Public Library Network Research Articles

The current connections between the library and bookselling activity with an overview of the public library development

ABSTRACTAmong the set goals of improving book consumption in Slovenia the National Culture Program 2004-2007 also includes encouraging the development of network of bookshops and ‘quality’ bookshops, that will be evenly distributed across Slovenia. The program suggests them to be formed within the framework of already existing public cultural institutions. Book consumption in Slovenia has been characterised by poorly developed retail book market and well developed network of public libraries with a high number of book lendings that serves as a substitute for the paperback market as it is known in bigger language communities abroad. Along with surveying the possibilities of directing the libraries towards book marketing (as well), the paper also examines the historical development of commercial publishing companies / bookshops / libraries, existing in Europe in 18th and 19th century and in some places existing side by side with public libraries until the middle of 20th century. The paper shows that the present ratio between bookshops and libraries on some big book markets is different than in Slovenia, as libraries are loosing patrons as a consequence of the growth of big bookshop chains. A characteristic feature of book consumption in Slovenia can be seen in the use of the internet in libraries as well as bookshops. The ‘merging’ of the marketing segment and book lending is to a smaller extent already under way abroad, where large online bookshops encourage libraries by means of provision to act as the mediator in the sale of books. In this way, a library can turn into a bookshop with the help of connections via ISBN numbers, without having to jeopardise their original mission.

The vicious cycle of Slovenian book use and the potential role of public libraries in solving it

ABSTRACTThe use of books in Slovenia is marked with an insufficient bookstore network andwith a well developed network of public libraries with a large number of loans that supplements a market of cheap paperback books, which is known in large language communities abroad. The resolution on National Program for Culture among the set goals for the improvement of use of books in Slovenia states also encouragement to develop bookstore network, equally divided across the entire Slovenian cultural area, with which the formation of bookstore corners in the framework of already existing public cultural institutions is proposed. From 2003, Ministry of Culture is supporting the good bookstores, but the endeavors haven’t reached the set goals yet. This contribution brings theoretical presumptions of principal thinking on the possibility of directing the libraries in the direction of marketing the books and the findings of a survey conducted among the directors of Slovenian general libraries. The findings show the predominant directors’ opinion on principal usefulness of potential sale of booksin libraries, especially for the users. Almost a half of the managers of all Slovenian public libraries in principle support the introduction of book sale in their library if proper conditions would have been set. However, they do not expect any financial benefit from this service.

ENGLISH

The present study is to work out a suitable model for community-based data collection and education, keeping public library network at the locus of the model. The study has reviewed the profile of Thailand with regards demographic data and healthcare delivery system particularly at grass root level. The study analysed the existing status and activities of public library network, its building blocks and framework for data-collection and education of the community. http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/djlit.33.2.4194

Escola Nova: una nova pedagogia de la lectura a Catalunya

The article analyses the factors that impacted the appearance of a new pedagogy in reading in the first third of the 20th century in Catalonia. Apart from the outstanding figures such as Pere Verges, Artur Martorell or Anna Rubies other factors determined and contributed to spreading the didactic and methodological proposals that would make up a new pedagogy of reading, based on the New School movement. The establishment of the network of public and school libraries, the emergence of large publishing houses specialising in children’s books, the whole generation of teachers who took up the challenge of renewing the school and, also, the institutional boost from the two periods of self-government, in times of the Catalan Commonwealth and during the Republican Government of Catalonia, made the transformation possible.

The Finnish library system

The article presents a short history of Finnish libraries and librarianship. The written culture in Finland started in the 15th century AD. The Reformation meant the eventual outbreak of the Finnish culture, both from the point of view of the religious and academic cultures. The Academy of Turku was established in 1640. The public library network started to evolve from the 17th century onward. From the beginning of the independence, i.e. 1917, libraries have played an important part in the development of an open and democratic society. At present there are public libraries in all the municipalities as defined by the Public Library Act, in addition to the Finnish higher education and special libraries that constitute a modern library network open to all citizens that utilizes modern library technologies.

