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Journal articles on the topic 'Public libraries'
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1
Alpi, Kristine M., Kayla Del Biondo, and Melissa Rethlefsen. "Evolving from public health libraries as a place to focus on public health librarian expertise." Journal of the Medical Library Association 112, no. 2 (May 22, 2024): 95–106. http://dx.doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2024.1804.
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Objective: This article describes the evolution of academic public health library services from standalone academic public health libraries in 2004 to centralized services by 2021. Methods: Five public health libraries serving public health graduate programs (SPH) at public and private institutions were visited in 2006-07. Visits comprised tours, semi-structured interviews with librarians and local health department staff, and collecting of contemporary print documents. We compiled and compared visit notes across libraries. In 2022, we reviewed online materials announcing library closure or transition for timing and how services were to be subsequently provided. Results: Libraries and SPH were co-located and most librarians maintained public health expertise though they did not have faculty appointments in their SPHs. Specialized statistical and geographic information systems (GIS) software and data were provided in partnership, often with other system libraries. Only two libraries had strong connections to health departments–one with direct service agreements and another engaged in public health training. Conclusion: Academic public health libraries’ relationships with SPH and health departments did not ensure their existence as standalone entities. Following a national trend for branch libraries, public health information services were centralized into larger health or science libraries. The scope and specialization of librarian expertise continues to be valued with several institutions having librarians dedicated to public health.
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Dent, Nelson. "Book Review: Embedded Business Librarianship for the Public Librarian." Reference & User Services Quarterly 56, no. 3 (April 3, 2017): 212. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.56n3.212a.
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New public librarians will get a solid return on their investment with Barbara A. Alvarez’s new release, Embedded Business Librarianship for the Public Librarian. Alvarez offers libraries a step-by-step guide to make business services in public libraries a success. As Alvarez points out, not all public librarians have business degrees, and providing business services in public libraries can be daunting to those new to the profession. Luckily, this primer by Alvarez, who served as a business liaison librarian, gives the rest of us a guide for serving as an embedded librarian for the business sector through organized and systematic involvement in the community.
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Macdonald, Anne Therese. "Dedicated business centers in public libraries." Reference Services Review 43, no. 3 (August 10, 2015): 344–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rsr-02-2015-0007.
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Purpose – The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not a dedicated business center within a public library acts as a key success factor in a public library’s services to the community entrepreneur. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was sent to 88 public libraries with dedicated business centers, and posted to BRASS-L and BUSLIB-L, for input from public libraries without business centers. Interviews with three survey respondents and one local city official followed. Findings – Fifty-seven per cent of all respondents felt that a dedicated business center is very essential or essential to the services provided to the entrepreneurial community. The services most often offered were workshops/seminars/classes, counseling sessions by collaborative agencies and one-on-one research sessions with librarians. The majority of responding libraries collaborated with a community business agency (80 per cent). Fifty-one per cent spend between 6 and 20 hours/month on the collaboration. Research limitations/implications – Since 2007, many of the dedicated business centers in public libraries have closed or been consolidated with other sections and services of a public library. This should be further studied. Further research on librarian expertise in market and industry research is recommended. Originality/value – This study updates the business services associated with public libraries business services since the push in the late 1990s for public libraries to be more active in community economic development.
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Nashihuddin, Wahid. "Strategi kemas ulang informasi untuk peningkatan pelayanan perpustakaan di era new normal." Jurnal Kajian Informasi & Perpustakaan 9, no. 1 (June 30, 2021): 59. http://dx.doi.org/10.24198/jkip.v9i1.28767.
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Information repackaging is one of the library's efforts to meet users' information needs in the new normal era. Libraries need to prepare various strategies in providing repackaging products as a library service innovation. This research aimed to describe various aspects and stages of library strategy design in information repackaging in the New normal era. The research used a qualitative approach through literature studies research methods. The results showed that libraries and librarians in the new normal era needed to pay attention to various aspects and stages in designing a digital information repackaging strategy. Aspects of the information repackaging strategy include determining the source of packaging information, types of information repackaging products, and information repackaging methods. Libraries carry out information repackaging strategies by making information repackaging the library’s flagship program and the librarian's main job, understanding the information behavior of the library's native digital users, disseminating digital information packages through social media and collaborative networks, changing the librarian’s role into social librarians and public knowledge and implementing a Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) strategy to disseminate information repackaged products to users. The head of the library plays an important role in supporting librarians in carrying out information repackaging activities. This research concludes that the librarian strategy of repacking information in the new normal era is needed to improve library services that are more creative, interactive, and innovative, in accordance with the user's information needs.
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Torabi, Nazi. "Public Librarians with the Highest Retention Rate are More Likely to Choose their Entire Career Path in Public Libraries." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 6, no. 2 (June 24, 2011): 64. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8mc9j.
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Abstract
Objectives – The main objectives of this study were the following:
• to analyze the career path and career movement of librarians in Korea
• to identify and compare factors influencing the career movement path of chief librarians in public libraries and other librarians
• to determine library positions’ turnover rates, average career retention, career reinstatement, proximity between careers, and proximity between different libraries
Design – Survey questionnaire.
Setting – One survey conducted in college libraries, public libraries, special libraries, school libraries, and library-related service providers in Korea, and another in public libraries in Korea, targeting chief librarians only.
Subjects – Librarians were identified from the 2008 Korean Library Yearbook published by the Korean Library Association. Also, more survey recipients in the ‘other category’ were identified through Internet search, directory search, and library ads. A total of 816 librarians participated in the survey. The breakdowns of participants based on the type of library they were working at are the following:
First survey:
• 282 Public librarians
• 268 University librarians
• 24 Special librarians
• 25 School librarians
• 15 Other librarians
Second survey:
• 202 Chief librarians at public libraries
Methods – A total of 2179 questionnaires were distributed twice in May 2009 via mail to different libraries. Postage paid envelopes were provided. A phone call reminder was made to increase the response rate. 614 copies were returned. The total response rate for the survey was 28.18%. The highest response rate was from academic libraries with a total of 37.17% (Table 2 in the article). Six hundred and forty three copies of the questionnaire were sent out to chief librarians and the response rate was 31.42%. The SAS statistical package was used for conducting statistical analysis of the data. The content areas covered in the two questionnaires are listed below in Table 1 [see Table 1 in fulltext].
In order to investigate the career movement path of librarians, participants were asked to identify their current job position plus the first three positions before the current position. Each position equals one phase in the librarians’ career path analysis. The jobs were broadly categorized into public libraries, university libraries, special libraries, schools and school libraries, database and content builders, library automation system developers, MARC companies, agencies, Internet portals, library supply companies, and others.
Main Results – The data obtained from those items italicized in Table 1 were used to compare factors influencing the career movement path of chief librarians in public libraries and librarians. The survey results on differences in gender show that most chief librarians (58.9%) were men compare to women (41.1%), while the ratio of women to men librarians is 2:5. Therefore, it is more likely that male librarians decide to become chief librarians. Analyzing the age of respondents indicates that it takes 20 years of library experience before one becomes a chief librarian. Survey results on differences in the final academic degree between librarians and chief librarians show that more librarians (96.7%) held higher graduate degree compare to chief librarians (87.6%) (results calculated form Table 7 - p. 333). Likewise, there are more librarians who studied library and information science (83.3%) compare to chief librarians (55.9%) (Table 8). Comparing the type of certificates held by two groups, it is evident that 26.7% of chief librarians do not have any library related certificates compare to 5.9% of librarians. The survey results suggest that both librarians and chief librarians make effort to increase their knowledge and skills. While librarians spend more time to improve operational aptitude and personal management, chief librarians identify themselves as hard working individuals.
The study conducted a simple analysis on factors influencing the career movement of librarians and chief librarians. Those factors differ greatly between librarians and chief librarians. While 25.5% of librarians rank compensation and working conditions as the most important factors, 19.2% of chief librarians report organizational culture as the main motivating factor. Based on the percentage of initial career selected in each job category, the most frequent career paths taken by librarians and chief librarians were identified. A total of 92.9% of public librarians reported that their whole career path was indeed in public libraries. In addition, the average length of service by career movement phase was identified to get shorter from the initial to fourth career for librarians while they intent to stay at their current position the longest (157.8 months). On the other hand, chief librarians have one main career in which they have stayed the longest (116 months). This main career is the position immediately prior to the current job position.
