Public Library Standards Research Articles

Undervalued, understaffed, underdeveloped, and underutilized? The status of public libraries in the eleven municipalities of rural Iloilo Province, Philippines

Libraries, as service-oriented organizations, are being guided on every aspect of their operation by local and international standards. In the Philippines, public libraries are expected to adhere to the stipulations of the Philippine Standards for Public Libraries. This study was conducted to assess the adherence of the 11 municipal libraries in Iloilo Province to the following areas of the Standards: library administration, collection management, services and utilization, physical facilities, financial resources, and linkages, networking and collaboration. Findings revealed that most libraries were non-compliant with almost all aspects of the Standards. Specifically, the majority lacked support from their local government units and were managed by non-professional librarians with inadequate knowledge and skills in successfully managing a library. Additionally, most libraries have a low budget to purchase updated resources of various types and formats and appropriate facilities and equipment. Furthermore, almost all libraries lacked networks and linkages, and collaborative activities that could have helped librarians enhance their skills, improve library resources and services, and increase their visibility and value to the stakeholders. Consequently, most municipal libraries could not fulfill the community's information needs; therefore, they remained undervalued and underutilized.

アメリカ図書館協会の公立図書館基準における量的基準と小規模公立図書館 : 『公立図書館サービス』(1956)を中心に

アメリカ図書館協会の公立図書館基準における量的基準と小規模公立図書館 : 『公立図書館サービス』(1956)を中心に

アメリカ図書館協会『戦後公立図書館基準』（1943年）の成立過程：

アメリカ図書館協会『戦後公立図書館基準』（1943年）の成立過程：

National Standards in the Libraries of the People’s Republic of China and the Problem of their Efficiency

The article emphasizes the up-to-date trend in the international library science on careful study of standards for libraries. Definite causality of this work in the socio-economical environment of the library is specified. The new standards include seven basic parts and have made revisions in several important aspects. There are analyzed the specific features of Chinese librarians’ activities on creation and implementation of the national standards for public libraries for the purpose to increase the library efficiency.

Collection development and management within public libraries in Delhi

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to find out about the collection development and management in the public libraries governed by the government or its agencies in Delhi and compare them with the international standards for public libraries. Design/methodology/approach – In all, Delhi has three chains of public libraries namely Delhi Public Library (DPL), like Hardayal Municipal Public Library (HMPL) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) public libraries. The librarian/heads of selected branches were approached with a structured questionnaire aimed at collecting information on the collection development and managements in these libraries and selected branches. The data were then analysed and interpreted. Findings – It was found that with the advent of ICT and its impact on the society, it is evident that the public libraries are not making the desired effort to reach out to the public and make it more appealing to the users. The main problem with the library remains to be the lack of membership. A few initiatives have been taken, but still there were not many digital services being provided by these public libraries in the present day digital environment. Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to the public libraries within the physical region of Delhi only. Practical implications – The evaluation sheds light on the existing scenario of public libraries in Delhi and may contribute in their future development. Social implications – With the acceptance of the international standards as suggested in the study, the public libraries in Delhi would be better able to provide information resources and services to the masses. The better learned masses make the society more advanced. An information rich society would thus lead to an overall growth and development of the state. Originality/value – There have been many studies in the past on DPL but none have intended to cover other public libraries chains like HMPL and NDMC public libraries which are governed by the government or its agencies and are established with aim of imparting information to the population of Delhi. Also, a similar the comparison with international standards was never done earlier.

CityLibraries Townsville as a learning organisation within a local government framework

Public libraries do not fit Peter Senge's model of a learning organisation. They are not stand-alone organisations, but operate within the much larger local government system which can constrain their development as learning organisations. On a day-to-day basis, public libraries engage with their customers and respond to their needs by providing access to resources, programmes and services. But they do this within the bounds of local government systems and processes which set corporate goals, determine policies and procedures and provide budget allocations to support operations, and they are guided by public library standards which set out strategic directions and operational requirements for public libraries throughout the state. However, public libraries can be learning organisations if there is strategic alignment between library and local and state governments in a shared vision. CityLibraries Townsville has been fortunate, as Townsville City fosters learning and recognises and values creativity, innovation and collaboration as essential qualities of a successful organisation. Within CityLibraries Townsville, a learning organisation has developed that perceives change as an opportunity to learn and grow the library. This paper examines the extent to which Townsville City Council and CityLibraries Townsville have utilised the learning organisation framework as outlined by Peter Senge.

