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Journal articles on the topic 'Public services (Libraries)'
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1
Macdonald, Anne Therese. "Dedicated business centers in public libraries." Reference Services Review 43, no. 3 (August 10, 2015): 344–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rsr-02-2015-0007.
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Purpose – The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not a dedicated business center within a public library acts as a key success factor in a public library’s services to the community entrepreneur. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was sent to 88 public libraries with dedicated business centers, and posted to BRASS-L and BUSLIB-L, for input from public libraries without business centers. Interviews with three survey respondents and one local city official followed. Findings – Fifty-seven per cent of all respondents felt that a dedicated business center is very essential or essential to the services provided to the entrepreneurial community. The services most often offered were workshops/seminars/classes, counseling sessions by collaborative agencies and one-on-one research sessions with librarians. The majority of responding libraries collaborated with a community business agency (80 per cent). Fifty-one per cent spend between 6 and 20 hours/month on the collaboration. Research limitations/implications – Since 2007, many of the dedicated business centers in public libraries have closed or been consolidated with other sections and services of a public library. This should be further studied. Further research on librarian expertise in market and industry research is recommended. Originality/value – This study updates the business services associated with public libraries business services since the push in the late 1990s for public libraries to be more active in community economic development.
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Alpi, Kristine M., Kayla Del Biondo, and Melissa Rethlefsen. "Evolving from public health libraries as a place to focus on public health librarian expertise." Journal of the Medical Library Association 112, no. 2 (May 22, 2024): 95–106. http://dx.doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2024.1804.
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Objective: This article describes the evolution of academic public health library services from standalone academic public health libraries in 2004 to centralized services by 2021. Methods: Five public health libraries serving public health graduate programs (SPH) at public and private institutions were visited in 2006-07. Visits comprised tours, semi-structured interviews with librarians and local health department staff, and collecting of contemporary print documents. We compiled and compared visit notes across libraries. In 2022, we reviewed online materials announcing library closure or transition for timing and how services were to be subsequently provided. Results: Libraries and SPH were co-located and most librarians maintained public health expertise though they did not have faculty appointments in their SPHs. Specialized statistical and geographic information systems (GIS) software and data were provided in partnership, often with other system libraries. Only two libraries had strong connections to health departments–one with direct service agreements and another engaged in public health training. Conclusion: Academic public health libraries’ relationships with SPH and health departments did not ensure their existence as standalone entities. Following a national trend for branch libraries, public health information services were centralized into larger health or science libraries. The scope and specialization of librarian expertise continues to be valued with several institutions having librarians dedicated to public health.
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Dent, Nelson. "Book Review: Embedded Business Librarianship for the Public Librarian." Reference & User Services Quarterly 56, no. 3 (April 3, 2017): 212. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.56n3.212a.
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New public librarians will get a solid return on their investment with Barbara A. Alvarez’s new release, Embedded Business Librarianship for the Public Librarian. Alvarez offers libraries a step-by-step guide to make business services in public libraries a success. As Alvarez points out, not all public librarians have business degrees, and providing business services in public libraries can be daunting to those new to the profession. Luckily, this primer by Alvarez, who served as a business liaison librarian, gives the rest of us a guide for serving as an embedded librarian for the business sector through organized and systematic involvement in the community.
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Michnik, Katarina. "Public libraries digital services and sustainability issues." Bottom Line 28, no. 1/2 (July 6, 2015): 34–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/bl-12-2014-0034.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how Swedish local politicians perceive the impact of public library digital services on public libraries and to discuss how this can affect the sustainable development of public libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local politicians from 19 different Swedish municipalities. Data were treated to qualitative content analysis and discussed based on the concept of sustainable organization. Findings – According to local politicians, public library digital services may affect public libraries through changes to libraries’ physical spaces, librarians’ tasks and competencies and libraries’ economic situations. Based on these findings, public library digital services can both strengthen and weaken public library sustainability through, for example, increased access and expenditures, the latter of which may threaten public library sustainability. Research limitations/implications – Interviews did not focus specifically on the politicians’ views on public library digital services but dealt generally with their views on public libraries. To identify reasons for variations in views on this topic, follow-up interviews should be done. Data on views from public library managers would also be of use to determine the degree to which they are shared with local politicians. Originality/value – When sustainability and public libraries are discussed, the focus is generally on the library’s contribution to a sustainable society. Here, the focus is instead on the sustainability of the public library itself.
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Nielsen, Mare Lundsfryd, Marie Cecilie Lensch, and Tove Faber Frandsen. "How public libraries deliver value online." Libellarium: časopis za istraživanja u području informacijskih i srodnih znanosti 14, no. 1 (November 9, 2023): 51–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.15291/libellarium.4157.
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Purpose. The development and usage of digital library services have accelerated. Many libraries have expanded their digital services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The physical locations were closed or operated with reduced capacity and libraries continued to provide services digitally. The physical locations of many libraries have reopened but the development of digital services persists. Most libraries offer a wide variety of services digitally and many libraries are expanding their digital services. It is, therefore, relevant to explore how librarians perceive the digital public library services offered at their institutions and how the digital services supplement or replace services in the physical library. Approach/methodology/design. This study presents the findings of an interview-based study with five librarians from different public libraries across Denmark. Findings. The findings show that librarians perceive the physical and digital services as means to the same end while carefully considering the content, target audience and platform when offering services to their users. They see the digital services as a critical aspect of the raison d’etre of the library and means to attract new users. Research limitations. It is important to note that this study is based on a small sample. Practical implications. The implications for digital public library services are discussed and recommendations based on this study are considered. Originality/value. While many studies have explored librarians’ perceptions of the value of public libraries, this study focuses on librarians’ perception of the value of digital libraries and how these services supplement or replace the physical library.
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Saptaastuti, Rikarda Ratih. "Role of Reference Librarian in Public Relations Activity Role of Reference Librarian in Public Relations Activity in University Library." Pustabiblia: Journal of Library and Information Science 1, no. 2 (February 27, 2018): 239. http://dx.doi.org/10.18326/pustabiblia.v1i2.239-250.
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The library cannot achieve its goals without cooperation with the internal and external public. Therefore, libraries need PR (public relations) in their efforts to achieve their goals. The activity of the university library is directly or indirectly related with the PR activity since it is the part of PR activities to promote the image and the use of the library. The implementation of public relations activities in libraries has actually been performed by reference librarians. Reference librarians can use a variety of printed and online media, or convey information directly related to library services to users. With the recent development of information technology, using online search tools to seek information is more preferable by users than asking the reference librarian. Though online information tracking tool to organize information is more sophisti- cated presenting for users, users will still need libraries and referral services to find relevant information, as there are things that are not provided by online services such as selection, organization, provision of access, interpretation of relevant information, which can only be done by reference librarians. Reference librarians perform their duties by serving users in providing answers to questions or guiding users, and by creating awareness that the services provided by the library help promote maximum utilization of the library. PR officers through reference librarians attempt to attract the users’ attention through the provision and dissemination of information, and to serve as well as a liaison between the libraries with the users. PR becomes a necessity in libraries as PR activities will drive library function effectively and help promote library services more optimally.