The main results of this article are summarized in table 21, based on numbers presented in the tables 12 to 20 in the article.
The lowest and highest turnovers were among public librarians (7.1%) and library automation system developer and information professionals at MARC companies (100%). Conversely, the retention rates for all other jobs were also determined. 6.2% of school librarians returned to school libraries after working in other types of libraries. This is the highest rate for returning to the previous job.
The proximity between different types of careers was analyzed based on combining the numbers of instances of career movement from the initial to the forth career. The highest rate of proximity is always the movement between the same types of career. The two highest (not same career type) career movements are university library and public library (2.65%) and university library and special library (2.32%).
Conclusion – It is more likely that male librarians will take on leadership responsibilities in public libraries. Usually, it takes 20 years of library experience before one becomes chief librarian. More librarians hold higher graduate degrees compared to chief librarians. This study also analyzes factors influencing the career movement of librarians and chief librarians. Those factors differ greatly between librarians and chief librarians. The lowest retention rate was 0% for library automation system developers and information professionals at MARC companies, whereas the highest retention rate was for public librarians followed by university libraries. The highest rate for return-to-first-job belongs to school libraries. It is noteworthy to mention that chief librarians have one main career in which they have stayed the longest. This main career is the position immediately before to the current job position. It usually occurs in the midcareer phase and it is when the individual has spent more time developing their skills and expertise and has been getting ready for their leadership role.
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Lenstra, Noah, and Martha McGehee. "Public librarians and public health: How do partners perceive them?" Journal of Library Outreach and Engagement 2, no. 1 (July 12, 2022): 66–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.21900/j.jloe.v2i1.883.
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Public libraries are increasingly recognized as community partners that improve the reach of health promotion organizations. The capacity of libraries to support community-based health initiatives has previously been studied through case studies in particular communities. Few national studies have considered how and why public libraries are perceived as part of the community health environment. With the aim of understanding how libraries are perceived in the context of promoting healthy eating and active living, this article examines the characteristics of successful community partnerships involving public libraries. This article uses data from interviews with librarians and their partners in 18 communities in 16 states across the United States. Case studies selection utilized a sentinel community approach to identify public libraries that self-identify as actively involved in community based health initiatives. Findings indicate that libraries are seen as trusted connectors, community experts, and organizations that share goals with health promotion organizations. Nevertheless, the strength of these partnerships is diminished by several factors. Improving and codifying community collaborations involving public libraries is identified as an opportunity to address this trend. The discussion focuses on how increased understanding of this trend both within the public health and within the public library profession would contribute to better including public libraries and public librarians in the promotion of community health.
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Saptaastuti, Rikarda Ratih. "Role of Reference Librarian in Public Relations Activity Role of Reference Librarian in Public Relations Activity in University Library." Pustabiblia: Journal of Library and Information Science 1, no. 2 (February 27, 2018): 239. http://dx.doi.org/10.18326/pustabiblia.v1i2.239-250.
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The library cannot achieve its goals without cooperation with the internal and external public. Therefore, libraries need PR (public relations) in their efforts to achieve their goals. The activity of the university library is directly or indirectly related with the PR activity since it is the part of PR activities to promote the image and the use of the library. The implementation of public relations activities in libraries has actually been performed by reference librarians. Reference librarians can use a variety of printed and online media, or convey information directly related to library services to users. With the recent development of information technology, using online search tools to seek information is more preferable by users than asking the reference librarian. Though online information tracking tool to organize information is more sophisti- cated presenting for users, users will still need libraries and referral services to find relevant information, as there are things that are not provided by online services such as selection, organization, provision of access, interpretation of relevant information, which can only be done by reference librarians. Reference librarians perform their duties by serving users in providing answers to questions or guiding users, and by creating awareness that the services provided by the library help promote maximum utilization of the library. PR officers through reference librarians attempt to attract the users’ attention through the provision and dissemination of information, and to serve as well as a liaison between the libraries with the users. PR becomes a necessity in libraries as PR activities will drive library function effectively and help promote library services more optimally.
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Molenda, Radosław. "The Specific Features of Public Relations Maintained by Libraries, Acting as Cultural Institutions." Cultural Management: Science and Education 4, no. 1 (June 25, 2020): 145–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.30819/cmse.4-1.09.
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Showing the specificity of the work of the contemporary library, and the variety of its tasks, which go far beyond the lending of books. The specificity of the library’s public relations concerning different aspects of its activity. The internal and external functions of the library’s public relations and their specificity. The significant question of motivating the social environment to use the offer of libraries, and simulta-neously the need to change the negative perception of the library, which discourages part of its poten-tial users from taking advantage of its services. The negative stereotypes of librarians’ work perpetuated in the public consciousness and their harmful character. The need to change the public relations of libra-ries and librarians with a view to improving the realization of the tasks they face. Showing the public relations tools which may serve to change the image of librarians and libraries with particular emphasis on social media. This article is a review article, highlighting selected research on the librarian’s stereo-type and suggesting actions that change the image of librarians and libraries.
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Stilwell, Christine. "Information as currency, democracy, and public libraries." Library Management 39, no. 5 (June 11, 2018): 295–306. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-08-2017-0078.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to endorse the notion that information is the currency of democracy and explore the question of the public library’s role in promoting democracy through the provision of access to information. Design/methodology/approach A review of the literature and a case study are used. Findings From the early days of the public library, there has been a certain democratic paternalism in librarians’ views on public libraries, and ambivalence about the extent to which these libraries have provided information to the whole population. Despite this finding, the paper explores the public library’s role in providing information; the currency of information. Public libraries can contribute to the renewal of a democratic public sphere by providing free and ready access to knowledge and information, as well as safe and trusted social spaces for the exchange of ideas, creativity, and decision making. Originality/value The paper examines material from the dawn of the public library to current concerns about the role of these libraries in providing access to information, in revitalising citizenship and fostering democracy. It draws on the well-known example of the birth of democracy in South Africa and on discussions of public library neutrality and activism in contemporary France, describing limits on the achievements of libraries in these countries in the context of some current, promising examples from the USA, Britain, Denmark, and Australia.
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Hoppenfeld, Jared, and Elizabeth Malafi. "Engaging with entrepreneurs in academic and public libraries." Reference Services Review 43, no. 3 (August 10, 2015): 379–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rsr-02-2015-0011.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how academic and public libraries support entrepreneurial researchers and, in doing so, demonstrate impact and share best practices. Design/methodology/approach – The authors discuss their own experiences as academic and public business librarians who support entrepreneurs. They do so by revealing the main services they provide to this unique user group and presenting examples from their own institutions. They also present what is done at other libraries by way of a literature review and an informal survey. Findings – After navigating the landscape of business librarian support of entrepreneurs, many commonalities were found among the types of support offered. Most libraries in this study collaborate with a business incubator, center for entrepreneurship, office of economic development or small business development center in some fashion. Numerous outreach and networking efforts were found that had positive effects on the local and national economies. Although public and academic libraries have different base user groups, both types of libraries serve current and potential entrepreneurs, as well as students, who are looking for similar data in the same kinds of resources. Originality/value – Although specific examples can be found in the literature, little has been published that provides an overview of the entrepreneurial services and resources provided at numerous libraries of different types as well as resulting impact. This paper fills this gap and should provide new ideas to librarians of all kinds wishing to reach entrepreneurs.
