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1 – 4 of 4To provide library service to users of all ages has been one of the primary missions of county libraries since 1908 when the first branch of the first county library system was…
Abstract
Purpose
To provide library service to users of all ages has been one of the primary missions of county libraries since 1908 when the first branch of the first county library system was born in Sacramento as a proud milestone in the history of California public library. It has been a constant challenge to local governments and library staff members alike, especially when there are economic downturns or many priority programs to balance with. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper introduces an innovative methodology in collection development to promote the concept that library collections, traditional or digital, can serve users of all ages as long as they can be adaptable to meet the changing needs of users, and compatible with changing information technologies.
Findings
By examining the process of an audio collection integrated as part of library collections and deeply rooted in users’ lives, the author reports the findings in the following areas: developing a robust audio collection catering to all users at Santa Cruz Public Libraries, despite technological changes and limited budget; getting involved in the whole organization’s programs and projects by collaborations; offering innovative promotion approaches; providing comprehensive subject coverage and always keeping the local community in mind; and evolving constantly to make technologies your friends, not foes.
Research limitations/implications
The paper analyzes a successful collection development experience in audio collections to strive to realize the original county library’s ideal to serve users of all ages in California.
Practical implications
The successful collection development experience is useful not only for acquisition librarians, but a much broader audience such as library managers in charge of library material budgets.
Social implications
The findings point out a number of social implications confronting library professionals worldwide. They include conflicts between users’ real needs vs our assumptions, limited budget vs expanding coverage, and library services vs the nature of technology.
Originality/value
The paper helps library professionals to develop, maintain, and succeed in their short- and long-term goals in collection development.
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Keywords
Jonathan Lazar and Irene Briggs
The chapter provides instruction on how public libraries can improve the services that they provide to community members with print-related disabilities.
Abstract
Purpose
The chapter provides instruction on how public libraries can improve the services that they provide to community members with print-related disabilities.
Methodology/approach
A combination of methods was used (interview, survey, document analysis, usability testing, and expert inspection), to investigate the current level of service provided to community members who are blind or low vision by the Baltimore County Public Library, in five areas:
1. Web Accessibility and Maintenance
2. Staff Awareness and Training
3. Physical Environment of the Library
4. Library offerings, including databases, materials, and equipment: what we have now and what we should have
5. Marketing materials: what, how, and where to be more visible
Findings
In all five areas, there were important findings about current barriers to accessibility, and suggestions for improvement in the future were made in the chapter.
Practical implications
The chapter details the steps taken by a large public library system, in a challenging budget environment, with changing leadership, to make improvements in the quality of service provided to people who are blind or low vision.
Originality/value
In the past, people with print-related disabilities were often referred to the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. However, over time, the nature of materials acquisitions at public libraries has changed. A large percentage of materials acquired by public libraries is now in digital format, which provides an opportunity for public libraries to start providing services to people with print disabilities.
Details
Keywords
– The purpose of this paper is to highlight work with older people being undertaken by public libraries.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight work with older people being undertaken by public libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on responses from libraries working with older people, outlining their approaches, and also on the report, “Library services for older people – good practice guide”.
Findings
There is a large and varied programme of work being delivered by public libraries and their partner organisations. However, much of it is “under the radar”, so, when spending cuts are made, the knock-on effects are often not recognised.
Practical implications
Highlights examples of work that other library services could replicate. Also highlights work that potential partner organisations may not know about, and therefore can use this paper as a “way in” to libraries. Stresses the importance of recognising the wide range of people under the umbrella term, “older people”.
Social implications
This paper aims to draw attention to a key area of work which may not be well known outside libraries themselves, with the potential to bring other partners and funders on board.
Originality/value
The paper draws together examples of different initiatives developed by public libraries, all of which have an enormous impact on the older people (and their families) involved.
Details