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Ikeshita, Hanae. "Japanese public library services for dyslexic children." Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 52, no. 2 (January 31, 2019): 485–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0961000618823871.
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In Japan, most public libraries do not provide sufficient easy-reading materials or offer reading facilities that are suitable for children with dyslexia. In contrast, in Europe, public libraries provide special facilities for children with reading disabilities, allowing them to see, read or listen to books in various ways. This study compares support services for children with reading disabilities at public libraries in Europe and Japan, focusing on support for children with dyslexia. Information was gathered through interviews with librarians. After interviewing European librarians working in children’s libraries, we found that each of them runs events for children, where the children have the opportunity to discover books. Children were able to acquire knowledge through these events and pursue knowledge using these newly-discovered books. It is suggested that adopting the concept of the European children’s library in Japanese libraries might give all Japanese children the opportunity to read more books.
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Mugwisi, Tinashe, Glenrose Velile Jiyane, and Madeleine C. Fombad. "Public libraries as facilitators of information services." Information Development 34, no. 1 (October 3, 2016): 31–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0266666916672718.
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Public libraries are important institutions to support access to information services. Many communities, especially in rural areas, cannot afford to access information services and rely on free libraries in their communities in their quest for information services. The need for libraries to serve multicultural information users should therefore be reflected in their attempts to provide access to information services in their communities. This article reports on a study of libraries as facilitators of access to information services in a developing context. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 24 conveniently selected librarians from 9 public libraries in Northern Library Region in the KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. Interviews were further conducted with 98 diverse information users who were randomly sampled during data collection. Findings indicate that public libraries provide diverse information services to learners, parents, general workers, students, women and young adults and children in their different age groups, occupations and general activities performed in their role of facilitating access to information services. These diverse users have diverse information needs, which create some challenges in the provision of information services. It was found that limited funding, shortage of skills and knowledge, technology and time, among others, are challenges limiting provision of information services in these libraries. Recruiting potential users, contesting for increased funding, lobbying for support, facilitation of technological training of skills are some recommendations made by this study.
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Al-Marzooqi, Sara, and Hamdy Ahmed Abdelaziz. "Public Libraries in the Post-COVID-19 Era." International Journal of Customer Relationship Marketing and Management 13, no. 1 (January 1, 2022): 1–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijcrmm.306247.
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The COVID-19 pandemic created a new reality for the educational sector in both formal and informal institutions. Educators in the UAE continued to offer classes and to communicate with their students virtually. Libraries, too, were able to continue to offer their educational services and provide free access to their digital environment for all ages around the public and private schools and universities. Technology has the potential to continue offering more advanced services to both universities and libraries. These services can be reimagined and introduced according to the new needs and demands after the pandemic and through business concepts. This paper explores the teachers’ and librarians’ perceptions on collaborating together within a common smart pedagogical approach, and the possibility it carries to improve the quality of their educational services. A case study was conducted in one of the library’s chain in the UAE to explore how smart technologies can promote productive collaboration between formal and informal education.
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Nashihuddin, Wahid. "Strategi kemas ulang informasi untuk peningkatan pelayanan perpustakaan di era new normal." Jurnal Kajian Informasi & Perpustakaan 9, no. 1 (June 30, 2021): 59. http://dx.doi.org/10.24198/jkip.v9i1.28767.
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Information repackaging is one of the library's efforts to meet users' information needs in the new normal era. Libraries need to prepare various strategies in providing repackaging products as a library service innovation. This research aimed to describe various aspects and stages of library strategy design in information repackaging in the New normal era. The research used a qualitative approach through literature studies research methods. The results showed that libraries and librarians in the new normal era needed to pay attention to various aspects and stages in designing a digital information repackaging strategy. Aspects of the information repackaging strategy include determining the source of packaging information, types of information repackaging products, and information repackaging methods. Libraries carry out information repackaging strategies by making information repackaging the library’s flagship program and the librarian's main job, understanding the information behavior of the library's native digital users, disseminating digital information packages through social media and collaborative networks, changing the librarian’s role into social librarians and public knowledge and implementing a Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) strategy to disseminate information repackaged products to users. The head of the library plays an important role in supporting librarians in carrying out information repackaging activities. This research concludes that the librarian strategy of repacking information in the new normal era is needed to improve library services that are more creative, interactive, and innovative, in accordance with the user's information needs.
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Hoppenfeld, Jared, and Elizabeth Malafi. "Engaging with entrepreneurs in academic and public libraries." Reference Services Review 43, no. 3 (August 10, 2015): 379–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rsr-02-2015-0011.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how academic and public libraries support entrepreneurial researchers and, in doing so, demonstrate impact and share best practices. Design/methodology/approach – The authors discuss their own experiences as academic and public business librarians who support entrepreneurs. They do so by revealing the main services they provide to this unique user group and presenting examples from their own institutions. They also present what is done at other libraries by way of a literature review and an informal survey. Findings – After navigating the landscape of business librarian support of entrepreneurs, many commonalities were found among the types of support offered. Most libraries in this study collaborate with a business incubator, center for entrepreneurship, office of economic development or small business development center in some fashion. Numerous outreach and networking efforts were found that had positive effects on the local and national economies. Although public and academic libraries have different base user groups, both types of libraries serve current and potential entrepreneurs, as well as students, who are looking for similar data in the same kinds of resources. Originality/value – Although specific examples can be found in the literature, little has been published that provides an overview of the entrepreneurial services and resources provided at numerous libraries of different types as well as resulting impact. This paper fills this gap and should provide new ideas to librarians of all kinds wishing to reach entrepreneurs.
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Dettman, David. "Bangladesh Public Libraries' Response to COVID-19 Pandemic." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 18, no. 4 (December 15, 2023): 119–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/eblip30438.