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Zhan, Ming, and Gunilla Widén. "Public libraries: roles in Big Data." Electronic Library 36, no. 1 (February 5, 2018): 133–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/el-06-2016-0134.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of public libraries in the context of Big Data. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method approach was used and had two main data collection phases. A survey of public libraries was used to generate an overview of which professional roles connect public libraries with Big Data. Eight roles were identified, namely, educator, marketer, data organiser, data container, advocator, advisor, developer and organisation server. Semi-structured interviews with library directors and managers were then conducted to gain a deeper understanding of these roles and how they connect to the library’s overall functions. Findings Results of the survey indicated that librarians lack a proper comprehension of and a pragmatic application of Big Data. Their opinions on the eight roles are slightly stronger than neutral. However, they do not demonstrate any strong agreement on these eight roles. In the interviews, the eight roles attained more clear support and are classified into two groups: service-oriented and system-oriented roles. Originality/value As an emerging research field, Big Data is not widely discussed in the library context, especially in public libraries. Therefore, this study fills a research gap between public libraries and Big Data. In addition, Big Data in public libraries could be well managed and readily approached by citizens in undertaking such roles, which entails that public libraries will eventually benefit from the Big Data era.
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Michnik, Katarina. "Public libraries digital services and sustainability issues." Bottom Line 28, no. 1/2 (July 6, 2015): 34–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/bl-12-2014-0034.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how Swedish local politicians perceive the impact of public library digital services on public libraries and to discuss how this can affect the sustainable development of public libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local politicians from 19 different Swedish municipalities. Data were treated to qualitative content analysis and discussed based on the concept of sustainable organization. Findings – According to local politicians, public library digital services may affect public libraries through changes to libraries’ physical spaces, librarians’ tasks and competencies and libraries’ economic situations. Based on these findings, public library digital services can both strengthen and weaken public library sustainability through, for example, increased access and expenditures, the latter of which may threaten public library sustainability. Research limitations/implications – Interviews did not focus specifically on the politicians’ views on public library digital services but dealt generally with their views on public libraries. To identify reasons for variations in views on this topic, follow-up interviews should be done. Data on views from public library managers would also be of use to determine the degree to which they are shared with local politicians. Originality/value – When sustainability and public libraries are discussed, the focus is generally on the library’s contribution to a sustainable society. Here, the focus is instead on the sustainability of the public library itself.
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Bojesen, Benedicte, and Anna Johansen. "Art librarianship in Danish public libraries." Art Libraries Journal 22, no. 2 (1997): 10–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0307472200010361.
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The 1964 Danish Public Libraries Act empowered public libraries to lend materials other than books. Subsequently a number of libraries took advantage of this to initiate loan collections of original works of art, posters, and slides, alongside and as an extension of the provision of art books and journals. In addition, art departments in public libraries began to organise exhibitions of contemporary art. In some cases, including Gladsaxe, Lyngby, and Gentofte in Greater Copenhagen, distinct art libraries were created. Artists whose work is represented in libraries can benefit from payments dispensed through the Public Lending Right scheme. Librarians responsible for art departments in public libraries formed a group within the Danish Librarians’ Union, in the 1970s. The activities of art departments have suffered during the difficult economic climate of the last decade or so, but membership of Kunstfaggruppen is now growing again.
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Nielsen, Mare Lundsfryd, Marie Cecilie Lensch, and Tove Faber Frandsen. "How public libraries deliver value online." Libellarium: časopis za istraživanja u području informacijskih i srodnih znanosti 14, no. 1 (November 9, 2023): 51–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.15291/libellarium.4157.
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Purpose. The development and usage of digital library services have accelerated. Many libraries have expanded their digital services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The physical locations were closed or operated with reduced capacity and libraries continued to provide services digitally. The physical locations of many libraries have reopened but the development of digital services persists. Most libraries offer a wide variety of services digitally and many libraries are expanding their digital services. It is, therefore, relevant to explore how librarians perceive the digital public library services offered at their institutions and how the digital services supplement or replace services in the physical library. Approach/methodology/design. This study presents the findings of an interview-based study with five librarians from different public libraries across Denmark. Findings. The findings show that librarians perceive the physical and digital services as means to the same end while carefully considering the content, target audience and platform when offering services to their users. They see the digital services as a critical aspect of the raison d’etre of the library and means to attract new users. Research limitations. It is important to note that this study is based on a small sample. Practical implications. The implications for digital public library services are discussed and recommendations based on this study are considered. Originality/value. While many studies have explored librarians’ perceptions of the value of public libraries, this study focuses on librarians’ perception of the value of digital libraries and how these services supplement or replace the physical library.
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Glusker, Ann. "Thematic Analysis of Videos Suggests That YA Space Design Should Be User-Driven, User-Centered, and Flexible Enough to Enable Multiple Uses." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 10, no. 4 (December 13, 2015): 230. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8602c.
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A Review of:
Agosto, D. E., Bell, J. P., Bernier, A. & Kuhlmann, M. (2015). “This is our library, and it’s a pretty cool place”: A user-centered study of public library YA spaces. Public Library Quarterly, 34(1), 23-43. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2015.1000777
Objective – To add empirical evidence to the study of young adult (YA) spaces and creation of related guidelines by investigating librarians’ and teens’ perceptions of YA spaces and their use in public libraries.
Design – Qualitative thematic analysis of video data content.
Setting – 25 public libraries in the United States of America.
Subjects – A librarian, and a teen of their choosing, at each of the 25 selected libraries.
Methods – The researchers chose 25 public libraries randomly from a list of 257 libraries profiled from 2005-2010 in Library Journal’s annual index of new and renovated libraries. Each of the 25 libraries was sent a video camera, and the selected librarian and teen each recorded a narrated tour of their library’s YA space. The cameras were returned to the researchers, who had the audio of the recordings transcribed, referring back to the video for any narration that needed clarification. Thematic analysis was performed on the transcriptions to identify major- and sub-categories of space and space-use characteristics. Empirical results were reported as a numerical figure representing the number of videos (n=42 total usable videos) in which a particular theme was mentioned at least once.
Main Results – Five main categories of YA space characteristics recommended by teens and librarians emerged from the thematic analysis. YA spaces need to facilitate: physical comfort; both leisure activity and information needs; both academic activity and information needs; a sense of ownership by teens; and improved marketing of the spaces as well as clear displays of library policies regarding the spaces. Sub-categories were also listed in each instance, as were counts and percentages of numbers of videos in which a theme was mentioned at least once.
Conclusion – YA spaces in public libraries need to be user-centered, and the arrangements need to be flexible enough to be used for multiple purposes. Teens need to be involved in and drivers of their design and ongoing use. In addition, teens’ needs for social interaction, and leisure as well as academic support, must be explicitly incorporated into any planning. Librarians and libraries must adjust their focus on resources to better mirror teens’ focus on the activities that happen in YA spaces, both online and in person. In order to serve YA patrons, libraries must also actively promote YA spaces. This initial exploratory empirical investigation can inform future much-needed research on improving YA space planning. Research is also needed to examine the evolution of libraries’ YA investments as teen patrons’ needs change over time.
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Stevenson, Siobhan A. "Immaterial labour, public librarians, and third-generation public libraries." New Library World 117, no. 3/4 (March 14, 2016): 186–200. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/nlw-11-2015-0083.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to draw attention to one specific upper-level government policy document in which a discourse of perpetual innovation and customer service is promoted, and the kinds of questions such discursive interventions raise for the future of work in public libraries; and second, to demonstrate the explanatory potential of the concept of immaterial labour for questions relating to emerging labour processes in libraries. The concepts of “prosumer” and Web 2.0 are included as discursive resources of relevance to any discussion of immaterial labour. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a critical discourse analysis of a public policy visioning document for public libraries in Ontario, Canada, with reflections on related literatures. Findings – The concept of immaterial labour provides an additional analytic tool suitable for questions of relevance to public librarians and library scholars. Within the government text under review which deals specifically with the future of the public library to 2020, the identity of the public librarian is alarmingly absent. Conversely, the library patron as a producer and consumer is privileged. Research limitations/implications – Failure to attend to the broader policy arena within which the public library resides creates dangerous blind spots for public library professionals, educators and researchers. Practical implications – This paper demonstrates the value of a discourse analysis for uncovering the ideological dimensions of policy documents, while simultaneously modelling the method using the kind of policy text commonly produced in governments around the world. Social implications – This paper shows how failure to attend to the broader policy arena within which the public library resides creates dangerous blind spots for the public library community. Originality/value – This paper contextualizes the immaterial and volunteer labour of the public library user as producer/consumer in the context of the future of the frontline professional and waged librarian.
