Search results

1 – 10 of over 56000
Book part
Publication date: 8 September 2023

Nicole K. Dalmer and Meridith Griffin

By 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. As the average age of population increases, governments are increasingly called upon to implement policies…

Abstract

By 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. As the average age of population increases, governments are increasingly called upon to implement policies to address the needs and interests of older people, including those related to housing, employment, health care, social protection, and other forms of intergenerational solidarity. Public libraries, as trusted community hubs, have the opportunity to serve as an environment for reflection and dialogue on age and aging. In this chapter, the authors reflect on the broader contexts and social trends that are shaping older adults’ engagement with public libraries and identify those older adults-focused public library practices that align with specific UN Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 10: Reduce Inequalities, and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. While public libraries are already meeting many facets of UN Sustainable Development Goals, to ensure that libraries can responsively meet older adults’ changing needs and expectations, the authors conclude with suggestions to enhance public libraries’ cross-sector coordination for maximum reach and impact on older patrons’ everyday lives.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2009

Teresa S. Welsh and Susan E. Higgins

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Hurricane Katrina‐related narratives of Library and Information Science students at the University of Southern Mississippi's School of…

976

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Hurricane Katrina‐related narratives of Library and Information Science students at the University of Southern Mississippi's School of Library and Information Science, in order to gain insight into the role of public libraries post‐Hurricane Katrina.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative NVivo software was used to code the narratives for themes related to public libraries post‐Hurricane Katrina.

Findings

Post‐disaster problems include physical damage or destruction of the libraries and inundation of the libraries by refugees and evacuees seeking communication and information. Post‐disaster services provided by public librarians include providing communication and information, helping fill out aid forms, listening, offering comfort, volunteering, and donating.

Practical implications

This study can inform practitioners of the value of the public library as a quality of life issue since providing people with information and communication in public libraries played a crucial role in light of a catastrophic circumstance.

Originality/value

The unique context of local rural and small‐town public libraries faced with devastating catastrophic circumstances can add to the body of literature related to the value of public library services post‐disaster and form the basis for further, more comprehensive studies.

Details

Library Review, vol. 58 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2007

Seongsin Lee

The puropse of this paper is to understand the components of Vroom's expectancy theory; to create or develop a public library customer motivation model using Vroom's expectancy…

38211

Abstract

Purpose

The puropse of this paper is to understand the components of Vroom's expectancy theory; to create or develop a public library customer motivation model using Vroom's expectancy theory; to suggest appropriate public library services marketing mindset which public libraries can employ to enhance customers’ perceived expectancy and instrumentality of public library services to motivate customers to use public library services more frequently based on the proposed public library customer motivation model; and to suggest appropriate public library services marketing strategies to motivate customers to use public library services more frequently based on the proposed public library customer motivation model.

Design/methodology/approach

Research paper based on expectancy theory.

Findings

Customer‐centered mindset is the most important factor to motivate public library customers. Furthermore, the suggested marketing strategies can be also achieved through a customer‐centered marketing mindset. In conclusion, public libraries should continuously focus on the recognition of customers’ needs and deliver long‐term value to customers.

Originality/value

There were few studies that focused on library users’ motivations for using library products and services. In addition, there was a lack of developed theory in library and information science field.

Details

Library Review, vol. 56 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2005

Svanhild Aabø

The paper reports from a valuation study of the Norwegian public libraries, aiming to provide a better understanding of their total value, both use and non‐use value, as viewed by…

3654

Abstract

Purpose

The paper reports from a valuation study of the Norwegian public libraries, aiming to provide a better understanding of their total value, both use and non‐use value, as viewed by the population. An objective was to explore whether or not the citizens found that their benefits outweighed the costs to provide them.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies the contingent valuation method, developed in economics to valuate non‐market goods. Contingent valuation is based on representative questionnaire surveys and has been used to valuate several cultural goods, including a few library valuation studies.

Findings

The empirical data based on a representative population sample demonstrates that the value of the Norwegian public libraries decidedly outweigh their costs. Elicitation of the population's awareness of property rights to their local library showed that an overwhelming majority of the population (94 per cent) perceive they have such rights. The valuation result indicates that the benefits from the public libraries are four times their costs.

