scholarly journals Public Library Multicultural Programs and Improvement Methods Analyzed from Case Studies

Author(s):  
In-Ja Ahn ◽  
Mi-Young Park
2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loriene Roy ◽  
Maria Barker ◽  
Lanita L. Hidalgo ◽  
Frances A. Rickard

Author(s):  
Renata Turkeš ◽  
Kenneth Sörensen

Purpose Despite a growing body of research on the problem of increasing disaster preparedness by pre-positioning relief supplies at strategic locations, there is a lack of a benchmark set of problem instances that hinders thorough hypotheses testing, sensitivity analysis, model validation or solution procedure evaluation. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue by constructing a public library of diverse pre-positioning problem instances. Design/methodology/approach By carefully manipulating some of the instance parameters, the authors generated 30 case studies that were inspired by four instances collected from the literature that focus on disasters of different type and scale that occurred in different parts of the world. In addition, the authors developed a tool to algorithmically generate arbitrarily many diverse random instances of any size. Findings For many purposes, the problem library can eliminate or reduce the time-consuming process of data collection, conversion, digitization, calibration and validation, while simultaneously increasing the statistical significance of research results and allowing comparison with different works in the literature. Research limitations/implications The case studies are inspired by only four disasters, and some of the instance parameters are defined in a reasonable, albeit arbitrary way. The instances are also limited by the underlying problem assumptions. Practical implications The instances provide a more comprehensive and balanced experimental setting (compared to a single case study) that can be used to study the pre-positioning and related problems, or derive managerial implications that can directly benefit the practitioners. Social implications The instances can be used to derive practical guidelines that humanitarian workers can use on the ground to better plan their pre-positioning strategies and therefore minimize human suffering. Originality/value The case studies and the random instance generator are made publicly available to foster further research on the problem of pre-positioning relief supplies and humanitarian logistics in general.


2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan K. Burke ◽  
Molly Strothmann

Public libraries have implemented Readers’ Advisory (RA) services and outreach efforts online in a variety of formats, ranging from one-way communications such as book club announcements and reading lists to interactions with individual patrons about their reading preferences. While the literature contains numerous case studies describing online RA activities and extensive recommendations for practice, what is lacking is a broad, generalizable picture of what percentage of libraries are offering online RA, what types of public libraries are most likely to do so, and what types of online RA efforts have been implemented. Using a random sample of 369 public libraries, this study examined library websites for evidence of RA and analyzed library characteristics that were associated with a higher likelihood of offering these services.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrienne Muir ◽  
Rachel Spacey ◽  
Louise Cooke ◽  
Claire Creaser

Purpose – This paper aims to consider selected results from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded “Managing Access to the internet in Public Libraries” (MAIPLE) project, from 2012-2014. MAIPLE has explored the ways in which public library services manage use of the internet connections that they provide for the public. This included the how public library services balance their legal obligations and the needs of their communities in a public space and the ethical dilemmas that arise. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers used a mixed-method approach involving a review of the literature, legal analysis, a questionnaire survey and case studies in five public library authorities. Findings – UK public library services use a range of methods to regulate internet access. The research also confirms previous findings that filtering software is an ubiquitous tool for controlling access to and protecting library users from “inappropriate”, illegal and harmful internet content. There is a general, if sometimes reluctant, acceptance of filtering software as a practical tool by library staff, which seems to contrast with professional codes of ethics and attitudes in other countries. The research indicates that public library internet access will be a valued service for some time to come, but that some aspects of how public library services regulate internet access is currently managed can have socially undesirable consequences, including blocking legitimate sites and preventing users from accessing government services. Education could play a greater part in helping the general population to exercise judgement in selection of materials to view and use. This does not preclude implementing stricter controls to protect children, whilst allowing public libraries to continue providing a social good to those who are unable to otherwise participate in the digital age. Research limitations/implications – The response to the survey was 39 per cent meaning that findings may not apply across the whole of the UK. The findings of this study are compared with and supplemented by other quantitative sources, but a strength of this study is the depth of understanding afforded by the use of case studies. Originality/value – This paper provides both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of how internet access is managed in UK public libraries, including how library services fulfil their legal obligations and the ethical implications of how they balance their role in facilitating access to information with their perceived role as a safe and trusted environment for all members of their communities. The findings add to the international discussion on this issue and stimulate debate and policy making in the UK.


1969 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-205
Author(s):  
Herbert Goldhor
Keyword(s):  

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-104
Author(s):  
David Streatfield ◽  
Richard Abisla ◽  
Umut Al ◽  
Violeta Bunescu ◽  
Yulianto Dewata ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on recent performance measurement and impact evaluation progress made in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Moldova, Turkey and Vietnam as part of the last phase of the Global Libraries Initiative. Design/methodology/approach The country reports are presented as a series of case studies, in some cases supplementing those reported earlier in this journal. Findings Recent country-specific survey findings are reported and some conclusions are offered. Research limitations/implications This paper demonstrates how the adoption of a common approach to library service evaluation across several countries can strengthen research practice at country level beyond the Global Libraries Initiative itself. Practical implications This paper shares Global Libraries IPA learning at country level with people in other countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at regional, national or local levels or who are interested in performance measurement and impact evaluation. Social implications The paper shows how focusing on the impact of public library services on users can enhance the understanding of community requirements and inform the development of more effective services to library users and communities. Originality/value These case studies reflect concentrated impact evaluation and performance measurement work at country level across a range of countries over more than 18 years.


IFLA Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 034003522110003
Author(s):  
Alistair Black ◽  
Oriel Prizeman

Based primarily on archival sources, this study focuses on the original design of the purpose-built Evanston Public Library, Illinois, opened in 1908. Throughout the course of its lifespan of half a century, the Library earned a reputation as one of the town’s most cherished and revered buildings. Its demise, along with that of other Carnegie library buildings, as well as the many that have survived, encourages us to reflect on the changing popularity of Carnegie libraries as public buildings in relation to their potential for ongoing use. Celebrating the legacy of the architectural progressivism inherent in Carnegie public library buildings enhances today's image of their origin, thereby helping to heighten expectations for their future. Re-assessing the reputation of the original designs of Carnegie libraries through case studies like Evanston adds weight to the argument that, where feasible, meaningful efforts should be made to conserve extant Carnegie library buildings.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document