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Mayesti, Nina. "Public Library and Librarian Stereotypes in The Indonesian Film Kambodja." Buletin Al-Turas 29, no. 2 (October 31, 2023): 185–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.15408/bat.v29i2.30658.
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PurposeThis study aimed to describe the portrayals of a library and librarian in the Indonesian film Kam-bodja based on the suitability of historical facts and cultural aspects and to find out public per-ceptions and stereotypes about the image of librarians.MethodThis qualitative research study used a critical discourse analysis and the dispositive method to-wards the unit of analysis in the form of dialogues and film scene cuts. Data were obtained by watching, selecting dialogues and scenes, and making notes.Results/FindingsIt finds a portrayal of the public library, its operational activities, and worker according to the period 1955-1965 in the film. There are three representations of public libraries found in the film: a library as an information centre, a social place, and a quiet place. There are also three portray-als of librarian in the film: librarian is a female profession, has dominating power over library users, and is quiet and unapproachable.ConclusionThe representations of libraries and librarians in the film show consistency and sustainability in how the media represents libraries and the librarianship profession, which influences public per-ception. Such knowledge continuously reinforced through the media shows that the public still needs to familiarize themselves with libraries and librarianship. The negative image in various media is a challenge that must be faced for the sustainability of this field and is expected to reflect how the public views libraries and their profession.
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Suryani, Nani, Retno Sayekti, and Muslih Faturrahman. "Strategi Promosi Perpustakaan dalam Meningkatkan Jumlah Kunjungan Pemustaka di Perpustakaan Daerah Deli Serdang." ARZUSIN 4, no. 3 (April 9, 2024): 428–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.58578/arzusin.v4i3.2868.
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The purpose of this research is to find out how librarian tactics encourage library use and increase interest in visits. in the Deli Serdang regional library, to find out the causes of the low interest in visiting public libraries in Deli Serdang and the challenges of librarians in encouraging public library patronage in Deli Serdang Regency. This type of research combines field study methodology with qualitative research. Librarian The research topic is the Deli Serdang Regency Public Library. There are three techniques used to obtain data: observation, interviews, and documentation. Data presentation, data reduction procedures, and data analysis methods were all carried out in accordance with descriptive analysis. Based on the research results, the author can determine librarian tactics to encourage increased interest in visiting libraries in the Deli Serdang regional library, including by conducting mobile library activities, holding reading competitions for the community. Furthermore, knowing the lack of library collections, facilities and infrastructure, as well as inadequate library services is one of the factors causing the low interest in visiting public libraries in Deli Serdang. Librarians also face challenges in efforts to increase interest in visiting the Deli Serdang Regency public library.
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Dali, Keren, and Lana Alsabbagh. "Access to translated fiction in Canadian public libraries." Reference Services Review 42, no. 4 (November 10, 2014): 569–602. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rsr-07-2014-0027.
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Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the quality of access to translated fiction published between 2007 and 2011 in six large Canadian public libraries, answering the question about what public libraries can do to help acquaint their readers with international translated fiction. Design/methodology/approach – The article uses the method of bibliographic data analysis based on 2,100 catalog records. Findings – As the results demonstrate, enhanced bibliographic catalog records deliver a wealth of information about translated fiction titles and facilitate meaningful subject access to their contents. At the same time, promotional activities related to translated fiction have room for improvement. Practical implications – Despite the fact that the study focuses on public libraries, its findings will be of interest not only to public but also academic librarians, any librarian tasked with the selection and acquisition of translated fiction, reference and readers’ advisory librarians in any type of library, Library and Information Science students and anyone interested in access to translated fiction. Originality/value – While many recent studies have turned their attention to enhanced catalog records and their role in access, discovery and collection promotion, there are no studies dealing with translated fiction specifically. The article also contributes to seeing an in-depth understanding of bibliographic records and cataloging as part and parcel of reference librarians’ knowledge and skill set, which improves retrieval practices and access provision.
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Gerner Nielsen, Bo. "Public libraries and lifelong learning." Perspectives of Innovations, Economics and Business 14, no. 2 (May 10, 2014): 94–102. http://dx.doi.org/10.15208/pieb.2014.11.
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Lollesgaard, Anja. "Art librarianship in Denmark." Art Libraries Journal 22, no. 2 (1997): 4–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s030747220001035x.
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Art libraries in Denmark mostly fall into one of two categories: art departments’ in public libraries, and research libraries attached to colleges, universities, and museums. Librarians in research libraries are in many cases scholars in their own right, while library staff at the Kunstakademiets Bibliotek are responsible for the Bibliografi over dansk kunst (sadly not published since 1981) and for Danish contributions to the BHA. The Royal Library and some art libraries hold collections of visual resources and of archival materials; in addition, there is an autonomous national archive of Danish artists, Weilbachs arkiv. An art librarians’ section of Bibliotekarforbundet (the Union of Danish Librarians), Kunstfaggruppen, was initiated by art librarians in public libraries, but is open to other art librarians too; Danish art librarians also work together within ARLIS/Norden. Professional training in Denmark is largely confined to general librarianship; art librarians in public libraries tend to be trained librarians with a personal enthusiasm for art, whereas librarians in research libraries are in some cases graduates but are not necessarily trained librarians. While the public library system took advantage of standardization, automation, and networking, the research libraries could not so readily embrace change, but two recent initiatives are beginning to bring libraries of all kinds together — DanBib, the Danish online union catalogue, formed in 1995 by merging the two separate databases for public and research libraries which both originated in the 1980s, and Kulturnet Danmark, a government-sponsored scheme involving the Internet.
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Wakimoto, Diana K. "Benefits of Unionization Still Unclear for U.S. Academic Libraries and Librarians." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 5, no. 1 (March 17, 2010): 144. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8g61j.
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A Review of:
Applegate, R. (2009). Who benefits? Unionization and academic libraries and librarians. The Library Quarterly, 79(4), 443-463.
Abstract
Objective – To investigate the quantitative benefits of unionization for libraries, librarians, and students at academic libraries in the United States.
Design – Quantitative analysis of existing datasets.
Setting – Academic libraries in the United States.
Subjects – One thousand nine hundred four accredited colleges and universities in the United States.
Methods – Institutions that provided data for both the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Academic Libraries Survey (ALS) and the NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Service (IPEDS) survey series in 2004 were considered for inclusion in this study. Of these institutions, only those with student populations over 500 and employing more than one librarian were included. The study did not include specialized libraries at institutions where “most of their degrees were awarded in a single area” (p. 449). The institutions were categorized by type derived from data by Carnegie and the Association of Research Libraries. The final categories were: ARL, Doctoral Non-ARL, Masters, Baccalaureate, and Associates. Governance was determined by using information from IPEDS that classified the institutions as public, private not-for-profit, and private for-profit. Unionization status was derived from the Directory of Faculty Contracts and Bargaining Agents in Institutions of Higher Education. After private not-for-profit and private for-profit classifications were collapsed into one category, governance and unionization information were combined to create the final governance categories of: private, public nonunionized, and public unionized. The study analyzed the following characteristics in terms of institution type, governance, and institution type and governance interaction: ratio of students to librarians, ratio of library expenditures to institutional budget expenditures, average librarian salary, percentage of staff who were librarians, librarian salaries as a percentage of staff salaries, and percentage of the library budget spent on staff salaries.
Main Results – Analysis revealed statistically significant differences (p< .05) between governance and student-librarian ratio and between governance and percentage of library budget spent on staff salaries. No consistently beneficial relationship between governance and student-librarian ratio was determined. A consistently positive relationship was found between governance and percent of the library budget spent on librarian salaries; all public unionized institution types had higher percentages of the library budget devoted to librarian salaries than private and public nonunionized institutions. All five dependent variables showed statistically significant differences (p< .05) when analyzed by institution type. Analysis by institution type and governance interaction found statistically significant differences (p< .05) for student-librarian ratios, librarian salary, and percentage of library budget devoted to staff salaries. Strong R2 values were determined for the dependent variables of: staff salaries as a proportion of library budget (.51) and student-librarian ratio (.34).
