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1 – 10 of 27Milan Tung‐Wen Sun, Mei‐Chiang Shih, Keng‐Ming Hsu and Jenhei Chen
The purpose of this paper is twofold: to analyse the diffusion of an innovative policy or service and the factors influencing it through an explorative study of the diffusion of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: to analyse the diffusion of an innovative policy or service and the factors influencing it through an explorative study of the diffusion of the Bookstart program in Taiwan; and second, to provide an analytical framework for further study of this program.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is both empirical and theoretical. It uses data from existing studies and also agencies involved in Bookstart to explain the diffusion of the program. It then draws on theories of policy diffusion and the initial findings of this study to develop an analytical framework for the further study of the diffusion of the Bookstart program.
Findings
The Bookstart program, which is designed to promote reading habits for children 0 to 3 years old and to strengthen parent‐children relations, was originally initiated in the UK. It was first introduced into Taiwan in Taichung County in 2003. The paper shows how the program spread throughout Taiwan and indicates the role of the key players in the diffusion, including charitable institutions, local politicians and leaders, local authority agencies, and the Ministry of Education. The paper posits an analytical framework identifying factors which may help to promote or facilitate the diffusion. In this respect, the paper draws on the theoretical literature and also initial evidence from the research so far undertaken. This will guide the research in the next stage of the study.
Originality/value
This explorative study provides an example of the nature, process and direction of the diffusion of a policy or service innovation, and suggests the possible factors promoting or facilitating it, as identified in the initial findings of the research and in the relevant theoretical literature.
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– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a free book gifting programme, called “Bookstart+”, in improving family reading outcomes.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a free book gifting programme, called “Bookstart+”, in improving family reading outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Bookstart+ consists of a pack of books and reading materials provided to families at their two-year-old child's statutory health visit. The pack is accompanied by a short priming demonstration, delivered by the health visitor, on shared reading. The evaluation took the form of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 460 families from the client lists of 115 health visitors.
Findings
The study found evidence of: a positive significant effect on parents’ attitudes to reading and books (Cohen's d=+0.192, p=0.034); no significant effect on parental attitudes to their child reading (d=+0.085, p=0.279); and a negative effect, approaching significance, on public library usage (d=−0.160, p=0.055).
Research limitations/implications
The attrition rate was high, with only 43.9 per cent of the target families completing all of the research. However, this level of attrition did not lead to any significant differences between the control and intervention groups on their pre-test measures.
Practical implications
The study provides recommendations for free book gifting service provision in relation to pack contents and delivery.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the limited international RCT evidence on free book gifting programmes.
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To provide an overview of branding activity in the UK public library service.
Abstract
Purpose
To provide an overview of branding activity in the UK public library service.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of branding literature was undertaken. The primary research was conducted over a four‐week period and consisted of a questionnaire survey distributed to heads of services in order to gain data regarding branding of the service.
Findings
The research indicated that heads of service do give consideration to branding in their marketing plans. Branding properly planned and developed may be one way in which the public library service can raise its image and allow employees to take ownership of the service.
Research limitations/implications
Owing to the time element involved in the gathering of data responses were not as high as previously anticipated.
Practical implications
A good insight into the application of branding in the UK public library sector which would interest practitioners and academics alike.
Originality/value
Contributes to the domain of knowledge which is weak in the area of branding in libraries.
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To promote stable mental well‐being during childhood (from birth to 19‐years‐old) should be a major priority for governments. This is the time within the lifespan when children…
Abstract
To promote stable mental well‐being during childhood (from birth to 19‐years‐old) should be a major priority for governments. This is the time within the lifespan when children will learn and develop the most, so positive influences are greatest at a young age. This paper reports recommendations suggested by a workshop held in London in 2006, organised by the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London. The workshop considered the core components of effective methods of integrating mental health within health (and other public sector) reforms, which would be relevant to future strategic planning in diverse, national settings. One of the key policy topics considered by the workshop was child mental health. Recommendations were made by the group for incorporating developmentally appropriate actions, at multiple levels: in family, school and community environments.
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Glen Mynott, Stella Thebridge and Michael Shoolbred
Considers a number of issues related to the development, at the University of Central England in Birmingham, of a distance learning course in research skills for public…
Abstract
Considers a number of issues related to the development, at the University of Central England in Birmingham, of a distance learning course in research skills for public librarians. The course was initially developed as part of the Library and Information Commission funded project, Developing Research in Public Libraries. Discusses the need for a stronger culture of research in public libraries and the immediate and long‐term benefits, for public librarians, of a distance learning course in research skills. The evaluation of a pilot distance‐learning course indicated that librarians enrolled on the course perceived it as offering much needed training in a range of research skills. The main concerns relate to the lack of support from public library managers and the limited opportunities for librarians to share their knowledge with their colleagues. Reinforces the arguments for a distance learning course in research training that offers librarians the opportunity to develop and consolidate their research skills in their own time and at their own pace. However, the authors recognise that such a course can only accomplish its aims if public library authorities are prepared to support and encourage staff enrolled on the course.
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Peter Willett and Rebecca Broadley
The purpose of this paper is to identify good practice in conducting outreach for homeless people, and hence to provide recommendations for future library outreach projects.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify good practice in conducting outreach for homeless people, and hence to provide recommendations for future library outreach projects.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors examine of four case studies taken from the library literature, and conduct six semi‐structured interviews with outreach and/or inclusion librarians from library authorities in South and West Yorkshire.
Findings
The recommendations include: developing partnerships with relevant organisations; removing proof‐of‐identity requirements for joining the library; disseminating the results obtained in projects; using book deposits and mobile library stops; training library staff to ensure that they are aware of relevant issues; building trust in the target audience; ensuring that outreach is tailored to the specific needs of different groups of homeless people; and using a range of methods to evaluate project effectiveness.
Originality/value
Identification of themes common to the published case studies and to the interviews provides a reasoned basis for the recommendations that are presented. These recommendations provide, for the first time in the UK, clear guidelines for future outreach projects for homeless people.
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Abstract
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Briefly reviews the nature of the information society and discusses its revolutionary aspects. Examines the main characteristics of the new information revolution in relation to…
Abstract
Briefly reviews the nature of the information society and discusses its revolutionary aspects. Examines the main characteristics of the new information revolution in relation to the UK Government’s expressed policy, stressing network infrastructure, content creation and national IT training. Illustrates the nature of changes by some new developments within Croydon libraries: CD‐ROM network, public access training resources, Croydon Online. A discussion of lifelong learning leads to examination of the function of the public library and its greatly strengthened future role as an information and enabling force within the community.
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