Research limitations/implications

The method is based on hypothetical markets. More contingent valuation studies of libraries are necessary to refine the measure instruments. The study explores the benefit‐cost relation at the national level. Further research is needed for studying the benefit‐cost relation at the municipal level.

Practical implications

The findings can be used as one way of documenting the value of public libraries to politicians, local authorities and the general public.

Originality/value

This appears to be the first contingent valuation study of public libraries at a national level, in Norway and internationally.

Details

New Library World, vol. 106 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2016

Cathrine Undhjem and Arnhild Tveikra

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the results from a survey on interlibrary loan (ILL) in Norwegian public libraries. Work processes within ILL have changed…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the results from a survey on interlibrary loan (ILL) in Norwegian public libraries. Work processes within ILL have changed significantly in Norway in recent years, and new challenges have emerged. County libraries, public libraries and The Norwegian Library Association’s Special Interest Group saw the need for a survey to understand how these changes were affecting ILL-work in the public libraries in Norway. The library community as a whole needed updated information to respond to the present challenges in ILL.

Design/methodology/approach

In March 2014, Sentio Research Norway conducted a survey on ILL among Norwegian public libraries. The survey was commissioned by the county libraries in Norway. In total, 425 questionnaires were sent to all the main libraries. There are 428 main public libraries, but three of them were without staff at the time of the survey. Further, 336 answers provided a response rate of 79 per cent. The survey had 48 questions.

Findings

An interesting result from the survey is that 53 per cent of the public libraries want no restrictions on what to borrow, while 45 per cent believed there should be some restrictions on lending. This shows a difference in the attitudes to lending compared to borrowing library material. However, 58 per cent of the libraries have not implemented restrictions on what to lend on interlibrary loan. One of four had restrictions on lending new literature. The public libraries were, in general, highly interested in better access to curriculum literature from universities and colleges. To some extent, they wanted better access to new literature, e-books and nonfiction (the category was named “special subjects and topics” in the survey). The survey shows that most libraries still prefer to order interlibrary loans for their users rather than encourage users to order themselves.

Originality/value

This study is the first systematic survey of ILL in Norwegian public libraries.

Details

Interlending & Document Supply, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-1615

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2010

Radovan Vrana

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from the research carried out among the directors of Croatian public libraries about cooperation between public libraries and…

1801

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from the research carried out among the directors of Croatian public libraries about cooperation between public libraries and the academic community and about promotion of science in Croatian public libraries. Owing to their number, strategic position in society and the skills and knowledge of librarians, public libraries have an opportunity to cooperate more intensively with the scientific community, expand their holdings with science‐related content and to offer new services. Some already cooperate with the Croatian scientific community by participating in joint research projects and in promoting science. Although cooperation with the scientific community is not among their priorities, Croatian public libraries are enthusiastic to continue with this type of activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper offers an introduction followed by a short review of the current position of public libraries in society and possibilities for strengthening their position by cooperating with the scientific community (in the second part of the paper). The third part introduces the research among the directors of Croatian public libraries followed by the presentation of the findings of the same research. An online survey consisting of 19 closed questions was used as a method of research. An e‐mail invitation to participate in the research was sent to all public libraries in Croatia.

Practical implications

The outcome of the research may serve as an orientation to the members of the Croatian academic community when planning new cooperation with public libraries and vice versa. The findings of the research may also serve as an orientation to the directors of Croatian public libraries when considering expansions of their holdings with new material related to science and in the development of new offline and online services.

Findings

The strategic position of public libraries in society makes them of interest for promotion of results of developments in many areas of human endeavour, including science, by using their holdings, services and premises. According to the research findings, public libraries participate actively in popularisation of science by using their existing holdings and services. Public libraries in Croatia are promoting science actively and are participating in scientific projects led by scientific institutions. Their holdings contain popular science titles, and they offer services to facilitate access to scientific information. Public libraries included in the survey plan to continue with the promotion of science, as they believe that this activity is important for them.