Data analysis of the structure and use of library collections available in public libraries in Ljubljana between 1990 – 2000

AbstractThe main goal of our research was to establish the extent to which recordings on magnetic tapes and optical discs were incorporated into library materials offered by public libraries, which are located in the area of the municipal community of Ljubljana. Using the statistical summary books, issued by public libraries, we gathered and analysed the accretion, stocks and borrowing figures of monographic publications, audio cassettes, compact discs, video cassettes and CD-ROMs. The findings show that monographic publications are still the fundamental material of public libraries. Among audio-visual media, video cassettes represent the most extensive collection, followed in number by compact discs, audio cassettes and finally CD-ROMs. The results of the analysis of borrowed library material are totally consistent with the above stated order. Quantitative measuring has also shown that the stocks of audio-visual materials do not reach the international standards for public libraries.

Where We Stand: Evaluation of Public Libraries in Fars Province of Iran

The public libraries in Fars province (Iran) were compared with the Dayani Standards for Public Libraries, which is an accepted standard in Iran. The nine criteria in the Dayani Standards, such as opening hours, total area, collection size, number of users, staff, book cases, and seats, were tested for each library. Findings indicate that public libraries were generally among classes 5-6 of the Dayani Standards. Using cluster analysis, we can recognize 3 different groups among the libraries studied. The libraries of the first group have a better situation than the Dayani Standards class 3. The second group of libraries are in the same cluster with libraries in Dayani Standards class 5 and 6, which results in a decreased total average of criteria for these libraries. To raise their performance against the Dayani standards, the priorities that the authorities should consider include an increase in daily opening hours, attracting more users, and increasing the number of staff.

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.

Evaluation of Public Libraries: The 2001 IFLA Standards and the 2003 Standards for Provincial Libraries in China

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), guided by the interests of UNESCO in assisting libraries to improve their services, continues to develop statements on standards for public libraries. The most recent statement was adopted in 2001. IFLA, while working tirelessly at the international level to develop standards, also recognizes the importance of national, regional and local standards. The diffusion world wide of knowledge and information about library standards development has been useful in the preparation of standards at the regional and national levels. This paper summarizes and compares the components of the current IFLA standards for public libraries, adopted in 2001, and the new standards for provincial public libraries in China, adopted in 2003. The comparison attests to the similarities in the evaluation of library services around the world. The continuing work on library standards at the international level is very important as it identifies the critical variables needed in evaluation of library services. While setting the general direction for such standards work, it also enables the important issue of values, and the consideration of those values in the evaluation of library services, to be made at the local, regional, and national levels.

Books to rural users: public library provision for remote communities

Discusses alternative methods of providing a public library service to one‐house stop clients of south Lincolnshire’s mobile libraries. A literature review revealed a lack of up‐to‐date cost information for alternative methods of service provision. Four methods were selected for further investigation: books by mail; village shop libraries; extending the housebound service; and transporting clients to the library. Annual cost and cost per issue were calculated and compared to the cost of the mobile library. Staff and users were also surveyed for their opinions of the current service and the alternative methods proposed. The results of the costing exercises showed that transporting users to the library was the most cost effective method but this was not popular with the current users of the service. Services considering replacing the one‐house stop mobile service will also need to consider issues including social inclusion, best value and the public library standards.

Setting the Standard for Comprehensive and Efficient Public Library Services

Outlines the new public library standards for England, drawn up by the Department of Cultur Media and Sport (DCMS) and coming into force in April 2001. The degree to which the new standards are likely to satisfy the critics of the Public Library and Museums Act, 1964, particularly regarding the definition of what constitutes a “comprehensive and efficient” service, is discussed. It is concluded that the new standards, drawn up by the DCMS in collaboration with the Library Association and the Local Government Association, are a bold step, defining what library users can expect and what kinds of services local authorities must provide to comply with the 1964 Act. It is argued that the requirement for authorities to adhere to a set of standards setting out requirements for access, range and scope of services will result in a fundamental and consistent level of library provision throughout England. Users will have a clear idea of what to expect from services and a set of rules governing when the Ministry will intervene if standards fall short of requirements. Areas covered by the standards, including the need to secure adequate funding, worries about declining book borrowing and the continuing emphasis on buildings and library stock, are summarized. It is concluded that the new standards and targets will ensure that all public libraries in England meet their statutory duty and strengthen the provisions laid down by the 1964 Act.

Compliance with public library standards in the state of Ohio

This study explored whether voluntary state public library standards, intended to be applied to all libraries regardless of size, will be complied with to the same extent by smaller and larger libraries. Data were collected from 111 public library directors in the state of Ohio (73.5% response rate) through a self-administered mail questionnaire. An overall increase was reported between 1992 and 1995 in the percentage of public libraries complying with individual components of the Ohio Standards. A discernible pattern among specific categories of standards components was found with respect to compliance and usefulness as perceived by the director. Findings indicate that library size, as measured by population served and total income, is a factor in compliance with, and perceived usefulness of, two categories of standards components: Community Input, and Management. Library Size appeared to be unrelated to the Planning, Written Policy, and Output Measures.

