Australian Public Libraries Research Articles

Finding what you’re looking for: a reader-centred approach to the classification of adult fiction in public libraries

This article argues that the classification of adult fiction according to ‘genre’ in public libraries causes more confusion than clarification. Whilst the system purports to model itself on bookstore design the reality is that the actual arrangement is quite different. In the bookstore model, genre is a marketing category and not a literary category as it is currently used in many Western Australian public libraries. The use of a genre system also alienates many readers, with good reason, as the nature of the system is ambiguous. The adoption of a ‘reader-centred’ method for adult fiction classification would mean that the library collection was more accessible because the underlying principles are easier to understand.

Emerging technologies changing our service delivery models

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the range of free and inexpensive technologies that are available and have been simply implemented with practical and immediate benefits both for library staff and clients.Design/methodology/approachThe paper demonstrates positive examples of integrating technologies such as blogs, wikis, RSS aggregators, podcasts, vodcasts, web conferencing, and instant messaging into library services and programs. The paper reports the take up of these technologies by public libraries nationally and internationally and examines Australian public library use and promotion of these services to their clients. Questions around the level of use or non‐use by public libraries are also explored.FindingsThe paper finds that these technologies have increased clients' interaction with and access to library services and collections. By providing information in various formats these technologies are meeting client's various and individual requirements, and reflect the increasing demand of services in virtual environments. A case study around the OPAL Training Project Emerging Technology course will examine library staff buy‐in and involvement in the development of new services and explore the difference these emerging technologies can make to our clients.Originality/valueEmerging technologies provide librarians with a unique opportunity to substantially enhance user‐centred services and to facilitate and promote collaboration between libraries and their clients.

Slouching Towards Australian Public Libraries: The WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services

(2005). Slouching Towards Australian Public Libraries: The WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services. Australian Academic & Research Libraries: Vol. 36, Australian Indigenous Knowledge and Libraries, pp. 125-142.

E-government: issues and implications for public libraries

Reviews the literature of e-government deployment world-wide, focussing on two possible roles for public libraries in e-government. The first is a continuation of their traditional role of information provision and managing library transactions electronically and the second, a move to handling government business transactions as well. Identifies issues and implications for Australian public libraries, such as the impact of the digital divide, the use of intermediaries and the resourcing of e-government.

Service please! Rethinking public library Web sites

A survey of Australian public library Web sites reveals that very few libraries have gone beyond establishing Web sites that provide information about their static library resources and services. Few attempts have been made to deliver a high level of interactive library service to online clients. This paper examines some of the issues that public libraries need to consider in order to rethink the way that the Web can be better used to provide interactive, real time online services. Issues include: commitment of staff and financial resources to online services; developing and maintaining Web technology skills; reclaiming the Web from IT departments; and individual effort versus collaboration.

The South Australian Public Libraries Network Web site (iNet): efficiencies through collaboration

iNet is a collaborative project of the South Australian Public Library Network in partnership with the Council of Library Administrators of South Australia (CLASA) and PLAIN Central Services (PCS). It is a customisable information Web site which consists of a core element of organised links to quality information resources available on the World Wide Web as well as information about each library service in the state. A variety of administrator libraries across South Australia are involved in maintaining, updating and adding links to the site. Maintenance is facilitated via a password protected content management tool which enables administrators to make changes to their allocated subject areas and library content without requiring HTML or other Web programming knowledge or skills.

Last one out turn off the lights: the influence of geographic, demographic and economic factors on the provision of library services in rural and remote communities

The ongoing withdrawal of population and services from rural areas has generated an interesting and somewhat unexpected challenge for public libraries, which are often assuming de facto roles as multi-service providers to their communities. This paper reports on research carried out in 2001 which aimed to provide some insight into how libraries in rural and remote locations overseas are dealing with the issues of service withdrawal and population decline. Observations made during visits to libraries in the United States and Canada in April to June 2001 addressed five questions: is “rural shrink” occurring?; are the roles of libraries being extended well beyond traditional boundaries?; are libraries becoming defacto providers of a broad range of services?; are governments cognisant of the potential of public libraries in terms of staff skills, market share, and network capabilities?; is any funding forthcoming that recognises and supports the capacity of libraries? This insight would in turn be applicable to Australian public libraries in rural and remote communities.

