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 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.

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.

Public libraries and the social web: a review and analysis of the existing literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namjoo Choi ◽  
Lindsey M. Harper
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Social Web ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
General Acceptance ◽  
Literature Searches ◽  
The Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to update Carlsson (2015), which examined the research on public libraries and the social web published from 2006 to 2012, and it also intends to go beyond Carlsson (2015) by including six additional variables. Design/methodology/approach Literature searches were performed against Web of Science Core Collection and EBSCOhost databases. By adapting Carlsson’s (2015) three level key phrase searches, which were then complemented by chain searching, a total of 60 articles were identified and analyzed. Findings In comparison to Carlsson (2015), this study shows that the recent research, published between 2012 and 2018, leans toward a more general acceptance of the social web’s usage to improve the services provided by public libraries; that the public library is rarely premised to be in a state of crisis; and that the social web is mostly perceived as having a complementary relationship with librarianship and library services. The findings from analyzing the six additional variables are also presented. Research limitations/implications The findings from this study provide LIS professionals a greater understanding of where the research stands on the topic at present, and this study also identifies gaps in the literature to offer insight into the areas where future research can be directed. Originality/value Given the continued popularity of social web usage among public libraries, this study examines the literature published on the social web in the public library context between 2012 and 2018 and offers implications and future research suggestions.

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.

Art library services in public libraries

1987 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Sonia French
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Library Service ◽  
International Network ◽  
The Public ◽  
The People ◽  
Music Information

The mixed fortunes of art, and of subject specialisation, in British public libraries in recent years is compared to the situation in Denmark where librarianship in the service of art has as its main focus the good of the people. The principles which give art librarianship its own integrity are reiterated and the gradual invasion of public library services by the commercial ethic is rejected. Art librarianship can still achieve new successes, and some of these are noted. The scope for new initiatives which the public library service offers is recognised and new areas for development are suggested, modelled on the international network of Music Information Centres.

Migrant’s library services: a theoretical and empirical study in Spain with guidelines for their creation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Serrano Pérez ◽  
Cristina Faba-Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
And Migration ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this research study was to seek new forms of public libraries helping with the integration of migrants. It comprises a comprehensive and up-to-date bibliographic review and an empirical study involving the librarians and native and migrant users of public libraries in Spain leading to the design of guidelines for library services targeted at migrant users that can help foster the integration of this group of the population. Design/methodology/approach The bibliographic review analyses studies of whether migrant users see the public library as a place of meeting and interchange as well as a fundamental institution providing them with services, meeting their information requirements and offering them challenges and projects. The empirical investigation contrasts this theoretical information by administering three questionnaires (one for librarians, one for native users and one for migrant users, with a total of 45 items) focused on the relationship between public libraries and migration. A total of 20 public libraries over the territory of Spain were selected in accordance with diverse criteria, and a total of 233 completed questionnaires were collected. Findings The main results of the empirical research indicate that the greatest proportion of migrant users go to Spain’s public libraries on the recommendation of friends and/or relatives. They use them mainly as a place of study, visiting them at least twice a week, even though the representation of collections and specific services for this group is very sparse (only 5% of the collection of the libraries analysed are in a foreign language). On the other hand, the satisfaction expressed towards both the general services of the libraries and the help provided by their librarians is scored highly, getting mean scores of 4.45 and 4.40 out of 5, respectively. Originality/value This work not only includes an exhaustive bibliographic review of the relationship between public libraries and migrant users and an empirical investigation carried out in Spain with librarians, native users and migrant users, but also presents a decalogue of guidelines for the design of a range of services focused on the specific needs of the migrant population, thus favouring their integration in the host country.

Income generation in public libraries: potentials and pitfalls

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 560-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hartwig Pautz
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Funding ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Income Generation ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Almost Everywhere ◽  
Review Reports ◽  
Practical Level

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to discuss the literature on income generation methods in the context of the “public library ethos”. As public libraries are struggling with cuts to public spending almost everywhere, the topic of “income generation” to supplement public funding is highly relevant. Design/methodology/approach – The article is a review of existing literature about income generation methods and public library ethos. Findings – The literature review reports on a large variety of income generation methods – some of them are country-specific and only applicable in particular political, legal and cultural environments, others could be applied by librarians across borders. The review makes clear that income generation is difficult and requires skill. It also clearly outlines the potential incompatibilities between some income generation methods and the public library ethos. Practical implications – The article raises important issues with regards to how practitioners should go about funding existing or new services. It becomes clear that librarians need a clear ethical position regarding how services can be provided and under which conditions services cannot be provided on the basis of principled reasoning. Originality/value – A broad range of literature on income generation and public library ethos from various countries is reviewed and questions regarding how public librarians, on a practical level, can improve their institutions’ funding situation are discussed. This praxis-oriented discussion is connected to important ethical considerations that should come into play when devising an income generation strategy.

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