link to an online survey was emailed to public library managers, who were asked to complete the survey or delegate it to an appropriate staff member. Results: Valid responses were received from 34 of the 67 library systems contacted (response rate = 50.8). New Zealand public libraries are anticipating a large increase in spending on the provision of e-books, with the growth in spending on e-books set to outstrip growth in spending on other e-resources. They show a strong preference for perpetual access licenses, and generally tend to favour licenses that allow for control over title selection and predictability over budgets. They are concerned with system integration and would ideally like to see e-books from all their chosen vendors available through one interface that integrates with their catalogues. Libraries would like to see more New Zealand content available, and access to library e-book lending on all devices their users may choose to use.

Download Full-text

The Use and Ease of Access of EBooks in Public Libraries

10.26686/wgtn.17006077.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Nichola Ross

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Quantitative Methods ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Research Problem ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Staff Members ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽

Print Books ◽

Ease Of Access

Research Problem: The purpose of this research project is to examine how patrons are using the eBook collection at a New Zealand public library. Specifically the research examines the relationship between print and eBooks and how this relationship affects borrowing habits. It also explores how the eBook borrowing process for affects usage of the collection. There is little information on this topic from a library patron perspective, and even less research conducted in a New Zealand context. Methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this research. Self-completion questionnaires with a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions were offered to members of Christchurch City Libraries. A semi-structured interview was also conducted with two library staff members. Results: It can be observed that print is still the most borrowed and the favoured format. There are a number of reasons for this but the most prominent was that eBooks cannot offer the same sensations and reading experience that a print book gives. Most users were happy with using only print books though the ones that were open to trying eBooks were unable to do so as they did not own eReaders. The incompatibility of Amazon Kindles was also a reason some patrons were borrowing print books as they were unable to get the titles they wanted for their eReaders. The small size of the eBook collection was a deterrent for some users but the library is aware of this and is working towards building a larger collection with a wider selection.

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Intellectual Freedom in New Zealand Public Libraries: An exploration of the variables that affect library workers’ understanding and application of intellectual freedom in the library

10.26686/wgtn.17012222 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Kathryn Hill

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Research Problem ◽

Intellectual Freedom ◽

Sample Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Face ◽

Library Staff ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Research Problem: The study aimed to ascertain New Zealand public library workers’ understanding of the principles of intellectual freedom and whether or not these principles were applied in practice. Furthermore the study sought to explore the variables that affect the attitudes and behaviours of public library workers towards intellectual freedom. Methodology: The research project used a quantitative framework employing a cross-sectional design to investigate the attitudes and behaviours of New Zealand library staff toward intellectual freedom via online self-completion questionnaires. The sample population was drawn from professional email lists NZLibs, PUBSIG-l and Te Rōpū Whakahau. Results: The 172 completed surveys revealed that respondents generally agreed with the principles of intellectual freedom that the library associations promote. However their commitment to these principles is often tested by the obligation that they feel towards library stakeholders. The results indicate that experience, education, the employer and the library association all play some role in shaping the professional attitudes and behaviours of individuals towards intellectual freedom. Implications: The results of the study suggest that more needs to do be done in regards to the education of library staff and the public on the importance of intellectual freedom within a democratic society. A stronger sense of professional identity needs to be cultivated amongst library workers to ensure they have the confidence to stand behind their professional ideals in the face of opposition. Furthermore survey results suggest that employers need to place a higher priority on both training and awareness regarding the principle of intellectual freedom within the library.

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Intellectual Freedom in New Zealand Public Libraries: An exploration of the variables that affect library workers’ understanding and application of intellectual freedom in the library

10.26686/wgtn.17012222.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Kathryn Hill

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Research Problem ◽

Intellectual Freedom ◽

Sample Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Face ◽

Library Staff ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Research Problem: The study aimed to ascertain New Zealand public library workers’ understanding of the principles of intellectual freedom and whether or not these principles were applied in practice. Furthermore the study sought to explore the variables that affect the attitudes and behaviours of public library workers towards intellectual freedom. Methodology: The research project used a quantitative framework employing a cross-sectional design to investigate the attitudes and behaviours of New Zealand library staff toward intellectual freedom via online self-completion questionnaires. The sample population was drawn from professional email lists NZLibs, PUBSIG-l and Te Rōpū Whakahau. Results: The 172 completed surveys revealed that respondents generally agreed with the principles of intellectual freedom that the library associations promote. However their commitment to these principles is often tested by the obligation that they feel towards library stakeholders. The results indicate that experience, education, the employer and the library association all play some role in shaping the professional attitudes and behaviours of individuals towards intellectual freedom. Implications: The results of the study suggest that more needs to do be done in regards to the education of library staff and the public on the importance of intellectual freedom within a democratic society. A stronger sense of professional identity needs to be cultivated amongst library workers to ensure they have the confidence to stand behind their professional ideals in the face of opposition. Furthermore survey results suggest that employers need to place a higher priority on both training and awareness regarding the principle of intellectual freedom within the library.

