Public Library Services Research Articles

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.

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.

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.

The survey of public library services by non-user residents

Public library services are provided based on the basic principle of accessibility to everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, language, or social status. Currently, the access to services of public library is insufficient, 8.8% of the population is using library services. Therefore, this study was conducted to find out why people who do not come to the library do not participate in the service. According to the results of the research, the main reasons for not being able to use public library services are “being too busy to go to the library” and “lives far from the library”. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce services for “busy” and “far away” citizens who cannot participate in public library services, and to improve existing service methods and technologies. Нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаагүй оршин суугчдын судалгаа Хураангуй: Нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээг нас, арьсны өнгө, хүйс, шашин шүтлэг, үндэс угсаа, хэл, нийгмийн байдлаас үл хамааран хүн бүрд хүртээмжтэй байх үндсэн зарчим дээр суурилж үзүүлдэг. Одоогоор нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээний хүртээмж хангалтгүй, хүн амын 8.8% номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаж байна. Иймд номын санд ирэхгүй байгаа иргэд яагаад үйлчилгээнд хамрагдахгүй байгааг олж илрүүлэх зорилгоор энэхүү судалгааг хийв. Судалгааны үр дүнгээс үзвэл нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаж чадахгүй байгаа хамгийн гол шалтгаан бол “номын санд очих завгүй байдал”, “гэр нь номын сангаас хол байх” ажээ. Иймд нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаж чадахгүй байгаа “завгүй” болон “хол гэртэй” иргэдэд зориулсан үйлчилгээ нэвтрүүлэх, одоо байгаа үйлчилгээний арга, технологийг сайжруулах шаардлагатай болжээ. Түлхүүр үгс: нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээ, үйлчилгээний хүртээмж, номын санд бүртгэлгүй оршин суугч

Exploring best practices in smart public library services: a survey

Purpose This paper aims to the integration of smart cities and technologies has had a profound impact on public library services globally. However, debates continue about how public libraries are incorporating smart technologies and tools, and what this means for their role in smart city development. This paper explores how public libraries are evolving to meet community needs by providing both physical and digital services. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this study is to assess the role of public libraries in the smart cities and how they are aligning toward development of smart concepts, technologies, services such as contributions to smart city objectives, community impact, the digital divide, unique projects and readiness for future smart city advancements. So, the authors explored 11 public library systems of cities across the world implementing smart city projects. Findings The authors found that all the library systems offer extensive print and digital collections, sustainable buildings and a well-connected network of branches. They provide self-checkout services, makerspaces equipped with 3D printing and coding workshops and advanced recording and video editing technologies. Furthermore, these libraries function as community centers, serving diverse groups including children, women, the elderly and marginalized communities. They function as third spaces that foster lifelong learning and digital literacy. Originality/value Although smart cities face substantial debate regarding their features, tools and feasibility, public libraries have adapted and redefined their roles to become influential public institutions. They now play a crucial part in supporting vibrant and dynamic communities and neighborhoods within smart cities.

Aren’t we All Student Success Librarians? Defining Your Public Services Role for Your Community (and Your Sanity)

Public services librarians play a pivotal role in the effective functioning of libraries, serving as intermediaries between the library and its community. The scope of their responsibilities is expansive, though often not well defined in their job title or understood by the communities they serve. In this column, the author delves into the intricate tapestry of a public services librarian’s duties and explores different strategies for defining and effectively communicating the specific responsibilities associated with the role and the inherent value they bring to the community. By conducting an in-depth examination of best practices in the field, the author draws on established models that have proven successful in enhancing the visibility and impact of public services librarians while calling upon their own experience in defining their title and role as a Student Success Librarian.

Reimagining “Palaces for the People”: A Critical Review of Public Libraries’ Engagement with the Asocial Society

The “loneliness epidemic,” a public health crisis characterized by reports of higher levels of social isolation and loneliness, has been attributed to features of modern living, including urbanization and the increase of one-person households. Public library workers are contending with individuals navigating this crisis. Findings are presented from a state-of-art literature review focussed on recent English-language, peer-reviewed studies (n=235) of public library programming, services, technology and policies in the context of trends in the contemporary asocial society. Across published research, public libraries fostered connection through the following means: encouraging feelings of belonging, creating connections through technology, reinforcing cultural identities, creating safe physical spaces, addressing issues of accessibility, creating new educational programming, and creating new recreational/social programming. The findings allow for a reimagining of the roles of public libraries but not without a reckoning about workplace culture and workloads of library staff.

