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Article
Publication date: 22 December 2023

Kaitano Simwaka, Ellen Chifuniro, Robert Chalochiwawa, Tina Mutalama Kabwilo and Sandram Chimutu

The study aims to unpack the role of Malawi Library Association (MALA) in developing librarianship in Malawi. It also explores an array of opportunities and challenges that are…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to unpack the role of Malawi Library Association (MALA) in developing librarianship in Malawi. It also explores an array of opportunities and challenges that are present for MALA.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies the interpretivist paradigm for the research design. Qualitative data were collected from a purposeful sample totaling 24 practicing librarians and paraprofessionals in different work environments to inform the study phenomenon.

Findings

The study gathers that the role of MALA has been in its infancy stage for a long time. However, the apparent developments of MALA manifest in its pro-educational initiatives. Overall, MALA is impeded by a litany of obstacles such as financial constraints and a lack of advocacy strategy.

Originality/value

The study theorizes the role of MALA by triangulating the advocacy coalition framework, institutional theory and professionalization theory in the library and information practice.

Details

Library Management, vol. 45 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 8 September 2023

Suzanne Grossman

While public libraries are well-established as a place to borrow books and use reference materials, they are less recognized for the services and programs they offer to their…

Abstract

While public libraries are well-established as a place to borrow books and use reference materials, they are less recognized for the services and programs they offer to their local communities. These programs and services often directly or indirectly impact the health of patrons and the larger community.

While some public libraries offer programs that address patron health in collaboration with other health professionals, such as those at local universities, public health departments, and other health-related organizations, these collaborations are often informal, offered for an indefinite period of time, and rely on finite funding. While public health professionals and organizations are often overlooked in public library collaborations, they are a natural fit for collaboration.

As public libraries serve the needs of vital and often vulnerable members of our communities, it is important to build sustainable community partnerships when offering programs and services that impact patron health. This will not only identify organizations committed to improving the health of these populations and those that provide reliable resources; it will also streamline information and provide consistent information to identify safe and reliable resources on social media, the internet, and in the community.

This chapter serves as a reflective narrative which explores how public libraries and community organizations can collaborate, identifies anticipated challenges, and describes considerations and strategies for addressing these challenges. The ultimate goal is to identify how libraries can expand the depth and breadth of both library services and public health organizations to sustainably improve the health of the local community.

Details

How Public Libraries Build Sustainable Communities in the 21st Century
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-435-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2023

Abid Hussain

The purpose of this study is to describe the role of geographical information system (GIS) in public libraries. The study shed light on various functions of GIS in the public…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the role of geographical information system (GIS) in public libraries. The study shed light on various functions of GIS in the public library scenario. It further elaborates on the scope of GIS, its functions and the multiple challenges faced by library staff in implementation in public library.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted by exploring articles published in top databases like Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, etc. The study reveals that GIS has been part of multiple businesses for the past few years, and its role is expanding at an alarming rate in public libraries for the past 10 years.

Findings

The study reveals that GIS deals with the geospatial characteristics of the data set, and the public library’s prime role is to visualize large quantities of disparate data in one data set.

Originality/value

The study will further wider the scope of the GIS in public library scenario. Experts in GIS and library field will get an extensive information and optimum benefits by reading this paper.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 40 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2023

Sivankutty V.S. and Jinu Sudhakaran

Covid-19 pandemic created a series of challenges for all professions, and libraries and library professionals were not spared. This study aims to attempt to analyze how qualified…

Abstract

Purpose

Covid-19 pandemic created a series of challenges for all professions, and libraries and library professionals were not spared. This study aims to attempt to analyze how qualified library professionals in India responded to the pandemic period and seeks their opinion on their preference for the job sector, activities and the challenges they faced during the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a quantitative survey method using simple random sampling technique. A structured Google forms questionnaire was used to collect the data. In total, 169 qualified professionals, working in different LIS areas, and a few nonworking professionals participated in the survey. The data were collected and analyzed using MS Excel, and statistical tests were done.