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A Review of: Begum, D., Roknuzzaman, M., & Shobhanee, M. E. (2022). Public libraries’ responses to a global pandemic: Bangladesh perspectives. IFLA Journal, 48(1), 174–188. https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352211041138 Objective – Examine quantitative and qualitative data to determine the level of preparedness and capacity to provide key resources during the recent COVID-19 global pandemic with the goal of recommending measures to better cope with future similar situations. Design – Online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, followed by a narrative analysis of the qualitative data. Setting – Public libraries in Bangladesh. Subjects – Heads of the libraries such as directors, librarians, or librarians-in-charge. Methods – A survey was distributed to all 71 government public libraries in Bangladesh administered and governed by the Department of Public Libraries under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The survey elicited 50 valid responses, resulting in a response rate of 70%. A structured form questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms and included 12 closed-ended questions with multiple options and one open-ended question to collect librarian views on handling services and key functions post pandemic. Telephone interviews were conducted with eight librarians from the district public libraries. Main Results – The data revealed that all the libraries reported having some level of preparedness for pandemics and disasters. However, few libraries reported high levels of confidence in this regard. For example, 82% responded that they either had a “low” or a “minimum” preparedness for dealing with a pandemic. The survey revealed that none of the responding libraries were fully open to provide user services during the COVID-19 pandemic while 100% were open for administrative functions. Additionally, 72% reported having some sections open but others closed, while 22% indicated that the library only provided specified services, most of these in an online environment. Only 12% indicated that they provided access to mobile library services. The libraries responses to crisis management included creating public awareness through social media campaigns (50%), supporting other government bodies to mitigate the pandemic (46%), providing counseling services for particular users (40%), promoting authoritative and authentic national and global strategies on the pandemic for the public (34%), providing pandemic-related information via phone or email on demand (32%), and distributing relief to affected people (30%). Other activities included organizing online social and cultural programs to reduce public anxiety with special reference to vulnerable groups (24%), online staff training (22%), monitoring and supervising government programs (20%), and providing research data on the pandemic (10%). The response to needs regarding redesigning library programs and services for the post-pandemic world revealed that 90% of libraries identified a need for a dedicated online service platform, 80% saw the need to create policies related to health and safety, while 72% indicated a need for more emphasis on digital content. The responses indicated 56% were in favor of introducing innovative online services. Conclusion – In response to the results of their study, the authors make several recommendations regarding helping the libraries of Bangladesh to cope with consequences of future pandemics similar in scale to COVID-19. The first recommendation is to move away from “providing services in a traditional manner,” while developing dedicated online platforms running on high-bandwidth Internet connections (Begum et al., 2022, p. 183). These include introducing a secure cloud-based library automation system to provide a robust and stable information gateway. The development of digital resources should also be a priority. This includes both the digitization of library resources and more widespread access to an increasing number of subscription databases. The data indicated a strong desire among librarians to introduce innovative library services which the authors identify as digitized content delivery, remote access to online resources, online chat reference, current awareness services, online programming mirroring face-to-face programming, home delivery service for books, strategic disaster policy development, online information literacy programs, online career counseling, and leadership along with online training, workshops, and seminars. The authors conclude that: libraries face challenges, such as transitioning to virtual services, breaking long-established service models, funding for digital resources and its impacts on library operations in the future, enforcing social distancing measures, creating social awareness, and the lack of formal pandemic plans and policies …. (Begum et al., 2022, p. 179)
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Bierman, Kenneth John. "Technical Services in Public Libraries." Journal of Library Administration 15, no. 1-2 (November 15, 1991): 115–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/j111v15n01_08.
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Kessler, Ridley. "Depository libraries and public services." Government Information Quarterly 15, no. 1 (January 1998): 93–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0740-624x(98)90019-3.
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Bonta, Bruce. "Public services in peruvian libraries." International Library Review 18, no. 4 (October 1986): 305–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0020-7837(86)80030-9.
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Mayen Ndaro, Igajah, Mary Mfon Bassey, Umoh Margaret Sylvanus, and Edim Joy Bassey. "Professional Training Of Librarians And Service Delivery In Public Libraries In Nigeria." Global Journal of Educational Research 23, no. 1 (May 6, 2024): 77–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gjedr.v23i1.8.
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The main purpose of the paper was to examine professional training of librarians and service delivery in public libraries in Nigeria. It is an opinion paper and therefore expository in nature. The paper discussed the history of public libraries in Nigeria and service delivery. The paper critically reviewed the professional training of librarians in public libraries. It also exposed various library services, such as current awareness, user education, inter-library loan, circulation, reprographic service and challenges affecting the services in the public libraries. The paper recommended among others, professional training for librarians with digital skills to enhance their productivity for efficient and effective service delivery.
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Bertot, John Carlo, and Charles R. McClure. "Assessing Sufficiency and Quality of Bandwidth for Public Libraries." Information Technology and Libraries 26, no. 1 (March 1, 2007): 14. http://dx.doi.org/10.6017/ital.v26i1.3285.
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Based on data collected as part of the 2006 Public Libraries and the Internet study, the authors assess the degree to which public libraries provide sufficient and quality bandwidth to support the library’s networked services and resources. The topic is complex due to the arbitrary assignment of a number of kilobytes per second (kbps) used to define bandwidth. Such arbitrary definitions to describe bandwidth sufficiency and quality are not useful. Public libraries are indeed connected to the Internet and do provide public-access services and resources. It is, however, time to move beyond connectivity type and speed questions and consider issues of bandwidth sufficiency, quality, and the range of networked services that should be available to the public from public libraries. A secondary, but important issue is the extent to which libraries, particularly in rural areas, have access to broadband telecommunications services.
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Molenda, Radosław. "The Specific Features of Public Relations Maintained by Libraries, Acting as Cultural Institutions." Cultural Management: Science and Education 4, no. 1 (June 25, 2020): 145–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.30819/cmse.4-1.09.
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Showing the specificity of the work of the contemporary library, and the variety of its tasks, which go far beyond the lending of books. The specificity of the library’s public relations concerning different aspects of its activity. The internal and external functions of the library’s public relations and their specificity. The significant question of motivating the social environment to use the offer of libraries, and simulta-neously the need to change the negative perception of the library, which discourages part of its poten-tial users from taking advantage of its services. The negative stereotypes of librarians’ work perpetuated in the public consciousness and their harmful character. The need to change the public relations of libra-ries and librarians with a view to improving the realization of the tasks they face. Showing the public relations tools which may serve to change the image of librarians and libraries with particular emphasis on social media. This article is a review article, highlighting selected research on the librarian’s stereo-type and suggesting actions that change the image of librarians and libraries.
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Murray, Susan. "Consumer health information services in public libraries in Canada and the US." Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association / Journal de l'Association des bibliothèques de la santé du Canada 29, no. 4 (December 1, 2008): 141. http://dx.doi.org/10.5596/c08-037.
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In response to a growing demand from the public for health information resources, North American public libraries have provided varying levels of consumer health information (CHI) services since the 1970s. Due to the availability of funding in the US, many American public libraries have provided CHI services, although the majority of these have been as partnerships with health sciences libraries or via the “Go Local” programs. In Canada, where no specific funding has been available for CHI services, few public libraries have set up CHI services; health information has generally been provided by augmenting health collections or “virtually,” i.e., by providing links to recommended electronic resources via the library’s Web site.
