Public Library Services Research Articles

The relationship between e-marketing mix framework (4Ps) and customer satisfaction with electronic information services: An empirical analysis of Jordanian university libraries

This study employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Smart PLS 3.2.9 to offer valuable insight into the relationship between e-marketing mix (4Ps) and customer satisfaction with electronic information services provided by public university libraries in Jordan. The identified primary aspects within the e-marketing mix encompass e-product, e-pricing, e-place, and e-promotion. An online survey (questionnaire) targeting postgraduate student respondents at Jordanian public universities (a total of 792 participants) was used to gather data using a quantitative technique. Participants were chosen using voluntary response sampling. The study’s findings revealed that all relevant elements of the e-marketing mix establish significant relationships with customer satisfaction among postgraduate student respondents utilizing e-information services in public university libraries in Jordan. Notably, e-products, e-pricing, and e-promotion demonstrated substantial positive relationships with customer satisfaction. Conversely, there was a negative relationship observed with e-place. The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of the previously unexplored realm of the e-marketing mix framework (4Ps) in the context of customer satisfaction with electronic information services within university libraries in Jordan.

Corporatization of Public Libraries in Taiwan: Stakeholder Theory Perspective

ABSTRACT This study explores the transition of public libraries to administrative corporations through the lens of stakeholder theory. It positions public libraries as pivotal institutions harboring extensive collections vital for fostering educational and cultural growth. Focusing on the Kaohsiung Public Library in Taiwan as a case study, this research highlights successful tactics adopted during its shift toward administrative corporatization. Such a transformation aligns with the strategic objectives of governments, stakeholders, and communities at large. By applying stakeholder theory, the study investigates the broader societal contributions of administratively corporatized public libraries, their role in advancing public library services amidst organizational changes, and their capacity to augment the distinctiveness of urban landscapes.

Public Library Services in Rural Australia: Challenges and Prospects

ABSTRACT This article reports the findings of a survey of more than 100 Australian outer regional and remote public library managers. Public libraries in these areas serve more than 2.5 million Australians, representing an important yet under-researched topic. Using an online questionnaire, with a response rate of more than 40%, we asked public library managers in rural Australia about the services provided by both fixed-site and mobile libraries (where applicable), as well as online and other outreach services. Questions also covered the value, issues and challenges of respondents’ library services. Findings suggest that while rural libraries perform some similar functions to their more urban counterparts, and share some challenges, they are especially valued by their communities in the absence of alternative services and social outlets, making the library even more of a key facilitator, potentially, of social inclusion and community interaction. Respondents also noted an increasing demand for IT services and digital literacy support among their users, a need sometimes at odds with the challenge these libraries face maintaining up-to-date technical infrastructure.

The Changing Face of Public Services in Health Sciences Libraries Post-Pandemic

Health sciences library public services underwent profound changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Circulation, reference services, instruction, interlibrary loan, and programming were all significantly affected. Libraries adapted by moving to virtual services, featuring online workshops, video consultations, and digital information sharing. Reference services moved to virtual consultations for a streamlined experience, and instruction transitioned to interactive video tutorials. Interlibrary loan services saw a decrease in print material lending but an increase in electronic subscriptions. Library programming shifted from in-person to virtual, focusing on wellness activities. This post-pandemic transformation underscores the importance of ongoing adaptation to meet changing user needs.

Evolving from public health libraries as a place to focus on public health librarian expertise.

This article describes the evolution of academic public health library services from standalone academic public health libraries in 2004 to centralized services by 2021. Five public health libraries serving public health graduate programs (SPH) at public and private institutions were visited in 2006-07. Visits comprised tours, semi-structured interviews with librarians and local health department staff, and collecting of contemporary print documents. We compiled and compared visit notes across libraries. In 2022, we reviewed online materials announcing library closure or transition for timing and how services were to be subsequently provided. Libraries and SPH were co-located and most librarians maintained public health expertise though they did not have faculty appointments in their SPHs. Specialized statistical and geographic information systems (GIS) software and data were provided in partnership, often with other system libraries. Only two libraries had strong connections to health departments-one with direct service agreements and another engaged in public health training. Academic public health libraries' relationships with SPHs and health departments did not ensure their existence as standalone entities. Following a national trend for branch libraries, public health information services were centralized into larger health or science libraries. The scope and specialization of librarian expertise continues to be valued with several institutions having librarians dedicated to public health.