Findings

The major challenges include lack of proper equipment and official digital records, comfortable work environment, poor internet connection and over work load. Majority wish to work in the government rather than the private sector. The participants believe that Covid has affected employment opportunities. Despite the challenges, library professionals are satisfied with the profession and were actively engaged in the learning process.

Research limitations/implications

The challenges faced by the LIS profession during the post Covid era should be examined by professional bodies and organizations and should ensure extensive human resources development in different LIS sectors and stress the need to implement better services to society with a better digital experience.

Originality/value

The study explores how qualified library professionals from India have coped with the Covid pandemic and seeks to identify challenges in post-Covid LIS employment. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind concerning work reflections of library professionals in India since the pandemic.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Vanessa Kitzie, A. Nick Vera, Valerie Lookingbill and Travis L. Wagner

This paper presents results from a participatory action research study with 46 LGBTQIA+ community leaders and 60 library workers who participated in four community forums at…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents results from a participatory action research study with 46 LGBTQIA+ community leaders and 60 library workers who participated in four community forums at public libraries across the US. The forums identified barriers to LGBTQIA+ communities addressing their health questions and concerns and explored strategies for public libraries to tackle them.

Design/methodology/approach

Forums followed the World Café format to facilitate collaborative knowledge development and promote participant-led change. Data sources included collaborative notes taken by participants and observational researcher notes. Data analysis consisted of emic/etic qualitative coding.

Findings

Results revealed that barriers experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities are structurally and socially entrenched and require systematic changes. Public libraries must expand their strategies beyond collection development and one-off programming to meet these requirements. Suggested strategies include outreach and community engagement and mutual aid initiatives characterized by explicit advocacy for LGBTQIA+ communities and community organizing approaches.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the sample's lack of racial diversity and the gap in the data collection period between forums due to COVID-19. Public libraries can readily adopt strategies overviewed in this paper for LGBTQIA+ health promotion.

Originality/value

This research used a unique methodology within the Library and Information Science (LIS) field to engage LGBTQIA+ community leaders and library workers in conversations about how public libraries can contribute to LGBTQIA+ health promotion. Prior research has often captured these perspectives separately. Uniting the groups facilitated understanding of each other's strengths and challenges, identifying strategies more relevant than asking either group alone.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 80 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2023

Adetoun A. Oyelude

The purpose of this paper is to report the 2023 conference of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) conference activities for 2023 as held…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the 2023 conference of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) conference activities for 2023 as held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands from 21 to 25 August.

Design/methodology/approach

A report of the events that spanned five days, especially the aspects that hinged on technology use in libraries globally are highlighted. Narrative of the experiences during the conference is made from the participatory observation standpoint.

Findings

Librarians globally are connecting and collaborating. They use technology in their libraries and research into ways and means of collaborating more. Library associations globally are making impact especially in the use of artificial intelligence in service delivery. All sections of IFLA are active in working together and librarying!

Originality/value

The IFLA 2023 conference is one-of-a-kind experience in the library association world. Libraries and librarians globally are finding out new things yearly and the year 2023 is no different.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 8 September 2023

Claire Dannenbaum

According to the UN High Commission on Refugees, over 82 million people are currently displaced globally and of those nearly 25 million are refugees. Every community in the United…

Abstract

According to the UN High Commission on Refugees, over 82 million people are currently displaced globally and of those nearly 25 million are refugees. Every community in the United States – urban, suburban, and rural – is shaped by newcomers seeking safety, opportunity, and self-improvement. Libraries are often the place that feels most welcoming to refugees and newcomers, making them well positioned to offer relevant and impactful programs and services to these communities. Using the International Federation of Library Associations’ (IFLA) conceptual rubric of sanctuary, storehouse, gateway, and bridge, my research explores a variety of programs and services deployed by libraries to address the needs of refugee and newcomer populations. Based on fieldwork in the United States, the Netherlands, and Germany, this chapter describes how libraries impact refugees and newcomers in decisive and meaningful ways. From informal gatherings to national government collaborations of digital content, libraries provide an array of compassionate, effective, scalable interventions for newcomers. Such interventions also positively impact the non-displaced communities in which they operate, fostering deeper connections between newcomers and their communities. Library services to refugees and newcomers provide a broad collective impact in the global crisis of displacement and belonging.

