scholarly journals Integrating information and communication technology (ICT) in social interaction spaces of proposed public library Gwagwalada, Abuja- Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-229
Author(s):  
M. M. Yahaya ◽  
A. Abdullahi

This work focuses on preference of Public Library users on information and communication technology (ICT) facilities that matches user social activities in the library. It also proffers means of integrating such factors in social interaction spaces of proposed Public library Gwagwalada, Abuja to enhance user experience and meet the digital age. Libraries began incorporating ICT facilities since the advent of technology but without considering the facilities that matches user activity in such spaces. The analysis is based on data collected through observation and questionnaire survey addressed to users and staff of three public libraries and analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel analytical software. The results show that Group Creative Collaborative space is more preferred by users while very few users prefer Small Group Collaborative space. Responses indicate that users prefer group studies to interact. Also “Between Individual and Individual spaces”, majority of public library users prefer Internet Facilities which appears to have mean of (3.8371) while very few prefer Video Conferencing with mean of (2.8708).  It also reveals that, in “Between Group and Group space” majority of public library users prefer Mailing List with mean of (3.7247) while very few users prefer Video Conferencing with mean of (3.0955) and “Between Group and Object space” majority of the users prefer Digitalized Library Structure with mean 0f (3.6180) while very few users prefer interactive floor (iFloor) with mean of (3.1292).In conclusion ICT has high potential for encouraging social interaction, in public spaces, thus connecting the society and provides access points to information and supports education. The study revealed the current situation on the issues investigated which can be relied on in future studies or decision making. Essentially, the study produced findings that researchers can apply or validate subsequent similar researches.

Author(s):  
Pam McKenzie ◽  
Jacquelyn Burkell ◽  
Janet Allen

We used survey responses and statements of library organizations to create a corpus of items describing the value of public libraries.  A sample of public library users and staff from the province of Ontario individually sorted these statements into groups and labelled the groups, and rated each statement with respect to its general importance, its centrality to the mission of the public library, and its uniqueness to the public library.  We used GroupWisdom™ software to analyze individual responses into an overall concept map and to identify differences in patterns across different participant groups. Nous avons utilisé les réponses aux sondages et les déclarations des organisations de bibliothèques pour créer un corpus d'articles décrivant les valeurs des bibliothèques publiques. Un échantillon d'utilisateurs et d'employés des bibliothèques publiques de la province de l'Ontario a trié individuellement ces énoncés en groupes et étiqueté les groupes, et a évalué chaque énoncé en fonction de son importance générale, de son rôle central dans la mission de la bibliothèque publique et de son caractère unique pour le bibliotheque publique. Nous avons utilisé le logiciel GroupWisdom ™ pour analyser les réponses individuelles dans une carte conceptuelle globale et pour identifier les différences dans les modèles entre les différents groupes de participants.


2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oranus Tajedini ◽  
Ali Akbar Khasseh ◽  
Mahin Afzali ◽  
Ali Sadatmoosavi

The main objective of this study is to explain how to increase user loyalty behavior to public library services. This study uses a qualitative method based on grounded theory. The research population included users of public libraries in Iran. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, and the theoretical saturation was obtained after interviewing 24 members of public libraries. The collected data through interviews were analyzed using theoretical coding and content analysis. Results indicated that observing moral and humane principles when dealing with library users plays a significant role in both building user loyalty to the library and attracting new users. In addition, it was found that causal conditions in increasing loyalty among public library users are related to four areas including physical space management, information resource management, human resource management, and information technology management. It was also noted that factors such as service quality, proper design of interiors, providing diverse and updated information resources, the use of new communication technologies, and the use of cyberspace and social network applications must be taken into account by public libraries. Building loyalty among users and members of public libraries in today’s technological world is of high importance, as it will guarantee the repeated and more frequent use of public libraries and their services and thus reflect their positive effects. The loyalty of users of libraries and information centers can be based on perceived quality, effective communication between librarians and users, and satisfaction with services offered by libraries and their staffs and can affect the intention for repeated visits, and the use of library service and preferring a library over other libraries.


2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 430-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tami Oliphant ◽  
Ali Shiri

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the long tail of topical search queries, including the influence of current events, posed to a large, urban public library discovery system. Design/methodology/approach Search queries from the months of June, July, August and September 2014 (1,488,339 total queries) were collected from the Edmonton Public Library’s BiblioCommons database using Google Analytics and exported to Excel. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency counts and textual analysis to explicate the long tail of search, (including the most popular searches) and to explore the relationship between topical search queries and current events. Findings The findings support the long tail theory, as the aggregate tail of topical search queries comprised the vast majority of the total searches and current events exert some influence on the nature and frequency of topical searches. Research limitations/implications Data collection was limited to four months of the year; thus, comparisons across the year cannot be made. There are practical implications for public libraries in terms of marketing and collections, as well as for improving catalogue functionality, to support user search behaviour. Originality/value Not much research attention has been focused on the nature of topical search queries in public libraries compared to academic libraries and the Web. The findings contribute to developing insight into the divergent interests of intergenerational public library users and the topics of materials they are searching for.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Kerr ◽  
Diane Rasmussen Pennington

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine current public library apps in Scotland and assess Scottish public library users’ opinions of those apps. Design/methodology/approach Two qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted. One survey was distributed to each Scottish local authority, the entities responsible for public libraries and Scotland. The second survey was made available to the public. The results were analysed with nonparametric statistics and content analysis. Findings All 32 authorities responded. In all, 17 authorities had an app, two had one in development, and 13 had none. Offering an alternative means of communication to patrons was the main reason for providing an app, while cost and low priority were the main reasons provided against app provision. Authorities were satisfied with the core services offered in their apps, but less so with others. No authorities had consulted the public regarding app provision. The public (n=185), while satisfied with current library apps, criticised the complex procedures required to access external services. Patrons from authorities without an app stated interest in apps. Research limitations/implications It is vital for public libraries to implement at least core services that are optimised for mobile devices. They should consult with the public before and throughout the development process to ensure they are happy with the implementation. Originality/value This is the first known study to explore public library app use in Scotland as well as one of the first in public library app use worldwide.