A Survey of Users Perception with Mobile Libraries of Public Library Services In Belagavi City Central Library: A Study

A Survey of Users Perception with Mobile Libraries of Public Library Services In Belagavi City Central Library: A Study

Building Strong Digital Foundations: Digital Fluency-focused Partnerships among Early Childhood Education Service Providers and Public Libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT Digital fluency is part of the early childhood curriculum in Aotearoa New Zealand but there is evidence that early childhood kaiako (teachers) lack confidence in this area of their work. Although many public library services maintain ongoing partnerships with early childhood education (ECE) providers, the extent to which these collaborations support digital fluency remains unclear. This research investigates the extent and nature of public library partnerships with ECE providers with a specific focus on collaboration on digital fluency. It explores the benefits and challenges associated with these partnerships in supporting the digital fluency curriculum in Aotearoa. A questionnaire consisting of multiple choice and open-form questions was sent to all public library services in Aotearoa gathering data on the types of programmes public libraries currently offer to ECE services, any focus on digital fluency, the benefits and challenges of the current partnerships, and plans and strategies for future collaboration. The findings reveal that most participating libraries have established partnerships, offering learning opportunities through storytimes, makerspaces, and various other activities. The use of digital devices, apps, and websites to support learning is evident, suggesting significant potential for public libraries to collaborate more extensively with ECE providers in fostering young children's digital fluency.

Georgia Public Library Service Empowers Library Staff To Serve Their Communities

Georgia Public Library Service Empowers Library Staff To Serve Their Communities

Application of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) in the Services of Public and Academics Libraries in Pangasinan

The intensifying era of Information communication technology (ICT) really brought great changes, especially in libraries. Both positive and negative effects of the application of such are visible to librarians and to users. Different challenges regarding the application of ICT in libraries are also encountered.Considering the importance of ICT in libraries, the researchers conducted this study to determine the level of application of ICT in the services of public and academic libraries in Pangasinan in order to enhance the access, storage,and process of information and to improve the operation services of these libraries. This study used a descriptive method of research. A descriptive research method is used to describe, as well as explain, or validate some sort of hypothesis or objective when it comes to a specific group of people (McNeill, 2018). The questionnaire was used as the data gathering instrument aided with an interview technique in order to validate the answer. The researchers made use of frequency count, percentage, and mean as statistical tools. Results show that both public and academic libraries have available hardware facilities. Computer servers, workstations, net servers, and printers are 100 percent available in these libraries. Moreover, Online databases are the most available resources for information retrieval. On the other hand, Lack of funds/financial assistance was the most identified challenge by the librarians in the application of ICT. Further, a Pooled mean of 2.86 was rated and interpreted as moderately applied concerning the level of application of ICT in their respective libraries both in technical and reader’s services. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the application of ICT in the library services of public and academic libraries in Pangasinan is not yet at its highest, but advancing it to its fullest is possible if the school administrators and local government will give and provide their full support on ICT project of libraries.

Overwhelming effects of COVID-19 on public library services and recovery perspectives

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decline in library lending, but the response from libraries was insufficient. While researchers have provided guidelines, quantitative analysis of the extent of the impact is lacking.Design/methodology/approachHere, we examine library lending trends from 2019 to 2022, comparing the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, analyzing lending changes among adults and children and different types of literature, using a public library as a case study.FindingsThis study shows a significant decrease in lending practice, especially among adults, and later recovery. Digital, fine and scientific literature gained popularity compared to other types.Originality/valueThe research results can serve as library management guidelines in case of a new pandemic.