Originality/value

The paper aims to advance understanding of the role of public libraries in Croatia and their role in promotion of science, and contributes to the growth of library and information science literature on topics related to public libraries.

Details

New Library World, vol. 111 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2003

Chandra Prabha and Raymond Irwin

Public libraries are an integral part of North American communities. With the wide perception that all information people want is freely available, questions arise about the ways…

1504

Abstract

Public libraries are an integral part of North American communities. With the wide perception that all information people want is freely available, questions arise about the ways in which public libraries are using Web technology. This article assesses public library accessibility via the Web based on a simple random sample of 189 entries coded as “public library type” in the American Library Directory. An e‐mail survey to the heads of public libraries in Winter 2002 augmented the data we collected from an examination of Web sites of the sampled libraries.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1993

T.A. Aitufe

A brief survey of the public relations industry is followed by anaccount of the specific applications of public relations to universitylibraries. The process begins with…

Abstract

A brief survey of the public relations industry is followed by an account of the specific applications of public relations to university libraries. The process begins with identification of the library′s aims and objectives and of its main client bodies. Discusses the full range of public relations skills, including interpersonal skills, service quality and library promotion by all means. Stresses the importance of public relations to a university library.

Details

Library Review, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 8 September 2023

Rachel D. Williams and Lydia P. Ogden

This reflective chapter examines recent trends in social work–public library partnerships. The chapter begins by framing interprofessional collaboration between social work and…

Abstract

This reflective chapter examines recent trends in social work–public library partnerships. The chapter begins by framing interprofessional collaboration between social work and public libraries as a vehicle for the collective impact that can create lasting and sustainable change in communities. Next in the chapter is an overview of the current state of public libraries’ capacity to support individuals in crisis through community partnerships. Next is a description on how interprofessional collaboration can support public libraries in general and the importance of collaboration with social work more specifically. A presentation of the existing models of public library–social work partnerships and their impact on the role of public libraries in their communities follows, with a discussion of the services provided by public libraries, and how partnerships might change the nature of social work practice. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of the barriers and challenges to these partnerships with an eye toward the future of such partnerships and developing their capacity to enhance the health and wellbeing of their patrons, and the safety and resilience of their cities and communities.

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

Niels Ole Pors

The paper analyses students' use of public libraries for study purposes and discusses the public library as a substitute or a complement for educational or academic libraries. The…

3699

Abstract

Purpose

The paper analyses students' use of public libraries for study purposes and discusses the public library as a substitute or a complement for educational or academic libraries. The paper also investigates which segments of students rely heavily on public libraries as services for study purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a comprehensive survey of Danish students from both universities and other higher institutions of education. The data collection was carried out by an online survey and the sample consists of students from all over the country covering a multitude of different institutions and subject areas.

Findings

It is evident from the research that students do not bypass the physical library and it is also evident that the use of physical libraries and digital resources complement each other. The place of Google in the students' information behaviour is prominent and positively correlated to use of traditional library resources. Nearly 60 per cent of all students use the local public library for study purposes. A small group consisting of 7 per cent of the students uses the public library as their only library for study purposes. One of the more striking findings is that the service level of public libraries in relation to study topics appears to be very uneven, which means that different groups of students have very varied probabilities of success using the public library. The data also indicates that students tend to look at libraries as a whole and do not make clear distinctions between different types of libraries, expecting the whole system to be seamless. The paper also relates the findings to the general body of literature on students' information seeking behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The research raises questions concerning the detailed behaviour of students' information behaviour, for example, how they combine formalised resources with more general resources. The paper also indicates that it is probably counter‐productive to evaluate students as one group. Different segments of students have very different and varied information behaviour patterns depending on study topic, study year, psychological dispositions and other demographic factors.

Practical implications

The paper raises important managerial questions and concerns in relation to both the mission of public libraries and the service level given to different segments of students.

Originality/value

The research supports existing international research on students' information behaviour. The research is based on a comprehensive and nation‐wide sample and it emphasises students' information behaviour in relation to several important demographic factors, and it also asserts that it is important to investigate further the differing modes of behaviour. The paper points to the interplay between formalised information resources and search engines.

Details

New Library World, vol. 107 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 56000