Author(s):  
Merideth Dee

The following chapter will provide a general discussion regarding the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and how ICT can be used to help prepare students for the demands of the workforce. Additionally, the chapter will explore why ICT fluency is an important factor in preparing students for the demands of the workforce. Furthermore, the chapter will review the literature and empirical research concerned with: attitudes toward the use of ICT, the value of using ICT with regards to workforce readiness and professional development, how different learning environments, such as blended-learning, e-learning, m-learning, virtual learning communities, and social interaction impact workforce readiness, and the theories to consider when designing multimedia and why multimedia can help to prepare students for the workforce.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 389-401
Author(s):  
Abdulsalam Abiodun Salman ◽  
Janneke Mostert ◽  
Tinashe Mugwisi

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the managerial and governance issues that impact on service delivery in public libraries in Nigeria. Within many countries this seems to be a challenge often resulting in an ineffective service delivery resulting in underutilisation thereof. This study was conducted among administrators and managers of public libraries in Nigeria to establish the current status quo concerning governance and management issues impacting on service delivery. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study using interviews was used to illicit data from three permanent secretaries, six public library directors, and six heads of rural community libraries, purposively selected for the study. Findings The findings show that variables such as relevant academic qualifications, years of experience, and designation of the administrators and managers of public libraries affect service delivery. A huge dependency on government bodies for decision making and funding was established. Impediments to good management of the libraries were found to be inadequate funding; lack of involvement of stakeholders in public library administration; and inappropriate public library legislation. Practical implications The study recommends the promulgation of a public library-specific act in order to regulate the administration and management of this public unit, involve stakeholders in public library administration, as well as the provision of alternative forms of funding in order to alleviate the dependence on governmental budgets. Originality/value With very little research available on these issues in Nigeria, this paper will create awareness among all stakeholders of specific governance and managerial issues impacting on effective service delivery to public library users so that it can be addressed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 426-440
Author(s):  
Patience Uzezi Otolo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find out: the functionality of public libraries in the provision of needed information resources; the impact of the use of modern electronic gadgets as the level of patronage; the influence of old technology use on libraries; and the globalization effect on the user behavior toward public libraries. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted the descriptive survey design since the opinion, perceptions and observation of public library users were examined. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 185 respondents. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The instrument was validated by research experts in the area of test and measurement and in library and information science research. A reliability test was carried out using 25 academic library users in Delta State University, Abraka, to establish a coefficient of 0.87 using Cronbach’s α. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for research questions while the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient analysis and linear regression analysis were used to test hypotheses. Findings Public libraries in Nigeria are functional and accessible. There is inadequacy in modern information and communication technology devices that aid information provision and dissemination, Globalization and modernization has negatively impacted the patronage of public libraries. The influence of deterritorialization has influenced the user attitude toward regular use. Globalization has made time and space much more closer, thereby reducing contact and interaction between library staff and users in the public library system. Globalization and/or modernization has brought not only challenges to public libraries, but also opportunities to exploit. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study were drawn from one sampled area to represent the entirety of the country. The respondents were public library users who were found using public libraries; therefore, less time was allocated to answering research instrument, thereby potentially and probably not responded to with utmost concern. Practical implications Public library functionality will be deterred if necessary actions are taken to improve the quality of service provision. There will likely be a reduced patronage of public libraries if users do not get the most recent information as supposed. There is already a negative effect of globalization and modernization on the functionality of public libraries. There is an urgent need to update and modernize public libraries across the nation for effective and efficient service delivery. Social implications Globalization has led to the reduction of interpersonal and social interaction which is supposed to promote friendliness between public library users and the staff. It also promoted the use of modern technologies such as telecommunication devices, information disseminating gadgets in homes while inhibiting public library patronage time and space is now been maximized for the benefit of library users who are distant from the public library location in as much as information has become accessible at their fingertips. Originality/value This research was carried out by the author (Dr (Mrs) P.U. Otolo) and is fully individual. All authors cited are duly acknowledged.


2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 243-251
Author(s):  
Ho-kyun Lim ◽  
Dong-hoon Seo

This paper presents research on how multiple facilities contribute to the planning of public libraries by analyzing characteristics that improve the numbers of public library users in terms of their community type. This research discusses the characteristics of multiple facilities considered most effective, as well as the factors that result in increases in the use of public libraries through a comparative analysis of the number of public library users. The research shows that the number of public library uses per person and number of books borrowed per person from public libraries combined with multiple facilities (PLCMF) were relatively higher than those of stand-alone public libraries. PLCMFs are shown to be more effective in increasing usage. Further, a public library combined with a sports facility showed the highest increase in public library users. It is concluded that combining public libraries with more than two facilities is a more efficient way of increasing public library users than combining public libraries with a single facility in a city. The characteristics discussed in this research can be utilized as positive planning factors for increasing the number of people using public libraries.


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