The Power to Name: Representation in Library Catalogs

Cet article traite de la difficulte d'effectuer des recherches documentaires dans les bibliotheques, a cause de la complexite des divers modes da classification des informations. En s'appuyant sur une relecture de trois textes precurseurs en la matiere, l'auteur cherche a confirmer la necessite d'un mode de classement universel, qui rendrait l'acces aux documents plus facile au plus grand nombre, et non uniquement aux specialistes

The role of the internet for people with disabilities: issues of access and equity for public libraries

This article reports two studies, which, although separate, focus on related issues concerned with online access for people with disabilities in the context of information and library provision. The first project concerns the potentialities of online services for people who are blind and sight impaired and has a particular emphasis on information-seeking behaviour. The second project concerns online services for people with disabilities in Australian public libraries, and focuses on evaluation of adaptive equipment, associated training and strategies for improving access. Four research questions, relevant to one or both of the projects, are selected for discussion in the article: What are the information needs of people with disabilities, particularly people who are blind and sight impaired? What are the recreational interests of people with a diverse range of disabilities? What role can the internet play in meeting information needs and in serving recreational interests? How can public libraries assist people with disabilities to use the internet and thus address issues of access and equity for this group of people? The article reviews the literature in relation to the four questions, describes the interpretivist conceptual framework used for both studies, and outlines the research method used for each. The results of the two studies, relevant to each of the questions, is then presented. A major conclusion to the article is that the development of partnerships between public libraries and local disability groups is likely to result in significant benefits for people with disabilities.

U.S. and Australian Public Libraries and the Internet

This paper presents findings from two separate public library Internet connectivity surveys conducted in the United States and Victoria, Australia. The primary survey goals were to assess U.S. and Victoria public library involvement with and use of the Internet. The surveys found considerable progress in U.S. and Victoria public library Internet connectivity. This article argues, however, that connectivity is not the same as the provision of network-based services. Thus, this article identifies issues that public librarians, policy makers, and researchers should consider as public libraries make the transition to the electronic networked environment and increasingly provide electronic services.

The future of interlending in Australian public libraries

The future of interlending in Australian public libraries

Discussion

Based on a questionnaire survey of Australian academic, special and public libraries, this study seeks to determine the amount that Australian libraries spend on various types of materials. It presents detailed quantitative data on the acquisitions expenditure of the various library sectors in relation to selected categories of materials, and it draws broad conclusions about the present state of acquisitions expenditure and library spending in Australia.

Acquisitions expenditure by Australian libraries: Report of a survey

Based on a questionnaire survey of Australian academic, special and public libraries, this study seeks to determine the amount that Australian libraries spend on various types of materials. It presents detailed quantitative data on the acquisitions expenditure of the various library sectors in relation to selected categories of materials, and it draws broad conclusions about the present state of acquisitions expenditure and library spending in Australia.

Internet prospects for Australian public libraries

Australian public librarians need to become aware of the rich resources available on the Internet. Internet is a channel for sharing ideas, keeping in touch with developments and finding out about new services for libraries. It is also an information resource for reference work and other library activities. In the United States progress towards Internet access for public libraries, schools and even the general public is evident. This paper looks at the prospects and possibilities of Internet access for Australian public libraries.

Evaluating suppliers for South Australian public libraries: The PLB principal suppliers agreement

The article reports upon the reasons for the drafting of a tender document, the Principal Suppliers Agreement, at the South Australian Public Libraries Branch. It discusses the need to be accountable to funding authorities by documenting the basis on how major suppliers to public libraries are selected. The contents of the agreement, the process of evaluating suppliers and the implementation of the agreement are described. The consequences of issuing the tender for both the institution and the companies and the evaluation of suppliers are also considered.

Staff's Perceptions of Public Library Goals: A Case Study of an Australian Public Library

Staff at the Bankstown, Australia, public library were found to hold generally conservative views of public library purpose and to prefer goals which were print-based and directly related to reading. Goals implying response to expressed needs were preferred to active intervention, especially in relation to adults. Nonprofessional staff displayed less awareness of the philosophical basis of public librarianship than did professionals, but they also appeared more willing to adopt innovative new goals. Among recipients of library service, respondents believed that the library placed higher priority on institutions and lower priority on disadvantaged individuals than they themselves would. The most significant influences on perceptions of library goals appeared to be local practice and practical considerations. Enrollment in library education programs, political and managerial expediency, and social needs in the community appeared to be less significant. The implications of the study for the implementation of change in public library goals are discussed.

Australian Public Libraries, the Library Association of Australia and literacy

Role des bibliotheques publiques australiennes dans la formation des adultes au «savoir-lire». Developpement d'un programme national

Public Library Funding, Organisation and Status

There are three topics of fundamental and increasing importance for Australian state and public libraries: overall financial pro­ vision, financial responsibility formulas, and influence within state bureaucracies. All three are central to the long term planning of these services. Financial progression or regression Australia's state and public libraries are in a vulnerable position, financially and organ­ isationally. They are not well equipped to withstand a period of financial stringency; nor are they well placed to move ahead as strongly as they should if public funding is substan­ tially increased. It is salutary to go back to the many submis­ sions to the Committee of Inquiry into Public Libraries in 1975 and see the emphasis given at that time to financial needs and the appeals to Canberra to help Australian public libraries with both recurrent and capital grants. Since that time the financial squeeze on state and public libraries has increased. Most state libraries were recently involved in assisting their state Treasuries to research the case for maintaining or changing their state's share of income-tax allocations which will be revised for the 1981/82 year.