Digital tendencies in public libraries in Balochistan, Pakistan: issues and challenges

PurposeIn the digital age, public libraries are facing numerous challenges, and the Balochistan public libraries are no exception. This study aimed to identify current digital trends adopted by the public libraries in Balochistan and to find out about challenges and potential solutions regarding digital trends from library users.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative study was carried out and data were collected through the survey method, employing a structured questionnaire. The target population consisted of 17,953 users of 17 public libraries in Balochistan. A sample of 510 users both male and female was selected by using random sampling technique from the target population.FindingsThe analysis revealed that patrons of public libraries are dissatisfied with the services offered, as they now require access to new digital trends such as fast Internet, download facilities, unlimited content on numerous resources, Wi-Fi, online reference services, universal accessibility and user-friendly interfaces. Unfortunately, public libraries in Balochistan are still lagging in terms of development. The study recommended that public libraries in Balochistan should develop and implement digital services, increase access to digital resources, hire professional librarians, professional development and collaborate with other libraries.Originality/valueThe study’s findings can assist in improving public library services and granting patrons access to current information and resources in Balochisthan and other developing countries. This study’s originality stems from its use of a quantitative survey approach to gather data from 17 public libraries in Balochisthan and provide a comprehensive view of the digital challenges they face. The study’s focus on digital tendencies is relevant in today’s world, where technology is rapidly changing the way, we access and consume information.

Digital reference services in public university libraries in Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Khulna division

The development of information and communication technologies, the availability of information online, and the wide spread of the internet have changed the trends of library services. On the other hand, the user’s attitudes towards the library change. The users want digitalized resources and online services. To serve information seekers, there is no other way than digital reference service. Digital Reference Service is the only way to give the right information to the right users at the right time. Digital Reference Service provides a user assistant when they want while sitting at home. University libraries are an important part and parcel of higher education, and the users of these libraries, such as students, faculty members, and researchers always involved in education. They will need any type of information or document at any time. To fulfill their requirement and to achieve their satisfaction, there is no alternative to Digital Reference Service (DRS). From this study, it is found that the mentality of library professionals has changed. They try hard to make the library digital and provide internet-based services. Public university libraries offer a large number of databases to meet the needs of users. Besides these, the university libraries offer online services like Current Awareness Service (CAS), Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), institutional repositories, and so on. They faced some problems with providing DRS. This study provides some recommendations that will help them to run digital reference services smoothly.

Teen Services in Public Libraries: A Bibliometric Research Study

Public libraries have an essential mission to offer high-quality services, programming, and materials to individuals across all age groups. While these institutions typically provide many programs and services catering to children and adults, teenage patrons' needs are often overlooked (Bernier et al, 2014). To rectify this, it is essential to establish dedicated spaces within the library tailored to teenagers' interests and preferences. By incorporating engaging programming and curating materials and resources specifically geared toward this demographic, libraries can effectively convey a message of inclusivity and appreciation, making teenagers feel welcome and valued (Joseph, 2010). The purpose of this research study is to analyze scholarly literature on teen services in public libraries during a twenty-year period (2002-2022). It looks specifically at aspects such as programming and services, physical spaces, specialized staff, outreach efforts, and the demographics subgroups of teenagers represented in the existing literature.

The Potential of Library Publishing Services to Transform Scholarly Communication in Ireland

