Provision Of Public Library Services Research Articles

Seeing Infrastructure, Interrogating Infrastructure: Making explicit the implicit of LIS education and learning environments

Seeing Infrastructure, Interrogating Infrastructure: Making explicit the implicit of LIS education and learning environments

Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge through Community Involvement in Public Libraries in South Africa

Abstract Public 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.

The use of information and communication technologies in public libraries in South Africa as tools for bridging the digital divide: the case of the Kempton Park public library

ABSTRACTThe information and knowledge society has resulted in the exponential growth of information and communication technologies (ICTs), thus creating a gap between those who use ICTs and those who do not; hence the emergence of the term “digital divide” in the 1990s. One of the milestones of South Africa’s National Development Plan, a policy that charts the country’s development up until 2030, is to ensure that high-speed broadband internet is universally available at competitive prices. Notwithstanding the importance of ICTs in public libraries, the provision of such is still taking place on a limited scale in South Africa. This article investigates the use of ICTs in public libraries in South Africa as a tool in bridging the digital divide. It also examines the inequalities in access and use and suggests ways in which ICTs may be used to reduce the digital divide. A qualitative research methodology was adopted. In order for public libraries to function as an important tool in bridging the digital divide, there is a need to standardize the provision of public library services with regard to the digital divide.

‘But What to Change?’: Moving Forward in Public Library Information Service Provision for People with an Invisible Disability

This project will explore the match between public library service provision and delivery and the needs of people with invisible disabilities in Australia. A mixed method approach will be applied, utilising interviews and surveys with people with an invisible disability and library service providers.

All the Community’s a Stage: The Public Library’s Part in Community Information Provision

AbstractCommunity information is indispensable for modern life, but access to it remains challenging for many people. Historically, public libraries have been central in providing formal community information, but today such information provision is accomplished largely by informal networks of community service agencies. Thus, the role and the value of the public library in community information provision seem unclear. We find an analogy to this situation in design theorist Christopher Alexander’s conceptualization of planned versus natural cities, and we bring this to bear on an ongoing study of public library service provision to the urban poor. This work reveals implications and recommendations for the public library’s unfolding role in community information provision: public libraries may no longer be needed to provide formal community information, but they can engage as information shepherds with local community service agencies in informal community information provision.

Library Services for the Early Years: Policy, Practice, and the Politics of the Age

Children’s services have a high profile today, as policymakers are concerned about effective education and the level of reading skills. Political policies influence and shape what is offered to our communities, and it is important for practitioners to be effective in developing and delivering a range of services to meet local needs. The political dimension relating to issues around the child and the family is complex, and this paper discusses, often with reference to the UK, some of the challenges associated with the provision of public library services for the early years and young children. Librarians have a valuable contribution to make to the early years by providing activities that support the development of language, communication, and literacy skills. Working as partners with other agencies enables proactive library services to develop and customize services specifically for their local communities, and librarians are successfully building partnerships based on bookgifting and early intervention literacy programs. The library has a role to play in helping to generate social capital at the individual level by providing support for families and parenting activities. Funding, sustainability, and accountability are at the center of most initiatives and programs, but many practitioners may not be aware of the complex political landscape in which library services for the early years are delivered.