Conclusion – Based on the results, the author stated that unionization appears to have positive or neutral benefits for the library, librarians, and students, regardless of institutional type. Further quantitative and qualitative research is needed to analyze the effects of unionization on library quality.
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Franks, Tina P., Tina Budzise-Weaver, and Leslie J. Reynolds. "Unlocking library search committees at ARL public universities." Information and Learning Science 118, no. 5/6 (May 8, 2017): 252–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ils-04-2017-0024.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the hiring process for candidates seeking entry-level and mid-range librarian positions at ARL public university libraries. Whether a recent librarian graduate, a seasoned librarian seeking a different academic institution or a librarian transitioning into academia from a different library environment, an understanding of how search committees function and the importance they contribute to identifying the best candidate can be beneficial to any job seeker. Design/methodology/approach This paper offers universal best practices, techniques and “keys” to unlocking the secrets of the recruitment process from the candidate’s perspective to help librarians seeking employment in an Association of Research Libraries (ARLs) public university environment. The scope of this paper is for entry level and mid-range librarians, but some ARL’s do use executive search firms for upper level administrative positions. Findings This paper describes the search process, offers insiders’ perspectives and provides techniques along with best practices on how to be a successful applicant and candidate. Practical implications As experienced professionals who have served on search committees, this paper explains the “keys” to best practices and how to enhance one’s resume and curriculum vita. Originality/value This paper walks potential job candidates through the process of how to apply and what to expect during an ARL Library Search Committee application review.
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Davey, Stephen. "Public libraries." Nature Chemistry 6, no. 10 (September 22, 2014): 846–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nchem.2070.
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Berkowitz, Adam Eric. "Public Libraries." Notes 80, no. 2 (December 2023): 296–302. http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/not.2023.a912343.
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Rudzioniene, Jurgita, Ina Puzakinaite, and Eglė Audzeviciüte. "Library Highway: Library Professionals as Agents of Changes." Bilgi Dünyası 14, no. 2 (October 31, 2013): 400–408. http://dx.doi.org/10.15612/bd.2013.129.
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The main aim of the article is to find out how the professional public librarians have changed during last decades of huge changes in public libraries. Specialists which have long professional work experience as public librarians were selected for this research. Due to this, the empirical research was performed. The research points out professional and personal changes of librarians due to modernization processes at the library as social institution acting in information and communication field. Quantitative research was used to fulfill the task of the research. Questionnaire was created for the research and was used to survey the librarians of selected libraries. Research reports the results of the study based on the data derived from actual observation of several Lithuanian public libraries and their librarians, who have their work experience at the library more than 10 years. Five public libraries which have won competition of the best public libraries in Lithuania according to their results were chosen (competition was arranged in the frame of the project ”Bibliotekos pažangai” (Libraries for Innovation) initiated by Bill & and Melinda Gates Foundation. The research consists of several steps. Selection of libraries was made at the first step. The second step of the research was to choose librarians from selected libraries with indicated work experience. The third step was to make a quantitative study. For this purpose a special questionnaire was created. The research results indicate professional and personal changes of public librarians due to intensive Information technologies development at the libraries and show professional librarians as agents of changes.
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Lenstra, Noah, and Jenny Carlos. "Public Libraries and Walkable Neighborhoods." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 10 (May 20, 2019): 1780. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16101780.
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Public libraries constitute a ubiquitous social infrastructure found in nearly every community in the United States and Canada. The hypothesis of this study is that public libraries can be understood as important supports of walking in neighborhoods, not only as walkable destinations, but also as providers of programs that increase walking in communities. Recent work by public health scholars has analyzed how libraries contribute to community health. This particular topic has not previously been researched. As such, a qualitative, exploratory approach guides this study. Grounded theory techniques are used in a content analysis of a corpus of 94 online articles documenting this phenomenon. Results show that across North America public librarians endeavor to support walking through programs oriented around stories, books, and local history, as well as through walking groups and community partnerships. While this exploratory study has many limitations, it does set the stage for future, more rigorous research on the contributions public libraries and public librarians make to walking in neighborhoods. The principal conclusion of this study is that additional research is needed to comprehensively understand the intersection between public librarianship and public health.
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Mouza, Anna Maria, and Athanasios Taousanis. "The economic crisis and public libraries in Greece." Library Management 39, no. 3/4 (June 11, 2018): 216–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-08-2017-0077.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of Greece’s economic crisis on public librarians’ obligations. Design/methodology/approach In total, 43 public library managers completed a questionnaire regarding 116 librarian responsibilities. Managers evaluated these responsibilities considering their importance, difficulty, and frequency. Regarding difficulty, a two-way analysis of variance was applied to examine whether there exists a significant difference among duties’ categories and libraries’ classifications, considering their number of users and materials, and whether the perceived difficulties were connected with the economic crisis. Findings The results reveal that public librarians face many difficulties due to workload and increased responsibilities resulting from the lack of qualified personnel both in library and computer science. Difficulties also arise from the inability to meet some operational needs because of reduced funding. Practical implications Contrary to these unfavorable conditions, many new opportunities and challenges have emerged, including the implementation of new practices and actions (volunteerism, donations, cooperation with local actors) to effectively cope with the new threats. Originality/value This is the first time that job description has been recorded and used to outline the duties of Greece’s public librarians. This is particularly useful to develop libraries’ strategic planning and to assist all human resource practices to increase efficiency, especially during the period of financial crisis. Further specific duties were also proposed to enhance the librarians’ effectiveness under the new working environment, focusing on the required processes for their successful completion.
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Ikeshita, Hanae. "Japanese public library services for dyslexic children." Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 52, no. 2 (January 31, 2019): 485–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0961000618823871.
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In Japan, most public libraries do not provide sufficient easy-reading materials or offer reading facilities that are suitable for children with dyslexia. In contrast, in Europe, public libraries provide special facilities for children with reading disabilities, allowing them to see, read or listen to books in various ways. This study compares support services for children with reading disabilities at public libraries in Europe and Japan, focusing on support for children with dyslexia. Information was gathered through interviews with librarians. After interviewing European librarians working in children’s libraries, we found that each of them runs events for children, where the children have the opportunity to discover books. Children were able to acquire knowledge through these events and pursue knowledge using these newly-discovered books. It is suggested that adopting the concept of the European children’s library in Japanese libraries might give all Japanese children the opportunity to read more books.
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Stokić, Aleksandar, Danijela Stojanović, Zorica Bogdanović, Marijana Despotović-Zrakić, and Božidar Radenković. "Enhancing the customer relationship management in public libraries." Library Hi Tech 37, no. 2 (June 17, 2019): 251–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lht-07-2017-0138.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibilities of implementing the customer relationship management (CRM) concept and smart technologies in public libraries in developing countries. The goal was to explore the level of librarians’ awareness about CRM concept and their willingness to accept the CRM concept in libraries. Also, patrons’ satisfaction with the quality of services and relationships in public libraries is explored. Design/methodology/approach The authors obtained data for this research through two online surveys. The first survey measures librarians’ level of awareness about CRM concept and their perception about CRM and smart technologies concept in public libraries in three developing countries: Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The second survey measures patrons’ satisfaction with services and relationship in public libraries in these three countries. Findings The research results revealed that most surveyed librarians are familiar with the CRM concept. However, libraries in these three developing countries barely use CRM or smart technologies to improve the relationship with stakeholders. Also, most patrons are satisfied with relationships and services. The analysis of data indicates no significant difference in the satisfaction level among patrons between these three developing countries. Research limitations/implications Not all libraries participated in this research. Therefore, the sample is not distributed evenly across different types of libraries or user groups. Future research should include different types of libraries. Practical implications The results can be used by public libraries in developing countries to improve the relationship with stakeholders harnessing CRM concept and smart technologies. Social implications The use of CRM in combination with the smart technologies can help leverage the quality of the relationship between public libraries and stakeholders which in turn would secure their support and loyalty in the future. Originality/value The integration of CRM concept as a component of library business automation process is an idea that has not been discussed widely in the library community and could initiate a positive trend in public libraries in developing countries.