Details

How Public Libraries Build Sustainable Communities in the 21st Century
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-435-2

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 8 September 2023

Debra Trogdon-Livingston

LGBTQIA+ community members have a history of viewing public libraries as safe spaces. Having this resource is especially important as public policy has shifted away from…

Abstract

LGBTQIA+ community members have a history of viewing public libraries as safe spaces. Having this resource is especially important as public policy has shifted away from supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. In this chapter, hear how public libraries have responded to this need. Learn about innovative programming and responsive policies which serve the needs of a wide swath of the LGBTQIA+ community. Discover how libraries can be even more impactful in the lives of the LGBTQIA+ community through a refinement of services, policies, procedures, and collective action.

Explore how library pride recognition is meaningful to the LGBTQIA+ community but needs expansion throughout the year and a more intersectional and inclusive approach. Learn the steps libraries have taken to support youth members of the LBTQIA+ community, from programming to innovative use of technology during pandemic isolation. Discover the importance of using and normalizing pronouns. Hear how my experiences as a public library worker, leader, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community impacted the work done in my libraries. Discover how public libraries can become more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ employees.

Re-think how public libraries can create welcoming spaces and environments for the LGBTQIA+ community. Discover how communities have embraced LGBTQIA+ programming and innovative certification programs to create spaces for and relationships with the LGBTQIA+ community. Consider how LGBTQIA+ equity work fits into the 17 Goals of the United Nations to create a better world for everyone. Discover areas for impact and future growth as public libraries work toward creating meaningful relationships with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Details

How Public Libraries Build Sustainable Communities in the 21st Century
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-435-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2023

Chia-Chang Huang, Ching-Jung Chung, Yi-Ting Wu, Po-Ting Hsu, Jen-Feng Liang, Ying-Ying Yang and Jie Chi Yang

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a digital medical library, including department-based electronic journal access, library training course participation and scholarly…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a digital medical library, including department-based electronic journal access, library training course participation and scholarly publications.

Design/methodology/approach

The data on full-text electronic journal access, participants of library training courses and scholarly publications were exported from a digital medical library database during 2017–2021. In addition, electronic journal access and library training courses were divided into high-level and low-level groups, while scholarly publications were divided into physician and non-physician groups.

Findings

The scholarly publications had a positive correlation to library training courses and electronic journal access. Furthermore, scholarly publications showed a significant difference between the high-level and low-level electronic journal access groups but not between the high-level and low-level library training course groups. Scholarly publications and electronic journal access had positive correlations for both the physician and non-physician groups. Scholarly publications and library training courses, and electronic journal access and library training courses had positive correlations only in the non-physician group.

Practical implications

The importance of electronic journal access for scholarly publications is suggested based on the findings of the present study. The training courses held by the medical library had a positive effect on scholarly publications for the non-physician group.

Originality/value

The current study provides insights relevant to the electronic journal access of library-supported scholarly publications among medical departments. These results can serve as a reference for medical library development planning and decision-making in the future.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2023

Megan Vladoiu, Pnina Fichman and Jieli Liu

This article examines if there is evidence of racial or gender bias in email reference services in American public and academic libraries.

Abstract

Purpose

This article examines if there is evidence of racial or gender bias in email reference services in American public and academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a two-by-two study design and an unobtrusive data collection, the authors conducted two studies in which the authors sent 1,960 email requests to 505 academic and public libraries. Requests in both studies differed in the perceived identity of the user as indicated by their name, and the counterbalanced method was utilized to control for intervening variables. Based on content analysis of the responses, the authors examined the statistical significance of the differences by race, gender and race by gender.

Findings

Overall, the authors found equitable service to users regardless of their race and gender; at times, however, there was evidence of favorable service to the White female in academic and public libraries and to the Black male in academic libraries.

Originality/value

There is little research into potential bias in email reference services in both academic and public libraries in the United States of America. Yet, following the rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020, there has been an increased focus on racial equality in library services and the American Library Association (ALA) Code of Ethics was modified accordingly. The authors' study makes significant contributions to the increasing body of research on racial and gender equality in online library services.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 51 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

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