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Article
Publication date: 11 April 2018

Hao Zhang and Brenda Chawner

Homelessness has been a growing problem in many countries since the 1980s. The purpose of this paper is to examine homeless peoples’ perspectives on public library services, and…

2312

Abstract

Purpose

Homelessness has been a growing problem in many countries since the 1980s. The purpose of this paper is to examine homeless peoples’ perspectives on public library services, and to compare these with the attitudes of library staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight interviews have been conducted with rough sleepers and formerly homeless library patrons to examine their experiences, needs and expectations or the library. In addition, four library staff have been interviewed about their attitudes to services for members of the homeless community.

Findings

Most rough sleepers and formerly homeless patrons who participated in this research viewed the public library as a safe place because it offered a welcoming atmosphere, access to a variety of resources and services targeted at the homeless. Nonetheless, sleeping has always been a major reason for their use of the library. Most staff members agreed that providing services targeted toward rough sleepers changed the dynamic between staff and the homeless patrons, but there was some disagreement between staff members about whether targeted services were the most appropriate approach.

Practical implications

Understanding homeless and rough sleepers’ expectations for public library services may be useful in revising policy and developing services for this community. In particular, developing partnerships with organisations supporting the homeless is an effective way of developing relevant services for this often-marginalised group.

Originality/value

Little research has considered public library services from the perspective of homeless people. This research is intended to fill that gap.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 67 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

Brenda Chawner

303

Abstract

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 27 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Content available

Abstract

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

Brenda Chawner

234

Abstract

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 August 1999

Brenda Chawner

109

Abstract

Details

Asian Libraries, vol. 8 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1017-6748

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2010

Rowena Cullen and Brenda Chawner

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the development of institutional repositories in New Zealand, exploring factors affecting the adoption and success of institutional…

3117

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the development of institutional repositories in New Zealand, exploring factors affecting the adoption and success of institutional repositories from the perspective of the library managers who established them, and from the perspective of the academic community.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a series of interviews with library managers are compared with the findings from a randomised national survey of academics.

Findings

The responses of the library managers suggest that they are positive about the value of their institutional repository, and the progress made towards recruiting content for it. Data from the survey of academics indicate that academics have been slow to embrace the concept of institutional repositories, and show little interest in using repositories for increasing the accessibility of their own work, or to access the work of others. The number of deposits remains low, mirroring patterns throughout the world, and subject or disciplinary repositories appear to have greater value to the academic community.

Practical implications

The future long‐term sustainability of institutional repositories depends on gaining a stronger commitment from the academic community, or developing different goals, against which their success might be measured.

Originality/value

The study is the first random survey of academic staff across all disciplines, and an entire country, and the findings have a very high level of generalisability.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2014

Brenda Chawner

194

Abstract

Details

Library Review, vol. 63 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Library Review, vol. 63 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Library Review, vol. 64 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 6 July 2015

Brenda Chawner

156

Abstract

Details

Library Review, vol. 64 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

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