Analysis of Public Library Operations and Uses of 16 Metropolitan Local Governments of Korea by Using the Chernoff Face Method

Many residents and local communities rely on public libraries for access to and training to use e-government. Many local governments direct citizens to the public library for help in using e-government, while citizens seek help from the public library in using local e-government when they have no other means of connecting or when they want help using e-government. As a result, public libraries now serve not only as instrumentalities of local government, but as a primary location for access to local e-government and a very successful link between citizens to e-government. As residents, communities, and governments rely on public libraries as a main access point to e-government, it essential to better understand the connection and education roles of public libraries to improve the delivery of local e-government.

Download Full-text

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

Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance ◽

10.5130/cjlg.v0i0.4062 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 39-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

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.

Download Full-text

Efficiency Analysis of Public Library Services Based on Establishing Entity and Outsourcing

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12219205 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (21) ◽

pp. 9205

Author(s):

Changhee Kim ◽

Hyunjung Kim ◽

Kanghwa Choi

Keyword(s):

Local Governments ◽

Central Government ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Library Services ◽

Sustainable Performance ◽

The Difference ◽

Excess Quantity ◽

Using Data

This study investigates the difference in service efficiency based on establishing entity and outsourcing in 847 public libraries in Korea. The public libraries were categorized into three types based on establishing entity and outsourcing, where Type 1 libraries are those established and directly managed by the Office of Education under the central government, Type 2 libraries are established and directly managed by local governments, and Type 3 libraries are established by local governments and their operations are outsourced. Each library type was analyzed and compared using data envelopment analysis (DEA), and results found that public libraries established by local governments are more efficient than those established by the central government, while outsourcing operations improved the efficiency of public libraries. Further analysis of the projection point and excess quantity of input showed that the main cause of inefficiency for Type 1 libraries is the library area, and for Types 2 and 3, the number of periodicals. This study provides guidelines for the sustainable performance of public library services based on the factors of foundation and operational patterns.

Download Full-text

Taxes for public libraries: Arguments about library district management from the perspective of residents

Journal of Librarianship and Information Science ◽

10.1177/09610006211026727 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 096100062110267

Author(s):

Issei Suzuki ◽

Masanori Koizumi

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

20Th Century ◽

Local Governments ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Public Library ◽

The United States ◽

General Purpose ◽

Late 20Th Century ◽

Library Management

Economic pressure on public library budgets has risen since the late-20th century as government funding has declined. Under increasing financial pressure, creating a procedure for how public libraries can provide fulfilling services to residents is one of the essential issues in public library management. As a result, library districts are receiving much attention as a management model in response to financial deterioration of public sectors in the United States. Library districts are special-purpose local governments that have a tax levy and bond authority for library management. Recent studies have demonstrated that library districts’ revenues are more stable over the long term than those of other legal bases, such as general-purpose local governments and non-profit organizations in the United States. However, it is not easy to form a library district because it involves a tax increase for residents. Nevertheless, the number of library districts has increased since the late-20th century. Why do voters allow a tax levy for library management? In this study, we examined the opinions of residents through a qualitative content analysis, using the voters’ pamphlets distributed to residents at the time of the referendum for forming the library district. Specifically, we analyzed opinions of both voters in favor and opposed to creating a library district and identified their preferences. Our research results showed that residents held a common understanding of the significance of public libraries in the community. The debate revolved around how much burden the residents were willing to accept to provide library services.

Download Full-text

Big data analysis of public library operations and services by using the Chernoff face method

Journal of Documentation ◽

10.1108/jd-08-2016-0098 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 73 (3) ◽

pp. 466-480 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Young-seok Kim ◽

Louise Cooke

Keyword(s):

Big Data ◽

Data Analysis ◽

Local Governments ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Big Data Analysis ◽

Library Services ◽

Content Type ◽

Information Research ◽

R Programming

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conduct a big data analysis of public library operations and services of two cities in two countries by using the Chernoff face method. Design/methodology/approach The study is designed to evaluate library services by analyzing the Chernoff face. Big data on public libraries in London and Seoul were collected, respectively, from Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and the Korean government’s website for drawing a Chernoff face. The association of variables and human facial features was decided by survey. Although limited in its capacity to handle a large number of variables (eight were analyzed in this study) the Chernoff face method does readily allow for the comparison of a large number of instances of analysis. A total of 58 Chernoff faces were drawn from the formatted data by using the R programming language. Findings The study reveals that most of the local governments in London perform better than those of Seoul. This consequence is due to the fact that local governments in London operate more libraries, invest more budgets, allocate more staff and hold more collections than local governments in Seoul. This administration resulted in more use of libraries in London than Seoul. The study validates the benefit of using the Chernoff face method for big data analysis of library services. Practical implications The Chernoff face method for big data analysis offers a new evaluation technique for library services and provides insights that may not be as readily apparent and discernible using more traditional analytical methods. Originality/value This study is the first to use the Chernoff face method for big data analysis of library services in library and information research.

Download Full-text

Library services for all ages – building economical, equal, and complete audio collections

Library Management ◽

10.1108/lm-05-2017-0048 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (1/2) ◽

pp. 116-142

Author(s):

Hui-Lan H. Titangos

Keyword(s):

Local Governments ◽

Public Library ◽

Social Implications ◽

Library Services ◽

Collection Development ◽

Content Type ◽

Limited Budget ◽

Development Experience ◽

Library Professionals ◽

Library Collections

Purpose To provide library service to users of all ages has been one of the primary missions of county libraries since 1908 when the first branch of the first county library system was born in Sacramento as a proud milestone in the history of California public library. It has been a constant challenge to local governments and library staff members alike, especially when there are economic downturns or many priority programs to balance with. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach The paper introduces an innovative methodology in collection development to promote the concept that library collections, traditional or digital, can serve users of all ages as long as they can be adaptable to meet the changing needs of users, and compatible with changing information technologies. Findings By examining the process of an audio collection integrated as part of library collections and deeply rooted in users’ lives, the author reports the findings in the following areas: developing a robust audio collection catering to all users at Santa Cruz Public Libraries, despite technological changes and limited budget; getting involved in the whole organization’s programs and projects by collaborations; offering innovative promotion approaches; providing comprehensive subject coverage and always keeping the local community in mind; and evolving constantly to make technologies your friends, not foes. Research limitations/implications The paper analyzes a successful collection development experience in audio collections to strive to realize the original county library’s ideal to serve users of all ages in California. Practical implications The successful collection development experience is useful not only for acquisition librarians, but a much broader audience such as library managers in charge of library material budgets. Social implications The findings point out a number of social implications confronting library professionals worldwide. They include conflicts between users’ real needs vs our assumptions, limited budget vs expanding coverage, and library services vs the nature of technology. Originality/value The paper helps library professionals to develop, maintain, and succeed in their short- and long-term goals in collection development.

Download Full-text