An Assessment of Kwara State Public Library Services: Problems and Prospects

An Assessment of Kwara State Public Library Services: Problems and Prospects

Public Library Services for the Promotion of Gender Equality in Selected States of Northern Nigeria

Public Library Services for the Promotion of Gender Equality in Selected States of Northern Nigeria

Analysis of efficiency and influencing factors of knowledge services in public libraries: the evidence from China

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to quantify and evaluate the efficiency of knowledge services public libraries (PLKS) in China and to analyze the factors affecting the efficiency of PLKS. The focus of this study is to explore the characteristics and changing trends of PLKS and how to improve the efficiency of PLKS. The conclusions drawn in this paper are expected to provide important references for academic research and practical exploration in related fields.Design/methodology/approachThis study constructs a three-stage process of PLKS. On this basis, the efficiency is analyzed by using the Super-NSBM model, and the influencing factors of PLKS are analyzed by using OLS. Finally, through the comprehensive interpretation of the measured data and the existing social development conditions, the authors put forward relevant recommendations.FindingsIn the first stage, the PLKS in China meets the basic requirements, but there is an obvious waste of resources in the second stage. In addition, China’s public libraries show obvious regional differences in knowledge service efficiency. Finally, it was found that economic and technological factors can increase the efficiency of PLKS, but the increase in the number of university students will reduce the efficiency of PLKS.Originality/valueIn this study, the authors provide an exhaustive deconstruction and explanation of PLKS, which leads to the proposal of a three-stage PLKS efficiency conversion process. Furthermore, the authors identify a diverse set of quantifiable metrics that are readily accessible for open collection. Notably, the authors correlated the efficiency of PLKS with the influencing factors, exploring PLKS from a new perspective and enriching the research related to PLKS.

The Quality of the Public Library Service of Hebei Shijiazhuang Library, Hebei Province, China

The Quality of the Public Library Service of Hebei Shijiazhuang Library, Hebei Province, China

Analysis of Elfan Bookless Library System Innovation at the Barru Regency Library and Archives Office

This qualitative study explores the innovation of the Elfan Bookless Library System at the Barru Regency Library and Archives Office. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, with validity ensured via triangulation, negative case analysis, member checking, and extended observations. The findings reveal that the Elfan Bookless Library System enhances the reading experience by providing its own Wi-Fi network, allowing online book access. While the system effectively meets visitors' needs, its Wi-Fi coverage is limited to 500 meters, posing a connectivity challenge beyond this range. Despite this, the system is accessible without special requirements; visitors only need a cellphone or Android device. User guidance is provided through tutorials on billboards and banners, and library staff offers additional support. This study highlights the Elfan Bookless Library System's potential to innovate public library services, offering valuable insights into its advantages and limitations. These findings contribute to understanding how digital library systems can be optimized to improve user experience and accessibility in public libraries.

Nurturing doctoral excellence: effective strategies for research support services in public university libraries of Kenya

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine approaches used by university libraries to enhance the visibility and utilization of research support services (RSSs) among doctoral students and to assess the competencies of library staff in delivering research support services.Design/methodology/approachThis study used qualitative design approach, purposively sampled 40 librarians (8 university librarians and 32 librarians) in charge of RSSs and use of structured interview.FindingsThe findings of this study revealed three major themes: offline and online strategies, the need for upskilling and professional development programs and proactive empowerment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused on research support services in chartered public universities in Kenya; private universities were not included.Practical implicationsThe need to enhance library staff's ongoing professional development programs, increasing funding to university libraries and proactivity by the libraries to improve the provision and promotion of RSSs to doctoral students in Kenya.Originality/valueThere are limited existing literature in the Kenyan context. This study will fill a knowledge gap and contribute to the literature on academic libraries support and doctoral students experience in Kenyan context.

Improving the Construction of Public Cultural Service System and Enhancing the Service Ability of Public Libraries to Vulnerable Groups

In the process of speeding up the construction of the public cultural service system in all respects, how to better conduct public cultural services for the vulnerable groups, provide knowledge help and service are the bounden duties of every public library, but also the best embodiment of the equalization and standardization of the construction of the public cultural service system. The formation of a fully covered public library service network must be accelerated, the talent incentive mechanism is innovated, the service supply and demand expression mechanism is built and improved, and the participation of social forces is actively introduced to enhance the service ability of public libraries for all levels of society.