Libraries need to move beyond traditional roles of purchasing and distributing scholarly literature, librarians need to strategically position themselves and take ownership of improving access. As a direct result of Covid-19, there is a new level of urgency to transform the scholarly communication process and there are enormous opportunities for an expanded and inclusive library publishing service which addresses access to knowledge and literature. This rich discussion will stimulate the drive to make library publishing a mainstream service within Irish libraries. The purpose of this study is to provide a vision for how academic libraries can assume a more central role in a future where open access (OA) publishing has become the predominant model for disseminating scholarly research. This work will analyse existing trends related to Open Access policies and publishing with an emphasis on the development of repositories managed by libraries to publish and disseminate articles. These trends, coupled with emerging economic realities, will create an environment where libraries’ will assume a major role in the Open Access publishing environment. This paper will provide an insight for academic libraries and their institutions to consider a dramatic shift in the deployment of subscription financial resources from a largely closed scholarly communication system to one that provides open, unrestricted access to research. Given the importance of scholarly publishing, a number of Irish Third level libraries have launched library publishing services including the establishment and management of high quality library published peer-reviewed open access journals and Open Educational Resources to support formal and informal scholarly communication. Librarians are also upskilling in the area of library publishing. A number of Irish Librarians have completed the Library Publishing Coalition's Library Publishing Curriculum. There is also the Library Publishing Group as part of the Library Association of Ireland. This work aims to identify and examine the factors of library publishing services that facilitate scholarly communication. The clear message from this discussion is that libraries need to include publishing in their services, advocate for open access and serve their communities and societies.

Quality of Public Library Services as Predictors of BARMM Community’s Information Needs Satisfaction

Public libraries have always been a source of essential information resources in the community. This descriptive-correlational research was conducted to examine the quality of library services and its influence on the information needs satisfaction of the BARMM community. Specifically, this research determined the library user's assessment of the quality of BARMM's public libraries in terms of; availability of resources; accessibility of resources; availability of technology; library staff competence and library atmosphere, and the extent of the library user's information needs satisfaction considering educational needs, professional needs, religious needs and community development needs. Data were collected using validated and pilot-tested questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Based on the findings, the participants' information needs were generally satisfied. Moreover, the participant's assessment of the BARMM's public libraries significantly influenced their information needs satisfaction. The study points to giving special attention to the accessibility of resources and implementing advanced technology in BARMM public libraries to attract more users and promote lifelong learning within the community.

Towards adoption of competitive intelligence in marketing of library services in public university libraries in Southwestern Nigeria

The use of competitive intelligence (CI) to market library services is a call for re-organisation of public university libraries. CI is an organisation mechanism that facilitates the transforming of competitive information into practical actions. The advent of technology in the educational services is gradually reducing users’ patronage to the library. This call for librarians to map out strategies of retaining the value of libraries and keep their patrons, In line with this, this study examined adoption of competitive intelligence in marketing of library services in public university libraries in Southwestern Nigeria. Related literatures were reviewed to have in-depth knowledge about the new trends that can enhance library marketing and promote library services. As a result, public library need to embrace innovative marketing approaches and leverage digital technologies, by so doing public university libraries can effectively promote their services and resources, thereby maximizing their impact on the academic community. Successful marketing is crucial to promoting university library services and optimizing their influence on research, teaching, and learning. Leveraging diverse communication channels, and understanding the requirements of library users should be paramount to librarians. It is very important that marketing strategies be continuously evaluated and adjusted to guarantee that library services continue to be pertinent and flexible in response to the changing requirements of the academic community.

Community perceptions of public library services in rural communities in Edo State

This study evaluates the effectiveness of public library services in promoting community development in Edo State, Nigeria. Utilizing a quantitative survey approach, the research assesses key areas including resource utilization, facility adequacy, staffing levels, infrastructure, and the availability of materials for personal and community development. Analysis of the data collected from the Ulemon community members across different age groups highlight significant challenges such as inadequate resources, insufficient staffing, and gaps in the provision of essential information for community development, while the facilities and infrastructure were found to be in a good state that is well above average, but not in an excellent state. The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance library services, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4, Target 4.6. This study recommends adopting sustainable community engagement with Strategic actions. By implementing the recommendations, public libraries in Edo State can significantly improve their role in fostering lifelong learning and community development, and this transformation will contribute to broader social, economic, and environmental benefits, positioning libraries as vital components of sustainable community development in the region.

공공도서관의 시각장애인 서비스 경험의 개선 방향

In recent years, public libraries have enhanced services for the visually impaired, yet challenges persist with the current barrier-free offerings. This study aims to investigate the experience of visually impaired individuals using public library services. Focused on five public libraries from the 'PISA International Library Construction Ranking,' the research involves surveys targeting the visually impaired to assess the current status and service design issues. Employing the AHP analysis method and service blueprint, the study proposes directions for improving public library service design. Research findings indicate a subpar service experience for the visually impaired, limiting their activities due to inadequate barrier-free services. By identifying their actual needs and utilizing the Service Blueprint, we provide practical design suggestions for creating a comprehensive barrier-free environment in public libraries.