Developing sustainable leadership capability in the Victorian State and public library sector

There have been substantial changes in the labour market over the past few years and survey results indicate 60% of staff will leave public library service over the next decade. While this creates opportunities for library staff, limited training budgets and a focus on compliance and specific library skills training have led to a gap in the formal development of leadership skills. This paper explores the impetus for action and describes the strategies implemented to develop and support leaders for the future at the State Library of Victoria and within Victorian public libraries. It also considers the impact of these initiatives and the learnings. More specifically, it details the establishment of the Shared Leadership Program in 2006 by the State Library. The library recognised that leadership, at all levels of the organisation, was essential to successfully deliver a new extensive program of work and to prepare the workforce to adapt to changing roles and expectations. Learning Forums were also implemented to provide further opportunities to grow individual and collective leadership capabilities. In 2009, the Shared Leadership Program was extended to the Victorian public library network.

<i>Red de Bibliotecas Municipales</i> de la provincia de Barcelona

The Public Library Network of the province of Barcelona has extensive experience in the field of collaborative work. The key to its success is not just the important historical events that helped to shape the present library system in the province of Barcelona. It is also the dissemination of collaborative values among libraries and library staff. After years of hard work, there are new challenges to meet, without forgetting the firm commitment to provide high quality library services that meet people’s needs and expectations.

Forms and Methods of Library Services for the Population in the Republic of Tatarstan at the Restructuring Period “Perestroika” (1985—1991)

The process of searching for new forms and methods of library and bibliographic service for the population of the Republic of Tatarstan in 1985—1991 is shown in the article. The main conclusion of the historical analysis of the problem comes to the conclusion that the existing network of public libraries of the Republic has done much to adapt to new economic and political conditions for the modernization work on the basis of new technologies.

MOLLY®, When Will You Come Again? : A mobile library service for the less privileged

The National Library Board (NLB) launched a new mobile library service in Singapore on April 3, 2008. MOLLY® (mobile library), a mobile library bus, is the latest project to run on the streets of the island bringing library services to people not utilizing the extensive network of public libraries. After a comparative overview of different mobile library models in various countries, this paper introduces MOLLY® the prototype project and covers key aspects such as the conceptualization and objectives, special target user segments, outreach methodology and core activities.

People First: A New Zealand Approach to Staff, Structure and Service

SUMMARY This article uses Wellington City Libraries as the basis for a case study of a future-focused, reorganized staffing structure in a public library network. It covers the change from why, how, departure from a building-based hierarchical structure, new staff and line responsibilities, union involvement, implications for staff training to culture and customer service.

Multicultural Libraries' services and social integration: The case of public libraries in Montreal Canada

Montreal is a multicultural city, with a high percentage of immigrants where great value is given to culture. The city has a network of public libraries, which are located in the different districts. The provincial government has just opened the new Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec, which combines a national library service with those of a public library. The Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec and the public libraries in Montreal have set a goal to facilitate the integration of immigrants into Montreal society. In this context, the objective of this research is to find out to what extent the public libraries in Montreal are facilitating the integration of immigrants into society and to discover what important role the libraries actually play in this process.

Proyectos y servicios innovadores en la <i>Red de Bibliotecas Públicas de Andalucí</i>

The inclusion of Andalusia in the “Internet in the libraries” programme has allowed an increase in the number of libraries offering free internet access to their users and working online with the same integrated library system. The most innovative projects set up by the regional government through the Public Libraries Network of Andalusia (RBPA) are analysed, along with new digital library services considered to be examples of good practice. Finally, the action plans for future implementation of an information and library management system based on free software and open source code are described.

Information professionals in a globalized world: Kosova libraries: Where practical steps are most needed

Information professionals in a globalized world: Kosova libraries: Where practical steps are most needed

Engaging active citizenry among Singaporeans, young and old, at the Singapore public libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the strategies NLB has undertaken to encourage people to become active citizens at the public libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper covers a brief history of the volunteer movement in NLB, followed by a short discourse on the benefits of having volunteers. This is followed by a discussion on the various strategies taken by NLB for its volunteer management programme. The paper concludes with a discussion on the implications for public libraries on the need to engage and manage volunteers.FindingsThe findings in the paper were: as public institutions, public libraries need to engage members of the public beyond just being library members. At the National Library Board Singapore (NLB), library volunteers are seen as strategic community partners who actively play a part in value‐adding and improving library services to the public. From the volunteer standpoint, being part of the public library network is one way of giving back to the community. From the organizational point of view, having volunteers at the public libraries give NLB additional resources through which it can innovate and channel more information and knowledge seeking services.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that active citizenry is encouraged as part of NLB's Library 2010 blueprint to forge public libraries into social learning spaces. To do this, volunteers are engaged at different levels – both in terms of the time commitment they can give and the tasks they are willing to undertake. This allows for a flexible volunteering scheme for people from all walks of life to contribute back to society, either on a long or short‐term basis, as a regular volunteer or on a project basis. Libraries hoping to engage volunteers may find the strategies outlined in the paper as useful considerations to build their own volunteer management programme.Originality/valueThis paper offers practical strategic considerations to libraries and information resource centers intend on engaging volunteers as part of the resources to fulfill library services to the public.