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Stokić, Aleksandar, Danijela Stojanović, Zorica Bogdanović, Marijana Despotović-Zrakić, and Božidar Radenković. "Enhancing the customer relationship management in public libraries." Library Hi Tech 37, no. 2 (June 17, 2019): 251–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lht-07-2017-0138.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibilities of implementing the customer relationship management (CRM) concept and smart technologies in public libraries in developing countries. The goal was to explore the level of librarians’ awareness about CRM concept and their willingness to accept the CRM concept in libraries. Also, patrons’ satisfaction with the quality of services and relationships in public libraries is explored. Design/methodology/approach The authors obtained data for this research through two online surveys. The first survey measures librarians’ level of awareness about CRM concept and their perception about CRM and smart technologies concept in public libraries in three developing countries: Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The second survey measures patrons’ satisfaction with services and relationship in public libraries in these three countries. Findings The research results revealed that most surveyed librarians are familiar with the CRM concept. However, libraries in these three developing countries barely use CRM or smart technologies to improve the relationship with stakeholders. Also, most patrons are satisfied with relationships and services. The analysis of data indicates no significant difference in the satisfaction level among patrons between these three developing countries. Research limitations/implications Not all libraries participated in this research. Therefore, the sample is not distributed evenly across different types of libraries or user groups. Future research should include different types of libraries. Practical implications The results can be used by public libraries in developing countries to improve the relationship with stakeholders harnessing CRM concept and smart technologies. Social implications The use of CRM in combination with the smart technologies can help leverage the quality of the relationship between public libraries and stakeholders which in turn would secure their support and loyalty in the future. Originality/value The integration of CRM concept as a component of library business automation process is an idea that has not been discussed widely in the library community and could initiate a positive trend in public libraries in developing countries.
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Islam, Md Anwarul, and Mitsuru Ikeda. "Positive Ageing: How Can Public Libraries Help?" Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology 60, no. 1 (October 2023): 1001–3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pra2.925.
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ABSTRACTThe growth rate of older adult produces demographic shift in Bangladesh. The objectives of this study is to explore how public libraries in Bangladesh can work or support for positive ageing. This study is a small part of larger survey study of the public libraries in Bangladesh. Data were collected from two open‐ended questions which were used in the larger quantitative survey. Out of 59 responses received from the public librarians, only 15 librarians responded to open‐ended questions. The answers of these two open‐ended questions were coded and analyzed. Public libraries do not offer exclusive services for the older adults but many of the general services are used by the older adults. However, public librarians have come up with significant ideas to support older people for promoting the positive ageing. Findings also focused how this helps to achieve some of the UNSDGs in the context of Bangladesh.
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Mansouri, Ali, and Nooshin Soleymani Asl. "Assessing mobile application components in providing library services." Electronic Library 37, no. 1 (February 4, 2019): 49–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/el-10-2018-0204.
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PurposeThis study aims to investigate the essential components needed to develop a practical mobile application for providing library services to its users.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in a descriptive-survey format. The statistical population constituted the libraries worldwide using mobile applications to provide library services to the users of academic and public libraries. The data were collected through the content-analysis method, World Wide Web and checklists.FindingsIt was found that services such as search, ask a librarian, database, renew, circulation and library hours were frequently used at academic libraries, while the services of search, search through barcode scanners and database were mostly common at public libraries. According to the users of academic and public libraries, circulation and renew, search, ask a librarian and library hours were considered as the most essential services to be included in library mobile applications.Practical implicationsMost libraries usually use mobile apps subjectively. Thus, it is important to identify the most important components of their usage and present them in a suitable pattern. The findings of this study identified the most important components in the design and development of mobile apps and proposed the right model for their integration into libraries.Originality/valueThe practical mobile application proposed here for library services is applicable to all types of libraries and provides an appropriate pattern for mobile application designers.
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Embry, Allison. "Book Review: Collaborating for Impact: Special Collections and Liaison Librarian Partnerships." Reference & User Services Quarterly 57, no. 1 (October 9, 2017): 62. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.57.1.6446.
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As academic libraries restructure their services to meet the needs of 21st-century users, librarians and library administrators look to collaborative partnerships as a way increase library usage and visibility. Numerous successful collaborative partnerships between librarians and faculty and other campus stakeholders have been documented in scholarly research, and such partnerships are now commonplace among academic libraries of all sizes. Although these partnerships are undoubtedly beneficial, it is easy to overlook the need for collaborative partnerships within the library. Collaborating for Impact: Special Collection and Liaison Librarian Partnerships makes a strong case for partnerships between public services and special collections departments.
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Luterek, Mariusz. "Polish Public Libraries as Intermediaries in Accessing Information and Public Services (e-Government) in the Opinion of Librarians." Zagadnienia Informacji Naukowej - Studia Informacyjne 54, no. 2(108) (October 1, 2016): 63–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.36702/zin.305.
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PURPOSE/THESIS: The aim of this paper is to present opinions of the librarians on the role of public libraries as intermediaries in accessing public information and services in Poland. APPROACH/METHODS: The following hypothesis was adopted: public libraries have means and are willing to act as an intermediaries in accessing information and public services for citizens. The research hypothesis was verified with the results of a survey, which was sent to libraries in three voivodeships: Małopolskie, Mazowieckie and Świętokrzyskie. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results prove that the level of interest of Polish public libraries in mediating the access to public electronic information and services is very low. In most cases the following approach was observed: users do not need it, there is not enough place in the library, the library lacks staff and there are too serious financial shortages. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Data presented in this paper provide basic overview on the topic previously not being addressed in any research of that scope in Poland.
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Peltier-Davis, Cheryl. "Public Libraries as National Libraries – The Caribbean Experience." Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues 9, no. 3 (December 1997): 213–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/095574909700900305.
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While it is essential that national library functions and services are carried out, within the English-speaking Caribbean these functions can be provided by extending the role of the country's main public library. A questionnaire was administered in 1994 to 14 public libraries and one national library in the region to ascertain if public libraries performed any national library functions and if so to assess how effectively, with a view to formulating proposals as to how best this dual role could be achieved. The survey, in which 13 libraries participated, revealed that a majority of the libraries did in fact act as de facto national libraries, performing many of the functions of traditional national libraries, though there were major deficiencies (e.g. only seven had legal deposit, and only four produced national bibliographies). A structure for a dual-function Public/National Library is proposed, with three functional divisions (Public Library Services, Technical Services, and National Heritage) and a powerful National Library Services Board.
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Okunoye, Oluwatosin Olubunmi, and Oluchi Ojinamma Okere. "An assessment of the extent of provision of research support services in public university libraries in Southwest Nigeria." Ghana Library Journal 27, no. 1 (September 12, 2022): 70–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/glj.v27i1.6.
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University libraries provide a wide range of services that are meant to contribute to research excellence for the university community. The study assessed the research support services provided by selected public universities in Southwest Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted using a questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. The population of the study comprised 12 librarians from 12 different public university libraries. All 12 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and 11 were usably retrieved. Findings reveal that the services provided are under general services, training services and publishing services which show that up to 50% of the research support services listed in the study are provided. Also, results show the services provided by the selected university libraries reveal the extent to which the services are being provided for research support. For general services, training services and publishing services, the university libraries provided about 50% of the services under study at about 50% high extent. The recommendation is that public universities should commit more funding to further providing and sustaining research support tools, and facilities in the selected libraries.