Bibliotherapy Services in Public Libraries: the Case of Lithuania

Bibliotherapy, as an interdisciplinary field, is undeniably heavily researched on a global scale, yet there are relatively few studies, especially empirical ones, devoted exclusively to the problems of public libraries, while those that would focus only on the services provided by librarians themselves, excluding cooperation with specialists in the field of health promotion, have been undetected at all. The concept, typology, methodology of bibliotherapy and specialists, who can provide services in this field, especially the scope of librarians’ possibilities, are still being discussed in multidirectional works of bibliotherapy. The article presents the results of a quantitative empirical study based on the synthesis of multidisciplinary bibliotherapy research, which allowed to determine the librarians’ own possibilities to provide biblio­therapy services, revealing the state of bibliotherapy services provision in Lithuanian public libraries in 2022. In addition, the article provides a comparative analysis of this study and secondary sources, which showed the evolution and development possibilities of the provision of bibliotherapy services in Lithuanian public libraries. It was found that in most libraries, at least one bibliotherapy service is provided by their own staff. Out of them, slightly more than twice (both qualitatively and quantitatively) of services are attributable to passive bibliotherapy, exclusively covering an intrapersonal level of communication, based on recommendations of books to be read, which is traditionally more characteristic of these institutions, rather than those to be associated with its active variety, which includes an individual interaction of a reader with a librarian inspired by the read book, or a group one - with the members of the book club led by them that integrates an interpersonal level of communication as well. However, as shown by the comparative analysis of the results of the quantitative research of the same object of 2022 and 2011, the active bibliotherapy, which promotes the interaction of readers, is also becoming popular in Lithuania as the functions of libraries expand in the direction of socialization. This is largely in line with global trends. Summarizing the data of the latest research presented in the article and previous secondary sources, it can be stated that in the early 21st century, library bibliotherapy began to be developed at the formal level, and after the development breakthrough recorded at the turn of the first and second decades it has already established itself as a service provided by Lithuanian public libraries. The librarians’ attitudes towards it are positive, the motivation to expand the range or scope of bibliotherapy services is increasing. Although librarians both independently and institutionally, usually through projects or occasional trainings deepen their knowledge in this field, yet its lack is still mentioned, and in particular, the lack of practical skills necessary for organizing more formal active bibliotherapy activities, which leads to a lack of confidence in their own abilities and induces them to limit themselves to the role of an event organizer with a guest lecturer. As one of the ways to solve this problem, long-term institutionalized training in bibliotherapy is mentioned. It is available to those who want to improve in this field and to expand library bibliotherapy services, which help to implement the traditional functions of book repositories and reading promotion and more advanced, globally relevant functions of community gathering and reader education.

Serving Remote Native Alaskans: A Geospatial Analysis of the History of Remote Alaskan Libraries and Opportunities to Connect with Alaskan Native Culture Through Public Libraries

ABSTRACT Geographic information systems (GIS) allow spatial analyses of both historic and current library locations in rural and remote communities, offering insight into underserved communities. The purpose of this study is to conduct geospatial analysis of historic and known current library locations in remote interior Alaska and to identify ways in which remote, primarily Native Alaskan communities can be better served by libraries in those isolated communities. The study emphasizes the history and impact of The Village Library Project, an effort to bring public library services to remote communities in the early 1980s. Utilizing publicly available American Community Surveys Census data, this study also discusses current public library locations, finding that over 50 percent of Native Alaskan residents of remote Alaska are without library access.