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Williams, Lisa Powell. "Book Review: Five Steps of Outcome-Based Planning and Evaluation for Public Libraries." Reference & User Services Quarterly 56, no. 1 (September 23, 2016): 52. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.56n1.52a.
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Most public librarians have pondered how to better report our library’s worth and value to our varied constituents, ranging from patrons to library boards to municipal councils, and many of us have wondered how effective some of our programming endeavors actually are. Librarians are good storytellers, and this new book—Five Steps of Outcome-Based Planning and Evaluation for Public Libraries—affirms our collective talent while nudging public librarians to “step up our game.”
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Shuva, Nafiz Zaman, and Rowshon Akter. "Status of Non-Government Public Libraries in Bangladesh." Eastern Librarian 23, no. 1 (October 9, 2012): 91–104. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/el.v23i1.12119.
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Public libraries are very important social organizations in building knowledge based society. There are two types of public libraries in Bangladesh i.e. Government public libraries and Non-Government public libraries. This article concentrates on the status of Non-Government public libraries in Bangladesh. There is very few literature on Non-Government public libraries in Bangladesh. Currently there are 972 Non-Government public libraries running in Bangladesh. In gathering data on Non-Government public libraries in Bangladesh, the Directory of Non-Government Public Libraries published by National Book Centre is considered. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) has been conducted to acquire comprehensive information about the status of Non-Government public libraries in Bangladesh. Eventually some problems of Non-Government public libraries have been addressed and as remedial measures a number of recommendations have been put forward by the authors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/el.v23i1.12119 Eastern Librarian Vol.23(1) 2012 pp.91-104
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Al-Marzooqi, Sara, and Hamdy Ahmed Abdelaziz. "Public Libraries in the Post-COVID-19 Era." International Journal of Customer Relationship Marketing and Management 13, no. 1 (January 1, 2022): 1–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijcrmm.306247.
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The COVID-19 pandemic created a new reality for the educational sector in both formal and informal institutions. Educators in the UAE continued to offer classes and to communicate with their students virtually. Libraries, too, were able to continue to offer their educational services and provide free access to their digital environment for all ages around the public and private schools and universities. Technology has the potential to continue offering more advanced services to both universities and libraries. These services can be reimagined and introduced according to the new needs and demands after the pandemic and through business concepts. This paper explores the teachers’ and librarians’ perceptions on collaborating together within a common smart pedagogical approach, and the possibility it carries to improve the quality of their educational services. A case study was conducted in one of the library’s chain in the UAE to explore how smart technologies can promote productive collaboration between formal and informal education.
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Smith, Elizabeth. "Retrospection: The First Hundred Years of North Carolina’s Libraries - 1905." North Carolina Libraries 63, no. 1 (May 15, 2008): 5–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.3776/ncl.v63i1.52.
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This first in a series of articles will highlight events and statistics about North Carolina’s libraries in 1905, which were collected fromvarious publications in Joyner Library’s Verona Joyner Langford North Carolina Collection. The Biennial Report of the Superintendent ofPublic Instruction of North Carolina and the Biennial Report of the State Librarian provided information about school and public libraries. Information about college and private libraries was taken from the First Biennial Report of the North Carolina Library Commission and from books about the institutions of higher education.
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Dettman, David. "Bangladesh Public Libraries' Response to COVID-19 Pandemic." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 18, no. 4 (December 15, 2023): 119–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/eblip30438.
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A Review of: Begum, D., Roknuzzaman, M., & Shobhanee, M. E. (2022). Public libraries’ responses to a global pandemic: Bangladesh perspectives. IFLA Journal, 48(1), 174–188. https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211041138 Objective – Examine quantitative and qualitative data to determine the level of preparedness and capacity to provide key resources during the recent COVID-19 global pandemic with the goal of recommending measures to better cope with future similar situations. Design – Online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, followed by a narrative analysis of the qualitative data. Setting – Public libraries in Bangladesh. Subjects – Heads of the libraries such as directors, librarians, or librarians-in-charge. Methods – A survey was distributed to all 71 government public libraries in Bangladesh administered and governed by the Department of Public Libraries under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The survey elicited 50 valid responses, resulting in a response rate of 70%. A structured form questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms and included 12 closed-ended questions with multiple options and one open-ended question to collect librarian views on handling services and key functions post pandemic. Telephone interviews were conducted with eight librarians from the district public libraries. Main Results – The data revealed that all the libraries reported having some level of preparedness for pandemics and disasters. However, few libraries reported high levels of confidence in this regard. For example, 82% responded that they either had a “low” or a “minimum” preparedness for dealing with a pandemic. The survey revealed that none of the responding libraries were fully open to provide user services during the COVID-19 pandemic while 100% were open for administrative functions. Additionally, 72% reported having some sections open but others closed, while 22% indicated that the library only provided specified services, most of these in an online environment. Only 12% indicated that they provided access to mobile library services. The libraries responses to crisis management included creating public awareness through social media campaigns (50%), supporting other government bodies to mitigate the pandemic (46%), providing counseling services for particular users (40%), promoting authoritative and authentic national and global strategies on the pandemic for the public (34%), providing pandemic-related information via phone or email on demand (32%), and distributing relief to affected people (30%). Other activities included organizing online social and cultural programs to reduce public anxiety with special reference to vulnerable groups (24%), online staff training (22%), monitoring and supervising government programs (20%), and providing research data on the pandemic (10%). The response to needs regarding redesigning library programs and services for the post-pandemic world revealed that 90% of libraries identified a need for a dedicated online service platform, 80% saw the need to create policies related to health and safety, while 72% indicated a need for more emphasis on digital content. The responses indicated 56% were in favor of introducing innovative online services. Conclusion – In response to the results of their study, the authors make several recommendations regarding helping the libraries of Bangladesh to cope with consequences of future pandemics similar in scale to COVID-19. The first recommendation is to move away from “providing services in a traditional manner,” while developing dedicated online platforms running on high-bandwidth Internet connections (Begum et al., 2022, p. 183). These include introducing a secure cloud-based library automation system to provide a robust and stable information gateway. The development of digital resources should also be a priority. This includes both the digitization of library resources and more widespread access to an increasing number of subscription databases. The data indicated a strong desire among librarians to introduce innovative library services which the authors identify as digitized content delivery, remote access to online resources, online chat reference, current awareness services, online programming mirroring face-to-face programming, home delivery service for books, strategic disaster policy development, online information literacy programs, online career counseling, and leadership along with online training, workshops, and seminars. The authors conclude that: libraries face challenges, such as transitioning to virtual services, breaking long-established service models, funding for digital resources and its impacts on library operations in the future, enforcing social distancing measures, creating social awareness, and the lack of formal pandemic plans and policies …. (Begum et al., 2022, p. 179)
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Alty, Abigail. "Seed Libraries Can Be a Promising but Challenging Way to Support Community Engagement and Social Innovation in Public Libraries." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 16, no. 3 (September 15, 2021): 154–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/eblip29954.
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A Review of: Peekhaus, W. (2018). Seed libraries: Sowing the seeds for community and public library resilience. Library Quarterly, 88(3), 271-285. https://doi.org/10.1086/697706 Abstract Objective – To describe and investigate the establishment, operation, function, purpose, and benefit of seed libraries within public libraries and local communities. Design – Exploratory study. Setting – Public seed libraries in Arizona, California, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Subjects – 10 librarians actively involved in creating or maintaining seed libraries. Methods – 60-75 minute interviews, primarily over the phone, with subjects selected by means of purposive sampling. Main Results – According to the participants interviewed, starting and operating a seed library requires front-end effort from the “host” library, active participation by a dedicated librarian and community members, as well as ongoing funding, usually on an annual basis (estimated by one participant to be $2,500/year, mostly for the purchase of seeds). Participant descriptions of their seed library operations differed, but most had a dedicated seed librarian. Participants noted that primary activities included deciding what seeds to put in the collection, arrangement of the seed collection, development of checkout and return procedures, and ongoing education. Several participants noted that such operational work was seasonal and not steady. None of the libraries included in this study had enough seeds donated to sustain their collections, but rather they relied on purchasing seeds in bulk or asking for donations from seed companies. Cataloging procedures varied in terms of complexity, and participants from one library system reported the use of a seed library cataloging template as being helpful. All participants noted they gave patrons containers to return seeds. While educating patrons in formal sessions is often difficult for reasons such as resource limitations, the interview informants agreed that seed libraries fit into the missions of public libraries by furthering information sharing, access to resources, and knowledge development. Conclusion – Seed libraries are an active service that assist public libraries in responding to social challenges and in engaging with their local communities as a type of knowledge commons. Seed libraries align with public libraries’ shift in priorities from increasing physical collections to enriching lives by providing knowledge and tools to support food autonomy, self-sufficiency, civic engagement, and community education. These libraries are a novel service that engage and attract patrons and support libraries’ positions as community hubs.