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Evans, Neil Davies. "TRAINING TEACHER-LIBRARIANS TO ESTABLISH AND MANAGE SCHOOL LIBRARIES IN KWAZULU-NATAL: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY." Mousaion: South African Journal of Information Studies 32, no. 2 (October 3, 2016): 106–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.25159/0027-2639/1692.
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The present study aimed to assess the establishing, managing and sustaining of public school libraries in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in order to recommend ways to improve the appropriateness of training and development of teacher-librarians currently offered at the University of Zululand. Both interpretive and critical research paradigms were embraced, while a case study method and inductive reasoning were followed. The findings indicate that most public school libraries surveyed are neither fully functional nor properly resourced. They lack full-time teacher-librarians who are trained to manage and integrate their collections into the curriculum. Furthermore, the quality of library services differs markedly between rural and urban schools. It is recommended that the provincial Department of Education (DoE) school library services selectively award teacher-librarian bursaries to suitable candidates and then combine these awards with the provision of core collections of books and technologies, thereby linking the establishment of their school libraries to the practical outcomes in the two-year university-based training programme.
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Ondabu, Lilian, and Rose Njoroge. "Gender Perspectives on Job Satisfaction and Motivation Among Librarians: A Survey of National Library Services of Kenya." International Journal of Current Aspects 8, no. 1 (June 17, 2024): 117–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.35942/q7gw2n63.
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Job satisfaction is simply how a person feels regarding their work r job High sense of job satisfaction among librarians always results to higher productivity in Public libraries (Yaya, 2019). The study’s aim was to relate extensiveness of job satisfaction in Kenyan public libraries based on gender of the librarian. The study aims at finding out the gender perspectives on job satisfaction of librarians at Kenya National Library Service (KNLS). The study establish how pay, promotion, supervision and working conditions and gender affects job satisfaction and motivation between female and male librarians. Descriptive survey design method was adopted allow for an extensive review of the study phenomenon. Cluster sampling was used to select 8 KNLS branch libraries from the 8 regions in Kenya namely; Eastern, Western, Nairobi, Rift valley, Nyanza, North Eastern, Costal and Central region. Simple random sampling was applied to pick one library in regions with more than one KNLS branch libraries. The Sample size studied was made of 120 librarians; 69 female librarians and 51 male librarians. Primary data was collected using questionnaires from both female and male librarians at KNLS. Collected data was processed and analysed using descriptive and Pearson chi square was used to test the difference between female and male librarians’ perspectives on job satisfaction and motivation. The mean of job satisfaction on pay, promotion, supervision as well as working conditions were higher among the females (3.733, 3.9533, 39533 3.6286 respectively) than the males (3.6963, 3.8711, 3.9181 and 4.0357 respectively). The research findings indicate that there was no significant difference on job satisfaction between female and male librarians at Kenya National Library Service. The study also concluded that there is no significant difference in the overall job satisfaction. It is however essential that librarian are treated equally irrespective of their gender.
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Holcer, D., Yu Horban, D. D. Mašina, and O. Skachenko. "LIBRARY ONLINE SERVICES DURING COVID-19: THE EXPERIENCE OF LIBRARIES IN CROATIA AND UKRAINE." Library Mercury, no. 1(25) (June 22, 2021): 81–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.18524/2707-3335.2021.1(25).231472.
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The purpose of the article is to identify activities in providing online services during forced quarantine on the example of public libraries’ activities in Croatia and university libraries in Ukraine. The study aimed to identify, analyse, and characterise online services offered by libraries to establish remote customer service during the forced quarantine. The results of the study are presented in three sections. The first analyses the work of Croatian public libraries; the second, presents the experience of Ukrainian libraries; in the third, there is the case of the Scientific Library of Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts is displayed. The scientific novelty of the article is to identify practices for providing online services by libraries in Croatia and Ukraine during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The study shows that Croatian public librarians, as well as Ukrainian librarians, have demonstrated they can quickly adapt and use digital technologies on behalf of their supporters. Libraries went from developing imaginative practices to create online spaces in a matter of weeks. The result was a massive amount of produced content like workshops for children and adults; streamings of online events, organisation of virtual exhibitions, and collecting verified reference sources for research and learning. Another one of the impacts of this crisis was the accelerated development of digital library services, including online membership registration and the acquisition of e-books by public libraries. Public response was more significant than ever, including following, commenting, and sharing digital content created or shared by public libraries. The study found that the challenges of the COVID‑19 pandemic have intensified the digitisation of Ukrainian libraries and led to changes in activities. University libraries quickly adapted to remote work, offering their users a variety of remote services. The authors hope that the considered practices will contribute to disseminating better experience of libraries during quarantine in general and online services in remote maintenance in particular.
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Alexander, Stephanie, and Diana K. Wakimoto. "Exploration of reference models in a public university system." Reference Services Review 47, no. 1 (February 11, 2019): 21–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rsr-08-2018-0062.
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Purpose This study aims to investigate the reference and public service models used at academic libraries in the California State University system. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study used a qualitative mixed methods design with an online survey and follow-up interviews with public services librarians. Findings The majority of the libraries in this study continue to use a traditional reference model with a physical desk staffed by librarians. Some libraries have moved to tiered or on-call reference using students and staff to triage patron questions. The majority of libraries’ public service points also follow a traditional configuration with separate service points for reference and other library public services. Research limitations/implications As this research is limited to one public university system, the results may not be generalizable to all academic libraries. Replicating this research in other systems would increase the generalizability of the results and allow for the generation of potential best practices for reference models and public service point configurations. Practical implications Librarians who are considering changes to their reference models and service point layouts can use the results as a starting point for conversations about the benefits and challenges of various models as well provide support to create an environment where changes to the models can be successfully implemented. Originality/value This study is one of the few to investigate multiple academic libraries’ approaches to reference and public services in the research literature. As such, it addresses a gap in the literature that case studies alone cannot fill.
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Suryani, Nani, Retno Sayekti, and Muslih Faturrahman. "Strategi Promosi Perpustakaan dalam Meningkatkan Jumlah Kunjungan Pemustaka di Perpustakaan Daerah Deli Serdang." ARZUSIN 4, no. 3 (April 9, 2024): 428–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.58578/arzusin.v4i3.2868.
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The purpose of this research is to find out how librarian tactics encourage library use and increase interest in visits. in the Deli Serdang regional library, to find out the causes of the low interest in visiting public libraries in Deli Serdang and the challenges of librarians in encouraging public library patronage in Deli Serdang Regency. This type of research combines field study methodology with qualitative research. Librarian The research topic is the Deli Serdang Regency Public Library. There are three techniques used to obtain data: observation, interviews, and documentation. Data presentation, data reduction procedures, and data analysis methods were all carried out in accordance with descriptive analysis. Based on the research results, the author can determine librarian tactics to encourage increased interest in visiting libraries in the Deli Serdang regional library, including by conducting mobile library activities, holding reading competitions for the community. Furthermore, knowing the lack of library collections, facilities and infrastructure, as well as inadequate library services is one of the factors causing the low interest in visiting public libraries in Deli Serdang. Librarians also face challenges in efforts to increase interest in visiting the Deli Serdang Regency public library.
