The values of public libraries: a systematic review of empirical studies of stakeholder perceptions
ISSN: 0022-0418
Article publication date: 9 March 2020
Issue publication date: 4 June 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Public libraries' relevance and raison d'être towards society is an often discussed subject within public, politics and research. The objective of this systematic literature review is to provide a synthesis of empirical studies of stakeholders' perceived values of public libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The review is based on a structured literature search that was conducted in seven databases. Two independent participants carried out a two-step screening of the identified studies. Firstly, the studies were screened on basis of title and abstract. Secondly, studies that were included in the title–abstract screening were full-text screened. Conflicting studies were discussed, and consensus between the reviewers was reached. Citation searches of each included study were conducted along with scrutinising cited literature. The included studies were subject to a risk of bias assessment on basis of a developed risk of the bias tool, and qualitative analysis was provided.
Findings
Of all, 4,086 studies were screened and 19 were retained for the review. The studies consisted of both quantitative and qualitative investigations of different stakeholders in a variety of countries. The reported values varied across the studies and stakeholders.
Originality/value
This is the first study that systematically reviews empirical literature that explores stakeholders' perceived values of public libraries. The paper suggests further recommendations for empirical research of values connected to public libraries.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author of this article acknowledges Tove Faber Frandsen, Professor at the Department of Design and Communication, University of Southern Denmark, for the assistance as a reviewer in the screening of studies. Furthermore, the referees who peer-reviewed this paper are acknowledged for thoroughly providing useful comments.
Citation
Sørensen, K.M. (2020), "The values of public libraries: a systematic review of empirical studies of stakeholder perceptions", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 76 No. 4, pp. 909-927. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-10-2019-0201
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited