Public Library Research Articles

Human-centric lighting asset management for LED bulbs: a context-driven approach on prognostics and maintenance strategy development in public libraries

Human-centric lighting asset management for LED bulbs: a context-driven approach on prognostics and maintenance strategy development in public libraries

Prepared for service? A mixed-methods study on psychosocial support in the UK public library, with a focus on staff perceptions and training

This mixed-methods study considers the ways in which the public library is increasingly supporting the mental, emotional and social – or ‘psychosocial’ – needs of individuals within its local communities; reflecting on an emerging body of US research which is exploring this topic. This research aimed to determine how prepared UK public library services are to support the psychosocial needs of users, with a focus on staff perceptions, confidence and training. The research identified the psychosocial services and relevant staff training currently taking place in Southeast England, through an online survey with public library staff. This data provided a background of understanding, before in-depth, semi-structured interviews were completed with nine public library staff within one library service, to uncover staff perceptions and attitudes around this area of work. The quantitative and qualitative data revealed findings which largely reflected the research that has taken place in the US. Public library staff are committed to delivering psychosocial support by providing information, signposting, delivering library groups and activities, and showing compassion to users. However, staff experience feelings of uncertainty around this work, particularly when responding to users with complex needs or those in crisis, and they have a strong desire for more targeted training in this area. This paper concludes that this aspect of modern public library work necessitates the development of targeted staff training and further research in this area.

Accessibility services needs of visually impaired patrons in public libraries: a grounded theory study of China

PurposePublic libraries are strong advocates of the development of accessibility for people with disabilities. Understanding the accessibility services needs of visually impaired patrons is highly beneficial for increasing satisfaction with public library services. The purpose of this research is to assess the service capabilities of visually impaired patrons in public libraries and to improve the accessibility of services provided by public libraries for visually impaired patrons.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a mixed methods approach. Qualitative data collection involves interviews and surveys with 34 visually impaired individuals in China, applying grounded theory and expectancy theory. Quantitative analysis is then carried out using the Kano model.FindingsThe research reveals four types of accessibility service needs, with visually impaired patrons prioritizing value-added information services and self-service options. In addition, visually impaired patrons are also highly interested in the integration of assistive and innovative technologies within libraries.Originality/valueBy emphasizing a patron-centered approach, this research provides insights into innovative service approaches in public libraries that address the specific needs of visually impaired patrons and contribute essential strategies for bridging the digital divide.

USE OF INSTAGRAM FANPAGES IN POLISH ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN 2015-2023

Thesis/Objective – This article presents the results of a quantitative comparative analysis of the activity of 65 Polish public university libraries on a social media platform known as Instagram between 2015 and 2023. The aim of the study was to assess the use of Instagram by academic libraries and to evaluate the popularity of the content shared by these institutions (including the number of posts shared and user reactions to them). Research methods – The commercial online tool Fanpage Karma, a social media monitoring service, was used to collect data from individual fanpages. This service also facilitated the processing of the collected data for statistical purposes. Data were gathered separately for different types of libraries. The critical analysis of the relevant literature and bibliographic sources was also conducted. Results/Conclusions – The results showed that only 33 out of 65 public academic libraries use Instagram in their everyday work. This activity is generally independent of the library type. The social media platform in question is present in various types of libraries. In some cases, Instagram complements communication via Facebook, particularly in the libraries which are most active on social media. It is worth noting that two libraries use Instagram as their sole social media platform. The highest number of posts was published by university libraries – and those posts received most user reactions.

Deciphering the Iconic: An Inquiry into how Architecture Impacts the Inclusiveness of Cultural Institutions

Public libraries have seen a decline in attendance numbers in recent years, especially among visitors with lower levels of education. Public libraries have also significantly altered their ‘look and feel’ in the last two decades, with many now being housed in buildings with a very contemporary and ‘iconic’ architectural style. Our research explores whether these two developments are connected and how education- and class-based differences regarding the experience of architecture affect the inclusiveness of public libraries. An experimental research design (using Virtual Reality) was developed, allowing us to study what exactly makes buildings and spaces less inviting for certain types of (potential) visitors. Results suggest that lower educated (potential) visitors tend to find ‘iconic’ libraries less recognizable (as libraries) and less inviting, but also that generational effects are important to take into consideration and that some aspects of architecture are experienced and evaluated in a relatively ‘universalistic’ way.

Public Libraries at the Intersection of the First, Tenth, and Fourteenth Amendments

Public Libraries at the Intersection of the First, Tenth, and Fourteenth Amendments

Challenges in Managing Public Library Services Aimed at Ensuring the Well-being of Society in the Context of Emergency Situations

Challenges in Managing Public Library Services Aimed at Ensuring the Well-being of Society in the Context of Emergency Situations

Exploring the Impact of Mobile Library Services in Karnataka: A User Perspective

The study critically evaluates the utilization and impact of public library services, with an emphasis on mobile libraries, within Karnataka State. A meticulously designed questionnaire was distributed, collecting data from 840 users, achieving an impressive response rate of 88.88%. The objectives of the study are to assess the frequency and motivations behind library visits, analyze user awareness of available services, and gauge attitudes towards the effectiveness of mobile libraries. The findings revealed a significant prevalence of urban users, with students emerging as the most frequent patrons. Statistical analysis indicates no substantial variations in library usage across different demographic groups. The results highlight the crucial role of public libraries in facilitating knowledge and dissemination. The study suggests a need for enhanced awareness and engagement strategies, particularly in the use of mobile library services.

Pregnant Women and People with Young Children in Public Libraries in Poland

Pregnant Women and People with Young Children in Public Libraries in Poland

Public Libraries as an Informational Space for Indivi-duals with Blindness and Visual Impairment. Material and Immaterial Artifacts of Access

Public Libraries as an Informational Space for Indivi-duals with Blindness and Visual Impairment. Material and Immaterial Artifacts of Access

A Study on How Libraries Operate as Health Spaces in the United States.

A health space is any physical, social, or virtual space that supports building health literacy skills, promotes health behavior, preventive health, and wellbeing, or provides health care, health information, or health or social services. To move the needle on health, especially preventive health, a focus on non-traditional health spaces is critical. Libraries serve various community needs such as food distribution, health literacy, education, immunization, and health screenings. This study explores the extent to which libraries are equipped to function as a health space. A convergent mixed-methods approach was utilized; 234 library personnel were randomly recruited using data from the 2017 Public Libraries Survey to complete a survey and 24 semi-structured follow-up interviews were conducted. Our findings support that libraries function as a health space in multiple ways including providing important health and social programming and services to patrons. They help meet patron's health information needs by leveraging the expertise of community partners and incorporating valuable input from patrons in programming decisions. However, the capacity of libraries to carry out these health initiatives varies, in particular due to limited staff expertise in health-related topics and structural issues (e.g., funding). Our research emphasizes the need to integrate organizational health literacy attributes into library operations, specifically by (1) streamlining strategic partnerships with community experts in libraries in high-need areas to extend their limited resources, and (2) incorporating health literacy into missions and operations to draw necessary financial and personnel support to overcome salient challenges (i.e., funding and staff training).

Pathways to Cross-boundary Collaboration: case Helsinki City Library Oodi

Pathways to Cross-boundary Collaboration: case Helsinki City Library Oodi

Storia del ripristino delle lapidi di Aldrovandi e dell’VIII Centenario all’Archiginnasio

The Archiginnasio Palace, commissioned by Pope Pius IV as the main building of the Bologna University founded in 1088, was built from 1562 to 1563, and later abandoned in 1803 following Italy’s Campaign by Napoleon, to the become city Library. It was heavily damaged during the Allied bombing on January 29th, 1844. Two historical marble inscriptions were also destroyed. They were devoted to Ulisse Aldrovandi’s five teaching decades in that Palace, and to the globally attended Royal opening celebration of the 8th Centennial of the Bologna University in 1888. The history of the two plaques is traced back, ending up with their restored replacement at the entry of the Anatomical Theater, Archiginnasio’s most renown masterpiece created in 1636.

Georgia Library Spotlight: Forsyth County Public Library’s Bat Walk

Georgia Library Spotlight: Forsyth County Public Library’s Bat Walk

Users’ perspectives of public library for a knowledge-based society: Implications for developing countries

Rationale of Study – In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, knowledge has become a commodity and a capital that provides the basis for a knowledge-based society (KBS). Public libraries, however, are trying to stay relevant as a knowledge hub in such societies by expanding their roles in local communities. This research investigated the relationship among demography, accessibility, environment,digitalisation, and the library’s perceived role in a KBS. Methodology – Following cross-sectional quantitative research design, data was collected from 112 respondents using a structured questionnaire survey on the premises of the Pabna Government Public Library in Bangladesh. The 9-item scale showed acceptable internal consistency (α = .713) and using SPSS 25, descriptive analyses, Chi-square test, and Spearman correlation were carried out.Findings – The role of a public library in terms of readership and awareness in the community had a statistically significant (p-value <0.001) positive correlation with accessibility (ρ=.334) and library environment (ρ=.513). At the same time, a negative association was observed with respondents’ level of education (ρ=-.265, p-value <0.01). However, a weak relationship existed between profession andperception of the library environment (ρ=.186, p-value <0.05). Implications – In similar developing country contexts, libraries must attract diverse users beyond educated youths and create a conducive library environment where it becomes a part of their community. Public libraries can consequently stay relevant and contribute to building a KBS. Originality – This paper reports the findings of an original study regarding users’ perceptions of public libraries in KBS from a developing country perspective.

The Hidden Toll: Exploring the Impact of Challenging Patron Behaviors on Australian Public Library Staff

ABSTRACT As a public-facing profession, public library workers are often exposed to challenging behaviors that raise concern for their safety. To understand these concerns, this study explores these staff safety issues in Australian public libraries through semi-structured interviews with 59 staff members from six library services. Findings reveal that library workers frequently encounter challenging and sometimes violent behaviors from patrons. These incidents impact staff wellbeing, causing stress, anxiety, and potential long-term psychological effects. Many workers receive insufficient workplace support following traumatic incidents, leading to internalization of the trauma the experiences cause. The study highlights the need for improved institutional support and better safety measures. It also recognizes the tension created by libraries’ open-door policies, which may expose workers to potential harm.