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Sayre, F., and A. Riegelman. "Replicable services for reproducible research: a model for academic libraries." Bibliosphere, no. 4 (January 11, 2020): 33–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.20913/1815-3186-2019-4-33-45.
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Over the past decade, evidence from disciplines ranging from biology to economics has suggested that many scientific studies may not be reproducible. This has led to declarations in both the scientific and lay press that science is experiencing a “reproducibility crisis” and that this crisis has consequences for the extent to which students, faculty, and the public at large can trust research. Faculty build on these results with their own research, and students and the public use these results for everything from patient care to public policy. To build a model for how academic libraries can support reproducible research, the authors conducted a review of major guidelines from funders, publishers, and professional societies. Specific recommendations were extracted from guidelines and compared with existing academic library services and librarian expertise. The authors believe this review shows that many of the recommendations for improving reproducibility are core areas of academic librarianship, including data management, scholarly communication, and methodological support for systematic reviews and data-intensive research. By increasing our knowledge of disciplinary, journal, funder, and society perspectives on reproducibility, and reframing existing librarian expertise and services, academic librarians will be well positioned to be leaders in supporting reproducible research. Citation: Sayre F., Riegelman A. Replicable services for reproducible research: a model for academic libraries.
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ANDO, Haruhiko. "Business services in U.S. public libraries." Journal of Information Processing and Management 56, no. 11 (2014): 750–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1241/johokanri.56.750.
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French, Sonia. "Art library services in public libraries." Art Libraries Journal 12, no. 3 (1987): 12–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s030747220000523x.
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The mixed fortunes of art, and of subject specialisation, in British public libraries in recent years is compared to the situation in Denmark where librarianship in the service of art has as its main focus the good of the people. The principles which give art librarianship its own integrity are reiterated and the gradual invasion of public library services by the commercial ethic is rejected. Art librarianship can still achieve new successes, and some of these are noted. The scope for new initiatives which the public library service offers is recognised and new areas for development are suggested, modelled on the international network of Music Information Centres.
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Ormes, Sarah. "Internet services in Danish public libraries." Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 30, no. 2 (June 1998): 123–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/096100069803000204.
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Ormes, S. "Internet Services in Danish Public Libraries." Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 30, no. 2 (June 1, 1998): 123–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0961000984244148.
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Anyira, Isaac Echezonam. "Higher Education, Libraries, and Nigeria Government’s Vision 20-2020 Project." Asian Journal of Information Science and Technology 1, no. 1 (May 5, 2011): 51–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.51983/ajist-2011.1.1.9.
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This study explored the role of higher education and libraries in attaining the vision 20:2020 of the Nigerian Government. The study utilized the purposive sampling method to select 300 educationists and librarians in Niger Delta Region of the country. It was found that Nigerian libraries are greatly under stocked, and internet services are lacking in the library. It was moreover discovered that librarians lack adequate skills to render effective services to support the human capital target of vision 20:2020 of the federal government, and Nigerian libraries are grossly under funded. It was recommended that Nigerian Government should prioritize the development of internet services in all higher institution and public libraries to enable them support the vision; librarians should engage in ICT training; higher institutions in Nigeria should come up with an ICT/library development policy which must include how the library should be funded; and the public and the private sector should come together in partnership to ensure that libraries are adequately funded.
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Smith, Daniella, Misty Shea, and Wei-Ning Wu. "Collaborative resource sharing between public and school libraries." Interlending & Document Supply 42, no. 4 (November 11, 2014): 159–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ilds-09-2014-0045.
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Purpose – The purpose of this study was to examine youth service librarians’ use of collaborative collection development (CCD) behaviors and interlibrary loan (ILL) to collaborate with school librarians. Design/methodology – A quantitative design was implemented with a self-administered survey that was placed online. Findings – Public youth services librarians in the USA believe it is important to collaborate with school librarians. However, they are not frequently using collaborative resource sharing strategies. Public youth services librarians that have more experience, understand trends and issues in school libraries and feel they have knowledge of collaborative strategies are more likely to engage in collaborative resource sharing. Research limitations – The study was limited to 265 public librarians serving youth in the USA. This study does not present the perspectives of school libraries. Social implications – CCD and ILL between public and school libraries are overlooked practices for building relationships between public and school librarians that should be explored. Presenting the benefits of these strategies during training programs may increase the resources that youth can access, thus having an overall impact on the quality of life in communities. Collaborating will also help communities understand the value of libraries as institutions for promoting lifelong learning. Originality/value – The results provide evidence that public youth service librarians in the USA believe in the importance of collaborative relationships with school librarians. However, they do not frequently use ILL or engage in CCD behaviors with school librarians. Using ILL and CCD are two strategies that may be used to build stronger relationships.
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Emetarom, Aduba Doris, and Oguguo Clara Oluchi. "Challenges of Post-Covid-19 Pandemic in Providing Information Services in Public Libraries in Anambra State." Journal of Management and Social Science Research 4, no. 2 (2023): 17–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.47524/jmssr.v4i2.18.
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This study investigated the challenges of the post-COVID-19 pandemic on public libraries providing information services in Anambra State. The study was guided by two research questions. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study are the librarians in public libraries in Anambra State. According to the Anambra State Library Board, there are 91 librarians in the public libraries. No sampling technique was used for the study since the entire population was small and manageable. Thus, the sample size of the study is 91 librarians. A self-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was entitled: ―Questionnaire of Challenges of Post-COVID-19 Provision of Information Services (QCPCOVIDPIS)‖. The questionnaire was structured on a four-point scale with 17 items. The questionnaire was validated by two research experts at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The instrument was subjected to test rest. The study used 10 librarians in public libraries in Enugu for the test of reliability and the Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. At the end of the exercise, the study obtained a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.89 and was considered reliable for the study. The researcher personally went to the libraries to collect and administer the questionnaire and retrieved it on the spot and 100% of the questionnaire was returned. The data obtained from the copies of the questionnaire were analyzed with mean and standard deviation. Mean scores of 2.50 above were considered ―Agree‖ while mean scores below 2.50 were considered ―Disagree‖. The study found that inadequate funding post-COVID- 19 affects the delivery of library information services because most public libraries across various states in the country suffer from neglect, displaying deteriorated structures and limited interest from successive governments. The study recommended that government should try as much to fund public libraries to enable libraries to sustain the provision of information services to the users. Government and library management should always work in synergy to make a budget for libraries that can help in the provision of infrastructural facilities.