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Mayen Ndaro, Igajah, Mary Mfon Bassey, Umoh Margaret Sylvanus, and Edim Joy Bassey. "Professional Training Of Librarians And Service Delivery In Public Libraries In Nigeria." Global Journal of Educational Research 23, no. 1 (May 6, 2024): 77–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gjedr.v23i1.8.
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The main purpose of the paper was to examine professional training of librarians and service delivery in public libraries in Nigeria. It is an opinion paper and therefore expository in nature. The paper discussed the history of public libraries in Nigeria and service delivery. The paper critically reviewed the professional training of librarians in public libraries. It also exposed various library services, such as current awareness, user education, inter-library loan, circulation, reprographic service and challenges affecting the services in the public libraries. The paper recommended among others, professional training for librarians with digital skills to enhance their productivity for efficient and effective service delivery.
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Islam, Md Anwarul, and Mitsuru Ikeda. "Positive Ageing: How Can Public Libraries Help?" Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology 60, no. 1 (October 2023): 1001–3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pra2.925.
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ABSTRACTThe growth rate of older adult produces demographic shift in Bangladesh. The objectives of this study is to explore how public libraries in Bangladesh can work or support for positive ageing. This study is a small part of larger survey study of the public libraries in Bangladesh. Data were collected from two open‐ended questions which were used in the larger quantitative survey. Out of 59 responses received from the public librarians, only 15 librarians responded to open‐ended questions. The answers of these two open‐ended questions were coded and analyzed. Public libraries do not offer exclusive services for the older adults but many of the general services are used by the older adults. However, public librarians have come up with significant ideas to support older people for promoting the positive ageing. Findings also focused how this helps to achieve some of the UNSDGs in the context of Bangladesh.
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Smith, Daniella, Misty Shea, and Wei-Ning Wu. "Collaborative resource sharing between public and school libraries." Interlending & Document Supply 42, no. 4 (November 11, 2014): 159–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ilds-09-2014-0045.
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Purpose – The purpose of this study was to examine youth service librarians’ use of collaborative collection development (CCD) behaviors and interlibrary loan (ILL) to collaborate with school librarians. Design/methodology – A quantitative design was implemented with a self-administered survey that was placed online. Findings – Public youth services librarians in the USA believe it is important to collaborate with school librarians. However, they are not frequently using collaborative resource sharing strategies. Public youth services librarians that have more experience, understand trends and issues in school libraries and feel they have knowledge of collaborative strategies are more likely to engage in collaborative resource sharing. Research limitations – The study was limited to 265 public librarians serving youth in the USA. This study does not present the perspectives of school libraries. Social implications – CCD and ILL between public and school libraries are overlooked practices for building relationships between public and school librarians that should be explored. Presenting the benefits of these strategies during training programs may increase the resources that youth can access, thus having an overall impact on the quality of life in communities. Collaborating will also help communities understand the value of libraries as institutions for promoting lifelong learning. Originality/value – The results provide evidence that public youth service librarians in the USA believe in the importance of collaborative relationships with school librarians. However, they do not frequently use ILL or engage in CCD behaviors with school librarians. Using ILL and CCD are two strategies that may be used to build stronger relationships.
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Bober, Chris. "Resources on the Net: Current Challenges to Public Education and Public Libraries and Responses from Academic Libraries." Education Libraries 35, no. 1-2 (September 19, 2017): 73. http://dx.doi.org/10.26443/el.v35i1-2.317.
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The idea for the present theme originated from an upcoming Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Librarians Conference called Contested Terrain: Shaping the Future of Academic Librarianship. The conference, to be held in Ottawa on October 26 and 27, 2012, will look at ways that academic libraries can withstand and fight back against efforts to marginalize our profession and devalue our libraries. This review of recently published web literature begins with a look at the underlying issues as to why privatization has become a burning issue in both the public education system and public libraries. There are lessons to be learned here by academic libraries that are now faced with similar challenges. Within this climate of uncertainty, academic libraries have begun to respond by demonstrating value to their stakeholders. [...]
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Ireland, Sonnet. "Information Literacy and Instruction: For Your Information: Using Information Literacy in Public Libraries." Reference & User Services Quarterly 57, no. 1 (October 9, 2017): 12. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.57.1.6436.
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ACRL’s Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education has made waves among academic librarians since it was filed by the ACRL Board in 2015. Although the ACRL Framework’s primary intended audience is academic librarians, librarians in all types of libraries engage in information literacy instruction with their patrons. Sonnet Ireland shares her perspective as a public librarian on the impact that the ACRL Framework has had on her view of information literacy and how it has impacted her hands-on work with patrons.—Sarah LeMire, Editor
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Masenya, Tlou Maggie. "Application of modern technologies in the management of records in public libraries." Journal of the South African Society of Archivists 53 (December 16, 2020): 65–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsasa.v53i1.5.
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Many organisations, including libraries and information centres are struggling to manage their records. Effective management of records ensures the public library’s ability to function effectively and provides documentary evidence of scholars and citizens. Recently, modern technologies such as blockchain, cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT) have increasingly been adopted by various organisations to manage records while other organisations are slow to adopt them. Public libraries are positioning themselves to take this advantage by implementing innovative technologies to manage their records. This study utilised literature review to investigate the application of modern technologies in managing records in public libraries with the view to highlight how these technologies can revolutionise library practices. The study established that although public libraries acknowledge the importance of modern technologies such as blockchain, cloud computing and Internet of Things in managing their records, these technologies are being slowly adopted due to lack of information technology infrastructure, technical support, and knowledge and skills. Therefore, all these challenges made it difficult for librarians and information professionals to maximise the benefits of these technologies and they struggle to see how these technologies can be incorporated into their institutions. Public libraries thus need to better understand best practices for records management, which may go a long way in influencing library policy to support records-management processes. The study recommends that public libraries consider exploring collaborating with other sectors such as archival services to implement modern technologies for the purpose of managing records.
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Carson, Pamela, and Krista Louise Alexander. "Walk-In Users and Their Access to Online Resources in Canadian Academic Libraries." Partnership: The Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research 15, no. 2 (December 15, 2020): 1–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.21083/partnership.v15i2.5793.
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In the past, a member of the public could access an academic library’s collection simply by visiting the library in person and browsing the shelves. However, now that online resources are prevalent and represent the majority of collections budgets and current collections, public access has become more complicated. In Canadian academic libraries, licences negotiated for online resources generally allow on-site access for walk-in users; however access is not granted uniformly across libraries. The goal of this study was to understand whether members of the public are indeed able to access online resources in major Canadian university libraries, whether access to supporting tools was offered, how access is provided, and whether access is monitored or promoted. The study used an online survey that targeted librarians responsible for user services at Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) member libraries. The survey results indicated that some level of free access to digital resources was provided to walk-in users at 90% of libraries for which a survey response was received. However, limitations in methods and modes of access and availability of supporting resources, such as software and printing, varied between the institutions. The study also found that most libraries did not actively promote or monitor non-affiliated user access.
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Epstein, Helen-Ann Brown. "Hospital Libraries Partner with Public Libraries." Journal of Hospital Librarianship 19, no. 2 (April 3, 2019): 190–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15323269.2019.1600635.
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Kathryn Nichols Hess, Amanda. "Web tutorials workflows." New Library World 115, no. 3/4 (March 4, 2014): 87–101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/nlw-11-2013-0087.
