Community standards in New Zealand public libraries : an exploratory study

<p>Community standards have been discussed by many authors but none have attempted to investigate their application in public libraries. Public libraries aim to provide information that covers all viewpoints; such information is likely to contain views and opinions that are offensive to many members of the community. The problem of how public librarians define the standards of their communities was central to this research project. In order to investigate this problem a series of interviews were conducted and supported with library policy documents supplied by interviewees. A number of sub topics were also investigated, including how librarians deal with challenging items and whether librarians use any tools or resources to help define community standards. Analysis of interviews and policy documents found that librarians were not able to comprehensively define the standards of their communities. Librarians were divided over whether the demographic differences within their communities had any impact on the standards of their communities</p>

Community standards in New Zealand public libraries : an exploratory study

<p>Community standards have been discussed by many authors but none have attempted to investigate their application in public libraries. Public libraries aim to provide information that covers all viewpoints; such information is likely to contain views and opinions that are offensive to many members of the community. The problem of how public librarians define the standards of their communities was central to this research project. In order to investigate this problem a series of interviews were conducted and supported with library policy documents supplied by interviewees. A number of sub topics were also investigated, including how librarians deal with challenging items and whether librarians use any tools or resources to help define community standards. Analysis of interviews and policy documents found that librarians were not able to comprehensively define the standards of their communities. Librarians were divided over whether the demographic differences within their communities had any impact on the standards of their communities</p>

LEVELS OF JOB SATISFACTION AMONG LIBRARIANS IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN RAJASTHAN STATE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

This study focused on the job satisfaction levels of librarians in private and Govt public Libraries in Kota, Rajasthan. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents which elicited responses which were used to compare the job satisfaction levels of librarians in public Libraries with their counterparts in the private Public Libraries. The research procedure used was total enumeration of all Public librarians in public and private Libraries in Kota, Rajasthan. A total of twenty nine (29) questionnaires were administered of which six (6) were administered in private Public Libraries while twenty three (23) were administered in Govt public Libraries. Responses were analyzed using the T-Test statistical procedure and results were presented in tables. The study revealed that there was no signicant difference in the level of job satisfaction of librarians in both private and Govt public Libraries when compared on the basis of factors such as salary, library policies and administration, co-workers relationship, among others. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made that would enhance the level of job satisfaction among librarians in private and Govt public Libraries in Rajasthan

Double the Power of Story

School and public librarians and teachers who read aloud to elementary (primary) children can use techniques that empower children with increased academic skills, social skills, and cultural awareness. This paper presents research-based, recommended strategies for reading aloud that both improve listening and reading comprehension and develop literary appreciation. Themes and topics of stories selected can supplement or reinforce curricular learning and explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Children practice social skills and respect for others while listening to and discussing stories. Included are tips for making story hour an enjoyable experience that develops a reading culture.

Fulfilling information needs by classifying complex patron needs

Purpose This paper aims to describe how public librarians can better address complex information needs. First, librarians should classify the degree of complexity of the need by using Warner’s classification model; then they can use Popper’s three world theory to anticipate and respond to complex information needs by following specific steps. Design/methodology/approach After examining the information science literature, appropriate models were selected to support public librarians. Our information science scholarship, coupled with our practical experience, informed our search and selection. Findings This paper details specific steps that public librarians can take to anticipate and respond to individual information needs. Doing so is imperative as the information needs of the public continue to become increasingly complex. Originality/value This paper improves information practice because it offers specific steps to aid public librarians to anticipate and respond to complex information needs. It draws upon an existing model and theoretical framework. This paper also highlights selected examples of how public librarians across the USA have anticipated information needs, and developed partnerships with organizations external to the public library to address complex information needs.

School and Public Libraries

Schools and public libraries in the U.S. have a long history of cooperation and collaboration. These relationships are described and the present status of such collaboration is detailed. Reasons why combined libraries may or may not be successful are discussed. New relationships are detailed, and suggestions for ways school and public librarians can work together to partner in student learning are suggested.