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Emad Ahmed Abu Samhadana, Emad Ahmed Abu Samhadana. "Relying on the views and opinions of librarians to know the reality of the level of electronic information services provided in school libraries in the province of Karak: الاعتماد على آراء أمناء المكتبات لمعرفة واقع مستوى خدمات المعلومات الإلكترونية المقدمة في المكتبات المدرسية في محافظة الكرك." Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences 5, no. 8 (June 28, 2021): 127–07. http://dx.doi.org/10.26389/ajsrp.d071020.
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This study focused on the view and opinion of school librarians about the extent of electronic information services provided in school libraries in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. And studied this problem: through the provision of school libraries' electronic information services; what level of their ability to help the success and improve the teaching process. The views and opinions of librarians were collected through a questionnaire on the reality of electronic information services provided by school libraries of the Ministry of Education in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The study included librarians in public schools in the academic year 2016-2017. The study focused on school librarians, whether male or female, in the general public education community in Karak governorate. The researcher used the descriptive, analytical approach and the opinions of the librarians in the information services. To collect the data, the researcher used a questionnaire to know the situation of officials and staff of information services in school libraries and also to identify the problems facing these services and to know future plans to improve and develop information services provided in school libraries. Due to the lack of Internet, the lack of integrated automated systems, the lack of computers for employees or beneficiaries, the lack of marketing activities, the lack of exploitation of social networks, and the lack of cooperation between school libraries in the field of information services in Jordan; Most libraries offer traditional services such as reference service, secondment, etc., as indicated in this study. Electronic information services in school libraries face many difficulties or challenges or important problems, such as lack of information network, budget, the provision of computers rarely, the lack of training programs, and therefore this achieves the desired objectives for libraries negatively affected by these difficulties and challenges. The study focused on a set of hypotheses and the results were as follows: For the response of the sample on the difficulties facing electronic information services, there are differences with statistical function, due to a set of variables such as (gender, participation in training courses), but because of these two variables (knowledge of tasks There are no statistically significant differences.
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Yoo-Lee, EunYoung, Tamara Rhodes, and Gabriel M. Peterson. "Hispanics and public libraries." Reference Services Review 44, no. 2 (June 13, 2016): 85–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rsr-02-2016-0015.
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Purpose The fastest-growing and the largest minority group in the USA, Hispanics are known to have low health literacy because of their limited English proficiency (LEP) and other socio-economic and cultural factors. This paper aims to examine the health information-seeking behaviors of Hispanics in the e-health environment and their use of public libraries as a health information source/service. Design/methodology/approach An interviewer-administered survey was conducted using a semi-structured instrument. The questionnaires inquired about Hispanics’ health information needs, source use and source preference; use of the library for health information needs; and their perceptions and satisfaction about the library’s consumer health information services. A total of 26 Hispanics were recruited from a Hispanic community organization, a public library and an ethnic grocery store in North Carolina. Findings The majority of the participants are foreign born (92.3 per cent) and non-English speakers (84.6 per cent). The internet was the most frequently used source, followed by friends/family, doctors and TV. Eighty-one per cent of the participants were internet users, and most of them (71 per cent) used the internet at home. Only 23 per cent visited a public library to search the internet for health information. Some barriers to using a public library mentioned by the participants include lack of time to visit a library, lack of skills in using the library materials, transportation, LEP, lack of eligibility for a library card, etc. Social implications The findings will be useful for libraries and state/federal health services to evaluate and develop library services suitable for the Hispanics’ consumer health information needs. Originality/value This study is one of a few studies that use an empirical study of a low health literacy ethnic population to examine the possible roles of public libraries in enhancing health literacy.
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Adenekan, Fauziyah Nihinlolawa, Basirat Olubukola Diyaolu, and Dorcas Adebisi Rahman. "Towards adoption of competitive intelligence in marketing of library services in public university libraries in Southwestern Nigeria." Journal of Library Services and Technologies 6, no. 1 (2024): 224–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.47524/jlst.v6i1.225.
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The use of competitive intelligence (CI) to market library services is a call for re-organisation of public university libraries. CI is an organisation mechanism that facilitates the transforming of competitive information into practical actions. The advent of technology in the educational services is gradually reducing users’ patronage to the library. This call for librarians to map out strategies of retaining the value of libraries and keep their patrons, In line with this, this study examined adoption of competitive intelligence in marketing of library services in public university libraries in Southwestern Nigeria. Related literatures were reviewed to have in-depth knowledge about the new trends that can enhance library marketing and promote library services. As a result, public library need to embrace innovative marketing approaches and leverage digital technologies, by so doing public university libraries can effectively promote their services and resources, thereby maximizing their impact on the academic community. Successful marketing is crucial to promoting university library services and optimizing their influence on research, teaching, and learning. Leveraging diverse communication channels, and understanding the requirements of library users should be paramount to librarians. It is very important that marketing strategies be continuously evaluated and adjusted to guarantee that library services continue to be pertinent and flexible in response to the changing requirements of the academic community.
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Mhlongo, Maned. "Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge through Community Involvement in Public Libraries in South Africa." Libri 70, no. 4 (November 18, 2020): 291–303. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/libri-2019-0194.
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AbstractPublic libraries exist to serve the information needs of communities, meaning their services need to be reflective of those served communities. However, the literature points to under-usage of libraries among indigenous communities in South Africa, and suggests that the perceived irrelevance of libraries could be a contributing factor. The argument made in this article is for the involvement of communities in planning and implementing services, to enhance awareness, relevance and use of libraries. Such involvement would also provide a space for communities to contribute content based on their indigenous knowledge. In this qualitative multiple case study of purposively selected provincial library services in South Africa, data were collected using semi-structured interviews with library heads. The data were coded and categorised according to themes derived from the stated research questions. The findings show a disjuncture between the interpretation and application of the concept of community involvement – a misalignment that has a negative impact on the ability of libraries to provide inclusive services. A framework for community involvement is suggested as a way of enhancing the synergy between community information needs and public library service provision. The proposed framework identifies indigenous communities, libraries and archival institutions as key stakeholders in harnessing indigenous knowledge. It is recommended that a similar study be conducted with community librarians where the nuances of communities can be unveiled, given that the current participants were heads of library services.
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Sinn, Donghee, Sujin Kim, and Sue Yeon Syn. "Public Library Innovation Inside Out." Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology 60, no. 1 (October 2023): 1128–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pra2.967.
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ABSTRACTThis poster presents public library innovations during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Many public libraries quickly adapted to the pandemic environment, changing and improving their operations and services to meet the new challenges and demands from their users. We collected two datasets to investigate these innovations: the first dataset comprised 751 tweets from the 12 largest public libraries in the U.S., and the second dataset included 72 articles from 3 major professional magazines. These datasets were analyzed to identify innovative services provided between 2020 and 2021. A rigorous content analysis involving multiple coders was conducted. The findings from both datasets highlight that public libraries quickly changed their service delivery modes and implemented diverse innovative services to bridge the digital divide, support health and technology literacy, and help with unemployment and career development. Libraries made efforts to reach out to their communities during lockdowns and also served as community education centers during difficult times, combating with misinformation and focusing on assisting marginalized populations. Additionally, the magazine articles introduced innovative services that pertained not only to user services but also to internal operations within public libraries.