Study on the Interactive Effect Between Public Library Construction and Human Capital Investment Efficiency

This paper measures the public library construction (PLC) level and the human capital investment (HCI) efficiency of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021, tests the linkage effect and coupling coordination between PLC and HCI. The results show that: 1) the PLC level and the HCI efficiency of China shows a trend of rapid increase and fluctuating decrease respectively during this period, but the gap between regions is obvious. Both the PLC level and the HCI efficiency in the eastern region are obviously better than those in the central region and the western region. 2) There is not only a positive linkage effect between PLC and HCI efficiency, which promotes each other, but also the level of collaborative development between PLC and HCI efficiency shows a steady upward trend, with the coupling level reaching level 6, which is about to enter the primary coordination state, but there are obvious regional differences.

Edge computing task scheduling method based on user’s social relations: a construction and solution for Smart City Library

In the realm of the development of a Smart City Library, the integration of robust edge computing is vital. The research suggests a novel task-scheduling model for edge computing, leveraging user’s social relationships. Analyzing these connections involves constructing a user’s social relationship graph by implementing mathematical convolution and the Jaccard similarity ratio. This precise quantification of social ties ensures secure and reliable task scheduling. An equipment connection graph of a user equipment service is also crafted based on Euclidean distance, aligning task scheduling with device-to-device (D2D) communication conditions. Combining a user’s social relationship graph and a user’s device-service device connection graph creates a task-device bipartite graph. On the other hand, the calculation of a task execution cost and edge weight determination finalize a scheduling model. Implementing the proposed method for constructing a model for edge computing task scheduling based on utilizing the Kuhn–Munkres (KM) algorithm demonstrates positive impacts, which are few delays and less energy consumption, on edge computing task scheduling. For instance, when the social threshold score changes from 02. To 0.6, the total task execution delay time increases from 23 to 32, which is the best when compared with other algorithms. The approach strengthens security and reliability while decreasing task execution delays and energy consumption. This research advances edge computing for Smart City Libraries, promising transformative implications.

The contribution of public libraries in strengthening digital citizenship in Egyptian society – an exploratory study

Purpose This study aims to assess the involvement of Egyptian public libraries in supporting digital citizenship and propose a vision to leverage their role in promoting digital citizenship culture, aligning with Egypt Vision 2030 for sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was used to sample 21 public library managers in Egypt. The study adopted a descriptive-analytic approach, measuring library readiness infrastructure, strategic planning for digital citizenship support and participation ratings on nine dimensions of digital citizenship as defined by the Ribble model. Findings Results indicated a moderate level of participation overall (average score of 1.72), with high levels in dimensions like digital access and digital literacy but much lower levels in others, particularly digital law and digital health and safety. Library readiness was found to have a positive effect on the level of digital citizenship promotion. Research limitations/implications The small sample size may limit generalizability. Future research should explore best practices for digital citizenship programming in libraries and strategies for overcoming implementation barriers. Practical implications The study underscores the need for Egyptian public libraries to enhance their readiness and participation in promoting digital citizenship. This requires investment in digital resources, staff training, community outreach and collaboration with educational institutions and community partners. Originality/value This study provides insights into the role of public libraries in promoting digital citizenship in the context of a developing country’s national vision. It offers a framework for libraries worldwide to assess and enhance their digital citizenship initiatives.

Influence of motivational factors on social media use by library personnel: a comparative study of public and private university libraries in southwestern Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of motivational factors on library personnel's social media use for service delivery: a comparative study in public and private university libraries in Southwestern, Nigeria. The participants included library Personnel and covered 42 universities (federal, state and private) in Southwestern, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design of a correlational type was employed with the population of 556 library personnel in Southwestern, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was adopted. Questionnaire adapted from Davis (1989) and Venkatesh and Bala (2008) was the instrument used to elicit data from the respondents of which 469 copies were returned and were found usable. The findings of the study showed that the most frequently used social media in terms of mean ranking were WhatsApp (x ̅ = 4.40, δ = 0.955), Facebook (x ̅ = 37.54, δ = 4.03) and Google+ (x ̅ = 4.03, δ = 1.139) and majority of the respondents in all the universities used social media for communicating and interacting with users 244(52.0%) with mean score of (x ̅= 3.33,δ=0.817. Additionally, findings showed that all the indices of motivational factors such as (Perceived Usefulness x ̅ = 37.54, δ = 11.691, r=0.775; Perceived Ease of Use x ̅ =18.92, δ= 6.348 r= 0.280; Perceived Enjoyment x ̅=22.37, δ = 7.085 r=0.337 and Computer Playfulness x ̅ = 29.01, δ=8.485, r=0.260; p<0.05) had positive correlation with social media use. The need to implement and adopt social media tools relevant to individual universities for service delivery was suggested among others.