Library effectiveness: the search for a social context

The literature of librarianship and information science rarely, if ever, deals with the social and political environment in which libraries oper ate and which shapes the services provided. Society provides the justi fication for libraries' existence and without society there would be no context in which to measure library effectiveness. Uses the example of the prevailing political philosophy in New Zealand to consider the way in which the separation of the client from the contractor makes it desir able for librarians to become part of the political consensus on library effectiveness. Describes a project, car ried out at the behest of the New Zealand Library Association as part of their quest for a set of public library standards incorporating performance measures, which studied performance measures applied to New Zealand public libraries using the Van House and Childers methodology and their multiple constituencies model of organizational effectiveness. Results from 3 groups: librarians; local gov ernment councillors; and users showed great similarities in percep tions of library effectiveness.

THE ALA PLANNING PROCESS: THE SHEFFIELD EXPERIENCE

Probably few members of the library profession in Britain will know of a project carried out in late 1978 and the first half of 1979 to test the applicability of the ALA Planning Process for Public Libraries to libraries in the UK. Indeed, many outside the US may not be aware that any such process existed. Briefly, it was developed for the Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association, by Vernon E. Palmour, Marcia C. Bellassai and Nancy V. DeWath in 1977 and 1978 and subsequently published as a do‐it‐yourself manual. The Process represents a new approach to the setting of public library standards leading away from national input‐based standards towards the development of locally appropriate goals and objectives.

PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOKSTOCKS: NEW STANDARDS OR NO STANDARDS?

This article is prompted by a concern for both quantity and quality of public library bookstocks. Twenty years ago, the Bourdillon report thought fit to focus concern for public librar) standards on urban areas of 30–40,000 population. Since then the shortcomings of crude numerical standards have been indicated, notably by P. H. Sewell, “The evaluation of library services in depth” (Unesco Bulletin for libraries, 32 Nov.‐Dec. 1968, pp 274–280) and to some extent recognised in the latest IFLA Standards for public libraries. But crude numeric data may have its uses in prompting deeper enquiry. In addition, concern that “comprehensive and efficient” service is a lost battle for readers in rural areas (who it would seem must accept disadvantage in the modern situation) results in a plea that the Bourdillon urban area—50,000 population is chosen for convenience—is where perhaps public librarians should seek a defence line.

American Ideas in the German Public Libraries: Three Periods

The first period of American influence on public library development in Germany was the result of the travels of Friedrich von Raumer in America in 1845. On his return to Berlin, von Raumer was instrumental in establishing popular libraries in Berlin and used as models the libraries he had observed in the United States. Because of the different social and cultural setting that prevailed in Germany at the time, the German libraries never received the support nor achieved the strength that the American public libraries did. After von Raumer's activities, the next important development in German public libraries was an indigenous movement in Saxony that began in 1876. Renewed interest in American public library development found expression in an article by Eduard Reyer in the "Zentralblatt für Bibliothekswesen" in 1886. Interest was heightened by the report of Constantin Nörrenberg, librarian of the University of Kiel, who attended the meeting of librarians at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Nörrenberg and his colleagues in the Bücherhallenbewegung agitated for the adoption of American methods and ideas in the establishment of libraries. Nörrenberg proposed a nine-point program to reform popular libraries on the model of American and English public libraries. He influenced the development of German popular libraries greatly; but when Paul Ladewig, a Nörrenberg supporter, wrote "Politik der Bücherei" in 1912, the book drew a sharp rebuttal from Walter Hofmann, who attacked the leveling influence of Anglo-American libraries and advocated an elitist institution better fitting German cultural traditions. This led to the Richtungsstreit, a long controversy over the direction German popular libraries should take. The third period of American influence came after 1945 during the American occupation of Germany and the American attempts at the restructuring of German educational institutions on American lines. Major factors have been the American information libraries and the Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek in Berlin, which have demonstrated the feasibility of American methods as well as American ideas. Many of the goals expressed by German public librarians today seem to be influenced by the American model, including proposals for the education of public librarians, the passage of special tax legislation for libraries, the formation of regional library systems, and the adoption of standards for public libraries.

Post-War Standards for Public Libraries.

Previous articleNext article No AccessReviewsPost-War Standards for Public Libraries.Carl H. ChattersCarl H. Chatters Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by The Library Quarterly Volume 14, Number 2Apr., 1944 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/616796 Views: 1Total views on this site Citations: 1Citations are reported from Crossref PDF download Crossref reports the following articles citing this article:Haiying Shao, Qun He, Guiting Cha, Qingkui Xi Comparison of the Assessment Systems of Public Libraries in the United States and China, Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association 68, no.22 (May 2019): 164–179.https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2019.1612538