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Teaching Midwifery Face-to-Face or Via the Screen: The Impact of Flexible Delivery of Teaching on Student Engagement

10.26686/wgtn.17003221 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Tania Dawn Milne

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Student Engagement ◽

Video Conferencing ◽

Face To Face ◽

New Curriculum ◽

On Line ◽

Flexible Delivery ◽

Institute Of Technology ◽

Quality Learning ◽

The Impact

The aim of this research was to describe how undergraduate midwifery students’ engagement with learning is impacted when they have teaching delivered by different methods of instruction. It asks the question: does flexible delivery of teaching impact on their ability to engage in their learning? This research describes the impact of different modes of flexible delivery of teaching within a new curriculum on students in a pre-registration midwifery undergraduate programme at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), New Zealand. This new curriculum commenced in 2010 as a response to legislative and industry driven changes to midwifery education in New Zealand. The research used an on-line survey to ask students enrolled in years one and two of the programme and those who had exited the programme during the same timeframe, A range of questions about their learning experiences. Surveys were sent to 104 enrolled students and 15 students that had exited the BMid programme. Fifty two (50%) responses were received from the enrolled students and three (20%) from those that had exited the programme. There were three key findings of this research. Firstly the participants identified differences with their sense of belonging amongst their peers, tutors and the administration team outside of their regional learning hubs. The second key and unsurprising finding was that respondents across the board preferred face-to-face sessions to video conferencing sessions and thirdly that the demographic profile of the respondents from the regional learning hubs was different to those attending from the Hamilton city hub. The implications of these key findings are; · For tertiary institutions to acknowledge and consider the links between high quality learning, student engagement and outcomes. · To support the need for continuing training and education for both faculty and students with regards to flexible delivery of teaching and to provide professional development and relevant technology to support more interactive forms of learning if delivered via video conferencing or by online activities. · To further research the needs of Māori students and those who have exited the programme in order to discover what would need to change in order for them to continue with their studies.

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Negotiating Gender and Police Culture: Exploring the Barriers to Retention and Progression of Female Police Officers in New Zealand

10.26686/wgtn.17005618.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Shannon M. Chan

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Predominantly White ◽

Police Officers ◽

Working Environment ◽

Police Culture ◽

Women Officers ◽

Face To Face ◽

New Rhetoric ◽

Women's Narratives ◽

Female Police Officers

Women officers represent a minority within the New Zealand Police (Police) particularly within the senior ranks. In recent years, Police have made concerted efforts to increase women’s representation as well as improve the working environment. However, recent reviews of the 2007 Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct have reported that women continue to face barriers to full integration and furthermore, that the changes to the police culture have reached a plateau. New Zealand and international research have established that police culture continues to pose a barrier to women’s full acceptance within policing. This culture is characterised by predominantly white, heterosexual males, who form what has been described as a “cult of masculinity”. Therefore, women find they must adopt the culture in order to “fit in” and be accepted as “one of the boys”. Adopting a qualitative framework, this research involved semi-structured face-to-face interviews with sworn female police officers. Exploring female police officers’ experiences identified five pertinent barriers to women’s retention and progression. These were the emphasis on physical skills and excitement, the police camaraderie and the cult of masculinity, sexual harassment within the workplace, women’s minority status, and balancing motherhood with policing. It was found that the persistence of these barriers came back to core features of police culture. Due to the strong allegiance to the positive aspects of the police culture, such as the camaraderie, negative features such as sexual banter and harassment were subsumed within the wider culture. Negative features were tolerated and accepted as part and parcel of working in the Police. Women’s narratives demonstrated that they adhered to core police culture features and thus contributed to the sustenance of the culture. Furthermore, how women articulated their experiences and perceptions of barriers was complex and nuanced. Many held the belief that there were no longer any barriers for women in the Police, yet such positive views were in contradiction with their own experiences. The tension between “perceptions” and “reality” creates a situation where the Police currently sit at a crossroads between the “old” culture and the new rhetoric of “change”.

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Kaupapa Māori in New Zealand Public Libraries

10.26686/wgtn.17003650 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Luqman Hayes

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Classification Systems ◽

Value Systems ◽

Design Development ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Management Options ◽

Indigenous Worldviews ◽

Kaupapa Māori

It is nearly two decades since Tui MacDonald first studied the experience of Māori in New Zealand libraries. Since then libraries have seen many changes and embraced challenging initiatives in creating public spaces which reflect much of the biculturalism of New Zealand society. Bilingual signage has been erected, awareness and obligations to the Treaty are generally better accepted and understood, and Te Rōpū Whakahau has helped to ensure there is a growing professional Māori presence in our libraries. But is that enough? Should biculturalism not be aiming to integrate Māori values and concepts in the ideals of the organisation? Should biculturalism not reflect an equal representation of both the Pākehā (non-Māori) and the Māori worldview in the way information is organised, customers are greeted and activities are carried out in the library? This research project explores the deeper commitments to biculturalism by examining the extent to which kaupapa Māori, or Māori knowledge frameworks, value systems, and a Māori worldview form part of a wider bicultural strategy within public libraries in Aotearoa. The study highlights the bicultural achievements being made in public libraries as well as exploring the evolutionary and transformative challenges which lie ahead for the sector in striving towards an epistemological and cultural balance. Data for this research was collected using a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with a selection of library leaders chosen from a purposive sample of public library services in New Zealand. The findings suggest a degree of inconsistency around the integration and understanding of kaupapa Māori concepts and practice, depending on location and demographic. They indicate that while there are personal, organisational and resource barriers to fully incorporating a kaupapa Māori, including a lack of Māori seniority within the industry, these limitations stem from political and historical roots which relate to colonialism in Aotearoa and the commitment to, and interpretation of, the Treaty of Waitangi. The results also reveal an aspiration for advancing the bicultural agenda and for exploring new paradigms for reshaping European designed public libraries in ways which integrate indigenous worldviews. As a contribution to the library and information sector body of knowledge, the subject has significance not only within New Zealand but globally, particularly in relation to the incorporation of indigenous worldviews in library design, development and delivery. Opportunities for further research include exploring Māori representation in public library management, options for altering library classification systems and collection arrangements to integrate indigenous worldviews and staff experiences of kaupapa Māori.

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