Public Library Services in Digital Environment: A study on Innovation activities with special reference to Public Libraries in Rajasthan

Public Libraries are an essential part of the society in educating people to strengthen them as the human capital of the community. But today, public libraries are at a turning point and are struggling to survive in the contemporary world. One of the causes of this is the advent of new technologies that have changed the reading habits and learning experiences of people completely. This presents major challenges and opportunities for public library systems across the world. To address the changing needs, community challenges, and to survive in the digital age, public libraries need to be innovative. The digital era is a huge opportunity for libraries to innovate and change. Innovation has a huge significance to revive the public libraries and restore their prime position in society as a knowledge hub. By considering the same, this paper provides an overview of public library and initiatives that portray an innovative idea, approach, or service with examples of innovations that have been identified through a literature review of various research papers in the field of library science. The innovative activities can be categorized into broad areas like- collections, customer services, technology, events, and library spaces/buildings, etc. The paper also describes the role of Librarians towards the transformation of public libraries and their challenges. The present status of Rajasthan State is also described in brief by considering the telephonic interview of library professionals working in Public libraries of Jaipur, Ajmer & Kota District.

The Practice Lens: Intersectionality and Contemporary Public Library Services to Adults

ABSTRACT Intersectionality can be applied as a practice-based lens through which to perceive 21st-century public library services to adults. Intersectionality as a framework can facilitate the implementation of equity and social justice in the design and development of contemporary library services. Professional practice relates to the public library workplace and everyday work practices enacted on a day-to-day basis. This article outlines how intersectionality is embedded in public library services to four service populations: immigrants, incarcerated, LGBTQ+ people, and homeless/houseless citizens. Insights provide a guide for theoretical and social positioning of public librarians to enact their professional service within an intersectional lens.

Public library services for people with dementia: A study of students’ perceptions

Although librarians have not been traditionally recognized as professionals who provide care for persons with dementia, recent research indicates that libraries can contribute to the development of dementia-friendly communities. They can offer cognitive engagement and social inclusion events for people with dementia, provide information to their caregivers and educate the general public about dementia. In this article, the authors present the findings from a study that attempted to answer the following research questions: ‘How much do library and information science students in Croatia know about dementia?’ and ‘How do they perceive the role of public libraries in developing dementia-friendly communities?’ The study was conducted using a quantitative methodology among 183 library and information science students. Although the respondents had somewhat poor knowledge about dementia, they believed people with dementia have an inherent right to library materials and programmes suited to their specific needs, and that libraries can raise the quality of their life in the community.

How public libraries deliver value online

Purpose. The development and usage of digital library services have accelerated. Many libraries have expanded their digital services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The physical locations were closed or operated with reduced capacity and libraries continued to provide services digitally. The physical locations of many libraries have reopened but the development of digital services persists. Most libraries offer a wide variety of services digitally and many libraries are expanding their digital services. It is, therefore, relevant to explore how librarians perceive the digital public library services offered at their institutions and how the digital services supplement or replace services in the physical library. Approach/methodology/design. This study presents the findings of an interview-based study with five librarians from different public libraries across Denmark. Findings. The findings show that librarians perceive the physical and digital services as means to the same end while carefully considering the content, target audience and platform when offering services to their users. They see the digital services as a critical aspect of the raison d’etre of the library and means to attract new users. Research limitations. It is important to note that this study is based on a small sample. Practical implications. The implications for digital public library services are discussed and recommendations based on this study are considered. Originality/value. While many studies have explored librarians’ perceptions of the value of public libraries, this study focuses on librarians’ perception of the value of digital libraries and how these services supplement or replace the physical library.

Cutting the Gordian (workload) Knot? Adding data services to academic library public services

The data librarianship as a profession produces on workloads can't give us the answers we seek. The library and information science literature wants two irreconcilable things out of its workload data: 1) aggregate comparable data to document and measure use of libraries and its value; and 2) accurate descriptions to document and measure the individual work done by librarians. That is our Gordian Knot. We propose here to change the question asked: how can we achieve a reasonable balance of workload within a group of librarians? That of course implies a focus on a library of a specific type: here a medium-sized academic library of an R2 institution. The goal was to answer a common and longstanding question: we are in continual process of assessing what needs to be done and how/where to shift workloads, but how do we know we're doing it in a reasonable and fair way beyond anecdotes and intuitions? We developed a weighted measure of public services workload in order to assess and track and assign a) areas of declining workload, b) areas of increasing workload (data services), and c) a balance between library divisions contributing to public services.