Introduction: Library Services for the Early Years

Introduction:Library Services for the Early Years Carolynn Rankin (bio) Early childhood is high on the political agenda globally, and the political dimension relating to issues around the child and the family is complex. Policymakers have been interested in the importance of social capital, deprivation, and community cohesion, but there are also concerns around the level of reading skills in contemporary society. There is increasing knowledge about the significance of the first five years of life for intellectual, social, and emotional development. This new knowledge and understanding about child development has highlighted the needs of babies and toddlers, which can be incorporated into providing appropriate services and resources by librarians who specialize in supporting the needs of the early years and young children (Rankin & Brock, 2015). This issue of Library Trends discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the provision of public library services for young children between birth and age 5, often referred to as the “under-fives.” Public libraries are multipurpose institutions that include in their range of services places where families can effectively connect with local services. The public library has a role to play in helping to generate social capital at the individual level by providing support for families and parenting activities. The importance of this trusted public institution has been recognized by the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) (2007), which argues that the availability of library services for babies and toddlers is crucial, and being part of the library community is an early social experience that sparks curiosity and the imagination. It is argued that community-based early years libraries are uniquely placed to support families and young children because they offer accessible learning opportunities for intergenerational groups (Rankin, Brock, Halpin, & Wootton, 2007). Librarians have a valuable contribution to make to the early years by providing activities that support the development of language, communication, and literacy skills. Working as partners with other agencies enables proactive [End Page 1] library services to develop and customize services specifically for their local communities, and librarians are successfully building partnerships based on bookgifting and early intervention literacy programs. Until fairly recently, literacy was considered primarily as reading and writing, but the principles behind the concept of emergent literacy are that literacy begins at birth and is a social process. The professional intervention provided by the librarian in supporting the development of communication, language, and literacy facilitates access to resources that encourage emergent literacy. The process of participation in cultural routines begins from the time the child is born (Corsaro, 2015). Young children can participate in reading as a social activity. This is very popular, judging by the number of rhyme-time and story sessions offered in public libraries and other early years settings across the British Isles and other parts of the world. In this way, reading can help form and nurture relationships from the earliest act of parents sharing books with babies. In providing this professional intervention, early years librarians offer interactive sessions and have knowledge of diverse resources, such as treasure baskets, toy libraries, story sacks, and Bookstart packs; they select books that are appropriate for babies and young children, additional-language learners, and children with special educational needs. Parents are the most important reading role models for their children. The early interactions that occur between young children and their parents and caregivers are important for personal, social, cultural, emotional, and linguistic development. Reading together and sharing books encourages talking, which helps to develop communication skills. Shared book reading in families is strongly linked with successful school literacy and identity, belonging, and participation in literate societies. The UK’s Book-start was the first national baby book-gifting program in the world and encourages all parents and caregivers to enjoy books with their children from as early an age as possible (Wade & Moore, 2003). Wendy Cooling, the founder of Bookstart, has said that we know almost by instinct that it is a good thing to read to young children, but it took the Bookstart project, piloted in 1992, to support this belief with research evidence. The theme of reviewing the research evidence is picked up in the paper by Caroline Barratt-Pugh and Mary Rohl, who...

Issues and Trends in the Provision of Public Library Services in Nigeria: A Literature Survey

The philosophy, orientation and nature of public library are routed in the responsibility of disseminating diverse and current information services to the members of its community. Waller and Mcshare (2008) posit two major challenges in the provision and use of public library services which are; lack of obtaining a thorough understanding of the nature of the environment which bothers majorly on information provision and use; and the development of policy frameworks that clarifies institutions goals and brings coherence to diverse and sometimes conflicting policy demands. This paper looks at issues and trends concerning some of the challenges bedeviling the provision and utilisation of public library services in Nigeria such as in-appropriate policies, lack of sufficient professionals, inadequate facilities and services and lack of awareness and proper understanding of the concept of public library services which led to non-use of the available services by potential users. Yield shift theory of satisfaction phenomena was used to explain the satisfaction phenomenon of public library services by users. Identified challenges were discussed and recommendations made towards developing a framework for improved public library services in Nigeria.

Bunko, the Home and Community Library in Japan: a qualitative study

Presents an account of bunko libraries in Japan. Bunko are home libraries or community-based libraries. The bunko movement, developed and managed by Japanese women on a voluntary basis, is aimed towards creating a better reading environment for children and filling the gaps in the provision of public library services. A bunko can be located in a house or any place where quality books can be made conveniently accessible to children. Services offered include free voluntary reading, book loans, storytelling, singing, reciting nursery rhymes, paper folding, and making toys and handicrafts. The bunko plays an important role in cultivating the reading habit in children at an early age in a homely and nurturing environment. Adults who are involved in bunko activities enjoy friendships forged among themselves and derive fulfilment from their participation and contribution. This unique library service is one of the models that are globally applicable for children's library services.

The Development of Branch Libraries in Leicester

The public library system developed slowly in Leicester and encountered much opposition before it began. With the eventual success of its central library, the establishment of branch libraries was mooted. Despite the failure of the very first branch, subsequent branches were successful and answered a very definite need for localized provision of public library services at a time when the central library was inadequate to cope with a rapid growth in demand.

Changing public library service delivery to rural communities in England

This research paper explores alternatives to the mobile library service in providing a public library service to rural communities in England and the impacts of best value, public library standards and social inclusion policy on provision. A questionnaire survey was completed by librarians in public library authorities in England with rural hinterlands. The data derived were supplemented by follow‐up case studies. It was found that achieving social inclusion objectives and the results of best value reviews were the greatest motivating factors for much of the development of alternative library service delivery in rural areas, and that village halls were the most popular place for co‐location of library services. ICT was felt to have impacted positively on rural library service delivery and its use was demonstrated in co‐location facilities and learning centres. However, some authorities fail to consult users and non‐users in rural locations. This paper provides public library practitioners and researchers with a picture of public library service provision to rural area communities and shows the impact of Government‐driven policy. It appears that there is varying appreciation by public library authorities of rural communities’ distinct nature.

