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.

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.

Past and present factors of the crisis in Italy ' s public libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 110-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Salarelli
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Social Institution ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
History Of ◽  
Specific Community ◽  
Points Of View

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the general reasons for the crisis in Italy ' s contemporary public library institution. This crisis is complicated by the historical origins of the public library in Italy and, more broadly, by the difficult relationship between the Italian culture and today ' s world. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual discussion on the role of public library in Italy. Findings – The paper finds that the continuing delay in the acquisition of literacy, the tendency for points of view to become divided and to go to extremes and the development of a form of politics in the country suspended between centralised government and the claims of the local self-governments are all factors that have influenced the establishment of the public library in Italy. Originality/value – Understanding the conditions of the controversial origins of the public library in Italy can be of help when deciding which model to use in the future. A suitable model for this institution must not neglect but, on the contrary, must enhance the role of the library as a social institution of the history of a specific community.

Library Resources and Services in Tamilnadu State Central Library (Connemara Public Library)

2015 ◽  
pp. 286-310
Author(s):  
K. S. ABU
Keyword(s):  
Early Period ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Book Selection ◽  
Subject Knowledge ◽  
The Public ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
The People ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
History Of ◽  
Library Selection

It is a known fact that Chennai city has a well-defined place when talking about landmark buildings, which have gone down the annals of history- Connemara library, certainly a pride of Madras is not only heaven for book lovers and research Scholars, the building by its sheer architectural beauty and marvel acquires a special significance as part of the history of Madras City. Public library is largely regarded as the People's University. It has tremendous developments in India from the early period to till date at various stages. Most of the Indian states now have free public library services to develop the people of India at different levels, which can be stated as below briefly. Majority of the users prefer to search documents directly from the stack room. The main purpose of visiting the library by the users is to prepare for completive examinations and some other purposes are to study in the library and to update their subject knowledge. The general book services provided by the library are highly useful. The Reference services provided by the library are highly useful. The users are satisfied with the information provided in the library. All the services available on the library except latest collections are found to be at satisfactory level. Nearly 7.5 lakhs of collection of books are available in the library. Selection of books is done by book selection committee. Nearly four hundred books are issued daily to the public The uses can retain the book for a maximum of 14 days. The users can renew the books for another three times either through phone or in person. A minimum amount of Rupees two per week is charged as overdue charge.

Library Resources and Services in Tamilnadu State Central Library (Connemara Public Library)

2018 ◽  
pp. 780-809
Author(s):  
K. S. ABU
Keyword(s):  
Early Period ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Book Selection ◽  
Subject Knowledge ◽  
The Public ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
The People ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
History Of ◽  
Library Selection

It is a known fact that Chennai city has a well-defined place when talking about landmark buildings, which have gone down the annals of history- Connemara library, certainly a pride of Madras is not only heaven for book lovers and research Scholars, the building by its sheer architectural beauty and marvel acquires a special significance as part of the history of Madras City. Public library is largely regarded as the People's University. It has tremendous developments in India from the early period to till date at various stages. Most of the Indian states now have free public library services to develop the people of India at different levels, which can be stated as below briefly. Majority of the users prefer to search documents directly from the stack room. The main purpose of visiting the library by the users is to prepare for completive examinations and some other purposes are to study in the library and to update their subject knowledge. The general book services provided by the library are highly useful. The Reference services provided by the library are highly useful. The users are satisfied with the information provided in the library. All the services available on the library except latest collections are found to be at satisfactory level. Nearly 7.5 lakhs of collection of books are available in the library. Selection of books is done by book selection committee. Nearly four hundred books are issued daily to the public. The uses can retain the book for a maximum of 14 days. The users can renew the books for another three times either through phone or in person. A minimum amount of Rupees two per week is charged as overdue charge.

Towards an Assessment of Public Library Value

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-51
Author(s):  
Kristine Paberza
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Free Access ◽  
The Public ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Library Development ◽  
The Impact

This paper presents methodology, early findings, possible applications of results and lessons learnt from the research study “Public libraries: value, trust and satisfaction”. The study was conducted in Latvia as the part of the impact assessment plan within the public library development project “Third Father’s Son”. The project’s goal was to improve people’s quality of life by strengthening the capacities of public libraries to facilitate better and proactive use of resources offered by free access to information technology and the Internet. In this paper, the author introduces practical results from the measurement of use-oriented value of public libraries by using information from the ecology approach and identifying the role of the public library within a context of other information sources used by the public.