The Evaluation of Public Library Network in 23 Wards of Tokyo

The Evaluation of Public Library Network in 23 Wards of Tokyo

Managing and assessing internet service needs and use of under‐served populations at public libraries

AbstractAs the range of public library services with new technology has diversified, defining, measuring, assessing and managing the quality of these electronic services has become a critical issue. Internet connections at public libraries have increased dramatically since 1990 due to the availability of key external funding sources. The major goal of those funding sources was to expand public access to Computers and digital information, especially for the public of low‐income or under‐served populations; thus, there has been continuing increase in public library Internet services at the library, for example, the services at Internet workstations. Although there have been attempts to measure the performance of public library network services by library and information science researchers using network statistics based on “technical‐driven” performances, there has been little research dealing with service quality and satisfaction of Internet service users at the public libraries based on “user‐driven” performance evaluation. This paper describes the process of survey research using 386 Internet service users at four public libraries and discusses how public libraries need to approach those under‐served populations' Information needs and use at Internet workstations which can expand the possibility of new direction for future public library Internet services.

Characteristics and choices of public access Internet users in Victorian public libraries

Provision of public Internet access has been viewed by governments as a key step towards encouraging uptake among people who do not have access to information communication technologies, and as an important means of building an equitable information society. The Victorian Public Library network has led Australia in providing this access, at no small cost. However, little substantial data is available about the users of this public access, little is known of what they use the access for, nor how well it meets their needs. Through a wide‐scale survey, and through focus groups this study explores the demographic characteristics of public library public access Internet users, the extent to which public access Internet provision meets the needs of those users, and users' planned/future use of public access Internet. The role of public access and the policy implications of this data are discussed.

Penang Library Network Aims to Educate in a Caring Learning Environment

The Penang Library Network (PLN) is a network of private and public higher education libraries formed with the aim of bringing Penang's citizens to the forefront of uniform access to a knowledge warehouse through the use of information and communication technologies. This paper presents PLN's aspirations to change the paradigm of education (information) delivery from a teacher-centered to a radical student-centered, technology-enabled approach. It also describes the plan for the PLN Digital Library project that is undertaken as a step to achieving the PLN aims, together with some of the current and future needs, as well as the challenges that may be encountered.

Penang Library Network Aims to Educate in a Caring Learning Environment

The Penang Library Network (PLN) is a network of private and public higher education libraries formed with the aim of bringing Penang's citizens to the forefront of uniform access to a knowledge warehouse through the use of information and communication technologies. This paper presents PLN's aspirations to change the paradigm of education (information) delivery from a teacher-centered to a radical student-centered, technology-enabled approach. It also describes the plan for the PLN Digital Library project that is undertaken as a step to achieving the PLN aims, together with some of the current and future needs, as well as the challenges that may be encountered.

Creating Special Literature Resource Databases in Western China Under a Digital Environment

This paper addresses the issue of special literature database resources in the creation of Chinese database groups, and it holds that the extremely rich Chinese literature resources should naturally become an indispensable part of global information resource networks. Nevertheless, the digitization foundation for Chinese literature resources, having been subject to various factors, is still very weak. Among other things, there is yet no relevant scientific awareness for guiding macro policy stipulations, and from a micro-perspective there are no complete technical solutions available for realizing the digitized project goals. The national program for Western China development currently has provided us with an opportunity to establish a paradigm. The rational development and digitization of the local literatures, rare copies of ancient Chinese manuscripts, and those cultural resources indigenous to the minority nationalities and ethnic groups in Western China, will greatly enrich Chinese digital resources on the Internet and enhance the position of the Chinese literature resource database groups on the global information resource platform.