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Purpose – This article examines a structured redesign of one academic library's offering of its online learning objects. This process considered both improving the online learning objects and developing a feasible workflow process for librarians. The findings for both processes are discussed. Design/methodology/approach – The scholarship on online library learning objects and web tutorials, beginning with Dewald's seminal study, was examined for trends, patterns, and best practices. From this research, informal interviews were conducted with library faculty members. Once this information had been collected, other public university libraries in the state of Michigan – 14 in all – were considered in terms of if, and how, they offered online learning objects and web tutorials. These three areas of inquiry provide a foundation for the best practices and workflows developed. Findings – Based on the scholarship, librarian feedback, and informal assessment of other public university libraries' practices, best practices were developed for web tutorial evaluation and creation. These best practices are to make online learning content: maintainable, available, geared at users, informative, and customizable. Workflows for librarians around these best practices were developed. Also, using these best practices, the library redesigned its tutorials web page and employed a different content management tool, which benefitted both librarians and users with increased interactivity and ease of use. Originality/value – This article shares best practices and library workflows for online learning objects in ways that are not commonly addressed in the literature. It also considers the library's online instructional presence from the perspectives of both user and librarian, and works to develop structures in which both can function effectively. This article is also of value because of the practical implications it offers to library professionals.
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Chukwusa, J. "Strategic Enhancement of Public Library Functionality: The Role of Stakeholders." Asian Journal of Information Science and Technology 12, no. 1 (April 26, 2022): 39–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.51983/ajist-2022.12.1.3092.
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This study is on Strategic Enhancement of Public Libraries Functionality in Delta State, Nigeria: The Role of Stakeholders. Descriptive research was used for the study. The population for the study was 229. However, the 28 Librarians manning the outreaches (public libraries) and their Assistants (28) as well as 44 non-professionals were purposively used as the sample size (100). The data collection instrument, the questionnaire had three clusters with statements on a 4-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed using frequency counts and Mean scores statistics. The study revealed that challenges hampering the functionality of public libraries include inadequate funding, insufficient qualified librarians, poor infrastructure, poor remuneration and inadequate public relation (PR) by libraries in that other; that the ways to enhance public libraries in Delta State and make them more functional include government provision of adequate funds, proper formulation of public library policies, employment of professional librarians to man the various sections of the library, and frequent organization of exhibitions of resources programme in public libraries; and serious stakeholders involvement in public library Management. This investigation more than before echoed on the need for government as the main stakeholder, to make serious effort in terms of supervising, appraising and implementing, the public library initiatives (as enshrined in the National Policy on Education).
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Suhag, Abdul Karim. "Analyzing Strategies for Improvement of Job Satisfaction Among the University Librarians of Karachi: A Quantitative Study." Spry Contemporary Educational Practices 3, no. 1 (January 2024): 747–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.62681/sprypublishers.scep/3/1/40.
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Introduction: Job satisfaction among university librarians is crucial but under-researched, especially in Karachi. This study aims to identify factors influencing job satisfaction and its relationship with employee retention rates, providing strategies to improve satisfaction and reduce turnover. Methodology: A Quantitative survey was conducted across 39 university libraries in Karachi, including both public and private institutions. A structured questionnaire collected data from librarians, which was then analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. Results/Findings: Key findings indicate that job satisfaction is influenced by various factors such as salary, working conditions, autonomy, and professional relationships. There is no significant difference in job satisfaction levels between public and private universities or between male and female librarians. Future Direction: Further research is recommended to explore the impact of faculty status on job satisfaction, the effects of job satisfaction on librarian performance, and a comparative analysis of job satisfaction across different types of libraries. Additionally, the relationship between management styles and librarian involvement in decision-making should be investigated.
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Cao, Fenfang, Shuheng Wu, and Besiki Stvilia. "Library makerspaces in China: A comparison of public, academic, and school libraries." Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 52, no. 4 (March 10, 2020): 1209–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0961000620908657.
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This exploratory study identified and compared the organization, services, challenges of and motivations for makerspaces in public, academic, and school libraries in China. Although there is a significant body of literature on makerspaces in libraries, this study is one of the first ones that provides a comparison of library makerspace organization and operation by library type. Data was collected using paper and online surveys from 158 librarians. Supporting learning was the most frequently identified motivation for establishing a makerspace by all three categories of librarians. While makerspaces in academic libraries were mostly operated by library staff, school libraries more evenly relied on teaching staff, volunteers, library staff members, and paid instructors to operate their makerspaces. Makerspaces in public and academic libraries were funded mostly from the libraries’ budget, while school libraries were funded more by other units on the campus and institutional or individual investments. The most frequently selected technologies were 3D printing and modeling technologies, and makerspaces in academic libraries were better equipped than makerspaces in the other two types of libraries. Group study rooms and learning commons centers were the most frequently occurring physical spaces in academic and public library makerspaces. School library makerspaces differentiated themselves by offering wooden crafts centers more often than other library makerspaces. While participants selecting budget limitation and inadequate equipment as barriers to implementing makerspaces was not surprising, public and academic librarians also often cited the lack of professional instructors. Based on the findings, several suggestions were offered to the practice of planning and operating a makerspace in libraries such as bringing together internal and external funding to support makerspaces, consolidating the required physical space of makerspaces and the existing space arrangement of libraries, and developing additional training programs to address the problem of a lack of professional instructors.
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Waller, Vivienne. "Legitimacy for large public libraries in the digital age." Library Review 57, no. 5 (May 23, 2008): 372–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00242530810875159.
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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically analyse recent developments in the relationship of large public libraries with digital technologies, suggesting a way of rethinking the future of large public libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper bases its critical analysis on a review of the literature and reference to specific cases. Historical quotes preceding sections augment the argument that many of the current concerns about digital technologies are not new issues for libraries.FindingsIssues around library take up of digital technology are continuations of debates that have occurred throughout the history of public libraries about the role of the library. In Australia, library policy makers are focusing on technology and an imagined user in an effort to prove the legitimacy of large public libraries to funding bodies, the library profession and library users. Such attempts seem doomed to fail.Practical implicationsPublic libraries need to be clear about their purpose as publicly funded institutions in the digital age. This requires a renewed understanding of a library's publics and a critical understanding of the nature of services available using digital technologies.Originality/valueThis paper presents an alternative way of thinking about the future of large public libraries, with much of the discussion also relevant to local public libraries.
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Ondabu, Lilian, and Rose Njoroge. "Gender Perspectives on Job Satisfaction and Motivation Among Librarians: A Survey of National Library Services of Kenya." International Journal of Current Aspects 8, no. 1 (June 17, 2024): 117–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.35942/q7gw2n63.
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Job satisfaction is simply how a person feels regarding their work r job High sense of job satisfaction among librarians always results to higher productivity in Public libraries (Yaya, 2019). The study’s aim was to relate extensiveness of job satisfaction in Kenyan public libraries based on gender of the librarian. The study aims at finding out the gender perspectives on job satisfaction of librarians at Kenya National Library Service (KNLS). The study establish how pay, promotion, supervision and working conditions and gender affects job satisfaction and motivation between female and male librarians. Descriptive survey design method was adopted allow for an extensive review of the study phenomenon. Cluster sampling was used to select 8 KNLS branch libraries from the 8 regions in Kenya namely; Eastern, Western, Nairobi, Rift valley, Nyanza, North Eastern, Costal and Central region. Simple random sampling was applied to pick one library in regions with more than one KNLS branch libraries. The Sample size studied was made of 120 librarians; 69 female librarians and 51 male librarians. Primary data was collected using questionnaires from both female and male librarians at KNLS. Collected data was processed and analysed using descriptive and Pearson chi square was used to test the difference between female and male librarians’ perspectives on job satisfaction and motivation. The mean of job satisfaction on pay, promotion, supervision as well as working conditions were higher among the females (3.733, 3.9533, 39533 3.6286 respectively) than the males (3.6963, 3.8711, 3.9181 and 4.0357 respectively). The research findings indicate that there was no significant difference on job satisfaction between female and male librarians at Kenya National Library Service. The study also concluded that there is no significant difference in the overall job satisfaction. It is however essential that librarian are treated equally irrespective of their gender.