Libraries and the Preservation of Public Intellectual Space and Heritage

2020 ◽  
pp. 218-230
Author(s):  
Anil Kumar Nauriya
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Public Intellectual ◽  
Public Intellectuals ◽  
The Public ◽  
Intellectual Heritage ◽  
Epistemic Justice ◽  
Primary Means

There is one aspect of Libraries that needs particularly to be highlighted, namely the role of the public library as a par excellence site that upholds the public intellectual space when contrasted to the more restricted academic space. It is a primary means by which public intellectuals and, through them, civil society, may hold even academia to account when the latter becomes confined by dead habits or restricted by institutional, bureaucratic, elitist or other, structures. It needs to be emphasized that academia and scholarship are not necessarily congruent. The interplay between academia and scholarship is crucial and that is made possible by the public library. Open libraries, especially public libraries, are at least as vital as the academia. The importance of a library or a museum is not necessarily related to its location or its size. “Preservation” and “intellectual heritage” need to be decolonized in order to realize epistemic justice.

scholarly journals The local library across the digital and physical city: Opportunities for economic development

2014 ◽  
pp. 39-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirralie Houghton ◽  
Marcus Foth ◽  
Evonne Miller
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Public Library ◽  
The Public ◽  
Digital Network ◽  
Knowledge Economies ◽  
Government Planning ◽  
Potential Benefits

This paper considers the role of the public library as a community hub, engagement space, and entrepreneurial incubator in the context of the city, city governance, and local government planning. It considers this role from the perspective of library experts and their future visions for libraries in a networked knowledge economy. Public libraries (often operated by or on behalf of local governments) potentially play a pivotal role for local governments in positioning communities within the global digital network. Fourteen qualitative interviews with library experts informed the study which investigates how the relationship between digital technology and the physical library space can potentially support the community to develop innovative, collaborative environments for transitioning to a digital future. The study found that libraries can capitalise on their position as community hubs for two purposes: first, to build vibrant community networks and forge economic links across urban localities; and second, to cross the digital divide and act as places of innovation and lifelong learning. Libraries provide a specific combination of community and technology spaces and have significant tangible connection points in the digital age. The paper further discusses the potential benefits for libraries in using ICT networks and infrastructure, such as the National Broadband Network in Australia. These networks could facilitate greater use of library assets and community knowledge, which, in turn, could assist knowledge economies and regional prosperity.

How Public Libraries are Keeping Pace with the Times: Core Services of Libraries in Informational World Cities

Libri ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Born ◽  
Maria Henkel ◽  
Agnes Mainka
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
World Cities ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
The Times ◽  
Changing Role

Abstract In a survey of 31 informational world cities, we investigate the state of the art public library core services. For this study, we applied the core service catalog developed by (Mainka, A., S. Hartmann, L. Orszullok, I. Peters, A. Stallmann, and W. G. Stock. 2013. “Public Libraries in the Knowledge Society: Core Services of Libraries in Informational World Cities.” Libri 63 (4): 295–319. 10.1515/libri-2013-0024), counted the services offered by the libraries and compared findings with the results from 2013, allowing us to calculate a score for each library and rank them accordingly. An overall improvement of the range of services was observed, with North American libraries taking the top three positions in the ranking. To get a clearer picture of the challenges facing libraries today, personal interviews were also conducted with (chief) librarians, especially concerning developments such as maker spaces, increasing demand for information literacy instruction and the changing role of physical library space. The results presented in this paper highlight best practice examples of library services in prototypical cities of the knowledge society.

scholarly journals Kulttuurilaitoksesta valintataloksi – yleisen kirjastolaitoksen institutionaaliset tehtävämäärittelyt ja niiden kehitys Suomen itsenäisyyden aikana

2017 ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Jarmo Saarti ◽  
Pirjo Tuomi
Keyword(s):  
Public Management ◽  
New Public Management ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Market Place ◽  
The Public ◽  
Library System ◽  
Public Role ◽  
New Public

From civic educator to a market place - the institutional definitions of the public libraries’ tasks and its development during the Finnish independence The development of the Finnish public library system can be divided into four phases. During the first two, the Swedish reign and the period of the Autonomy, the library was mainly for the upper classes and for the academic use. The trend to strengthen the library as a key actor in the educational system of the newborn independent Finland meant that the public library became an institution. This started to break down from the 1990’s onward with the implementation of the new public management techniques and with the integration of the library system as one of the key players in the information society development. The paper discusses the role of the Finnish library system in the system of the fictional literature and analyses the changes that have happened during the Finnish history. Keywords: public libraries, policies, institutional role, public role

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