The role of influence in city and public library partnerships: an exploratory study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss whether interpersonal influence impacts the success of information technology support jointly managed by public libraries and their corresponding city departments. By exploring various management models of the information technology departments serving Canada's urban public libraries, the role of interpersonal influence in these partnerships is described.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-part survey was administered to all Canadian urban libraries to explore which management models exist and to determine current issues. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with exemplary sites. The survey data were used to rank dependence levels of public libraries on their corresponding cities. Using Cialdini's framework of influence, a thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data to note the presence or absence of each principle.

Findings

Most Canadian urban public libraries rely on their corresponding cities for a small number of IT-related services; 25 percent have somewhat or highly integrated departmental partnerships. Interpersonal influence, particularly the principles of “authority” and “liking” are important factors in these partnerships.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to Canadian urban public libraries and explores a single service. It builds on previous studies exploring the role of influence and public libraries, and indicates the utility of further research of city and public library partnerships.

Practical implications

The findings may help inform the development of Library Service Level Agreements and other shared policy documents.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore shared management models and the role of influence at the municipal level in Canadian public libraries.

Citation

Stenstrom, C., Roberts, K. and Haycock, K. (2014), "The role of influence in city and public library partnerships: an exploratory study", Library Management, Vol. 35 No. 3, pp. 213-223. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-06-2013-0058