Library provision to the Tamil community in Singapore

Library provision to the Tamil community in Singapore

The public library as street corner university: back to the future?

Examines the concept of the street corner university, and assesses the political, social and marketing implications of such a concept being adopted as a vision for the UK public library service. Current views regarding the provision of public library services are explored from the perspectives of Government and the profession. Issues regarding equity of provision and the role of the library service promoting policies of social inclusion are discussed and evaluated. Concludes that, unless the public library service can meet the challenges facing it, it will become increasingly marginalized within society. The dominant paradigms of the profession must be viewed as complementary rather than contradictory, and the successes of the present reconciled with visions of the future, if the true potential of both the street corner university concept and the public library service is to be achieved.

Research into public libraries and ethnic minority communities in the UK, from Clough and Quarmby to Roach and Morrison

Reviews the provision of public library services to UK ethnic groups, in the light of the aims, methodology, findings and recommendations of 3 key research projects from 3 decades. Considers the impact of these reports, which were published in very different political and cultural climates. The reports were: Clough and Quarmby (1978) (Library Association); Elliott (1984) (Polytechnic of North London); and Roach and Morrison (1998) (BRIC Report 76 and 113). Examines the reports as research studies and points to similarities in them. Clough and Quarmby was the first to study public libraries and ethnic minorities nationally. Roach and Morrison focused on the relationship between public library services and communities characterized by ethnic diversity. Elliott’s research was based on London but also focused on the relationship between public libraries and ethnic communities. Concludes that library and information professionals need to take on board the recommendations of Roach and Morrison, translating them into policies and strategies to be acted upon. Clough and Quarmby and Elliott had only partial success in influencing the profession. What is needed is high profile action based on sound research into public libraries and cultural diversity, including monitoring and evaluation of existing provision and services.

The Third Culture

The author reviews the emergence of a third culture, and one more powerful than either element in the science/humanities dichotomy postulated by CP Snow. This is the culture of the free market, epitomised in the phrase ‘Government must not intervene unless the market fails’. The paper reviews the dimensions of this culture and some of its impact on the provision of public library services in the US. It concludes that the model is deeply flawed, and that librarians should be wary of adopting its rhetoric and practices.This paper was orginally given during a plenary session of the First National Conference of ALIA, held in Perth WA during October 1990. It is reproduced here with the kind permission of the author and of the Conference Organisers.

Recent Developments in the Provision of Public Library Services in the United Kingdom

To set the scene, I should like to begin with a few general comments. The older I get, the more clearly I realize that the provision of any public service (and no doubt the provision of most other things in our society too) has to fit in with the ethos of the times. There are such things as general trends in our way of living, although they can seldom be precisely defined and it is often very difficult to say how or why they get started. Thus, much of what is happening in British public libraries today naturally reflects the general trends and the attitudes of mind in most other walks of life. To give just one example of this to begin with, libraries are working much less in isolation than they used to. They are called upon more and more to work closely with all organizations providing cultural services-with education, with health and social services, and with the various services, public and voluntary, that provide information for people. Contact between libraries and the book trade is now much closer, and certainly the concept of all types of librarypublic, academic, and special-being aspects of one single total service is far more generally accepted than it used to be. This is not a new trend, but there is no doubt that recently it has gathered momentum. One reason for this is economic. When money is scarce, there must be a closing of the ranks and the greatest possible use must be made of all the resources available. But I do not think that this is by any means the only reason. There is, in addition, a welcome tendency to think of the needs of individuals and communities and the provision of all services as a whole instead of in separate watertight compartments. Considering that almost total responsibility for public library services is in the hands of the local authorities, with hardly any central guidance (and what there is cannot in practice be enforced), it is interesting to observe that public libraries in Britain are tending to develop along roughly similar lines throughout the country. True, we have a Minister for the Arts who is responsible to the Secretary of State for Education

Comment

SCHEMES FOR the national library services of developing countries make the British library world seem positively victorian by comparison. Two factors, however, are likely to be agents of change in the next few years. At the apex of the pyramid, the proposals for the British Library will rationalise the British Museum, the National Central Library, the National Lending Library for Science and Technology and the British National Bibliography complex. At more local levels, the re‐organisation of local government in England will ensure more effective provision of public library services under unitary control.