Applying theory in practice: The serious leisure perspective and public library programming

Abstract

Program planning in public libraries is generally guided by anecdotal best practices, facilitator interest, or perceived need, and not by theoretical frameworks, which can provide more systematic and evidence-based guidance and understanding. The Serious Leisure Perspective, a grounded theoretical framework imported to the information and library science field, offers clarity to researchers of leisure-related information activities. Here, its potential as a tool to guide librarians and other information professionals in the planning of leisure-related adult programming in public libraries is investigated. Online titles and descriptions of a two-week sample of adult, leisure-related public library programs from four North American, two Canadian and two American, public libraries were studied using directed content analysis, and a codebook was created for future research in this area. Application of the Serious Leisure Perspective to the sample reveals uneven distributions of public library programs across leisure forms and activity (sub-)types. The study demonstrates the potential of theoretical frameworks to identify gaps and opportunities in library practice. It also points to opportunities for developing new library programs, services, and resources that may appeal to currently untapped audiences.