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Born, Christian, Maria Henkel, and Agnes Mainka. "How Public Libraries are Keeping Pace with the Times: Core Services of Libraries in Informational World Cities." Libri 68, no. 3 (September 25, 2018): 181–203. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/libri-2017-0029.
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Abstract In a survey of 31 informational world cities, we investigate the state of the art public library core services. For this study, we applied the core service catalog developed by (Mainka, A., S. Hartmann, L. Orszullok, I. Peters, A. Stallmann, and W. G. Stock. 2013. “Public Libraries in the Knowledge Society: Core Services of Libraries in Informational World Cities.” Libri 63 (4): 295–319. 10.1515/libri-2013-0024), counted the services offered by the libraries and compared findings with the results from 2013, allowing us to calculate a score for each library and rank them accordingly. An overall improvement of the range of services was observed, with North American libraries taking the top three positions in the ranking. To get a clearer picture of the challenges facing libraries today, personal interviews were also conducted with (chief) librarians, especially concerning developments such as maker spaces, increasing demand for information literacy instruction and the changing role of physical library space. The results presented in this paper highlight best practice examples of library services in prototypical cities of the knowledge society.
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Gupta, Sobhagyawati, Sunil Sharma, and Pinky Gupta. "Public Library Services in Digital Environment: A study on Innovation activities with special reference to Public Libraries in Rajasthan." Library Progress (International) 43, no. 2 (December 21, 2023): 208–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.48165/bpas.2023.43.2.8.
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Public Libraries are an essential part of the society in educating people to strengthen them as the human capital of the community. But today, public libraries are at a turning point and are struggling to survive in the contemporary world. One of the causes of this is the advent of new technologies that have changed the reading habits and learning experiences of people completely. This presents major challenges and opportunities for public library systems across the world. To address the changing needs, community challenges, and to survive in the digital age, public libraries need to be innovative. The digital era is a huge opportunity for libraries to innovate and change. Innovation has a huge significance to revive the public libraries and restore their prime position in society as a knowledge hub. By considering the same, this paper provides an overview of public library and initiatives that portray an innovative idea, approach, or service with examples of innovations that have been identified through a literature review of various research papers in the field of library science. The innovative activities can be categorized into broad areas like- collections, customer services, technology, events, and library spaces/buildings, etc. The paper also describes the role of Librarians towards the transformation of public libraries and their challenges. The present status of Rajasthan State is also described in brief by considering the telephonic interview of library professionals working in Public libraries of Jaipur, Ajmer & Kota District.
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Drabinski, Emily, and Debbie Rabina. "Reference Services to Incarcerated People, Part I: Themes Emerging from Answering Reference Questions from Prisons and Jails." Reference & User Services Quarterly 55, no. 1 (September 25, 2015): 42. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.55n1.42.
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Incarcerated people face significant information poverty, both because of limited access to information resources and because incarceration itself produces information needs that cannot be easily met. Through a content analysis of reference questions directed to the New York Public Library’s Correctional Services Program, this study articulates the particular information needs of these users. Information needs cluster around self-help and re-entry information, along with general reference queries that typically go unanswered due to the lack of access to the Internet and robust general libraries in correctional facilities. Understanding these needs offers insight for librarians and libraries seeking to better serve incarcerated populations.
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Rahmani, Mehdi. "Exploring the Integration of AI in Public Library Services." AI and Tech in Behavioral and Social Sciences 1, no. 4 (2023): 33–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.61838/kman.aitech.1.4.6.
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This study aims to explore the extent of AI integration in public libraries, identify the benefits and challenges faced by libraries in adopting AI technologies, and propose strategies for effective implementation. It seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of AI applications in library services and offer insights into future trends. Employing a qualitative research design, this study collected data through semi-structured interviews with 29 participants, including librarians, IT specialists, library managers, and library users. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts, allowing for the identification of key themes related to AI integration in public libraries. Four main themes emerged from the data: AI Applications, Challenges and Responses, Service Evolution, and Adoption and Integration. AI Applications were categorized into User Interaction, Operational Tasks, and Learning Tools, highlighting AI's role in enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency. Challenges and Responses revealed technical barriers, staff training needs, user engagement issues, and financial constraints as significant obstacles to AI adoption. Service Evolution demonstrated AI's impact on information accessibility, user experience, operational improvements, and community outreach. Adoption and Integration emphasized the importance of strategic planning, community involvement, and policy compliance in successfully integrating AI into library services. The study concludes that while AI offers substantial opportunities to redefine public library services, its successful integration requires addressing technical, ethical, and financial challenges. Libraries must focus on staff training, ethical AI use, and strategic planning to fully realize the benefits of AI. Future research should aim to quantify the impact of AI on library services and explore innovative AI applications in diverse library contexts.
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Sun, Lili, and Jingzhen Xie. "An Exploration of Reading Promotion and Readers’ Advisory at Chinese Public Libraries." Reference & User Services Quarterly 56, no. 2 (January 4, 2017): 96. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.56n2.96.
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Reading promotion and readers’ advisory (RA) are key services of the public library. Reading as a concept and an activity has a long history in China. This study is to first have a thorough examination of reading promotion and RA through the literature, and then to focus on exploring the two main research questions: what the current state of RA services is at Chinese public libraries and what Chinese public library users are interested in reading. To conduct the study, 236 libraries at the provincial and municipal levels are chosen as representatives. Some key findings of the study include that Chinese libraries have been paying more and more attention to the importance of reading and reading promotion; a variety of reading promotion activities are being carried out in public libraries nationwide; Chinese librarians are proactive in promoting reading and applying new technologies (e.g., WeChat, Blog and library website) to reach out patrons; nonfiction reading is still considered vital in Chinese culture. This study suggests more can be done to improve the service than providing new titles on the library website which is currently the main reading promotion activity online. Libraries should more actively provide RA services (e.g., writing book reviews and developing RA software) and consider introducing formal RA services to user services to overcome the weakness of inadequacy of explicit RA.
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Tarulli, Laurel. "Readers' Advisory: Readers’ Services: One is the Loneliest Number." Reference & User Services Quarterly 57, no. 2 (December 28, 2017): 93. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.57.2.6524.
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When we talk of readers’ advisory services in libraries, we often we talk in terms of departments and teams. Those of us who work in public libraries are fortunate to have colleagues with us at the desk or just around the corner in the workroom with whom we can consult on challenging readers’ advisory (RA) questions. But as column editor Laurel Tarulli points out, librarians in small libraries or in schools often are operating completely on their own, which can present a challenge in terms of RA work.—Barry Trott, RUSQ editor