Public Library Websites Research Articles

Library Website Evaluation: How Do Australian States Compare?

ABSTRACT Public library websites provide information about services, programs, and materials. Evaluating what each library website does well or poorly can be done through evaluating how each state compares to one another. This project is a longitudinal study which looks at three sets of data collected during different time periods (2013–14; 2017–18; 2021–22). Forty postgraduate students were used to collect the data through a project management course that involves Work Integrated Learning (WIL) components.

Effect of interface layout design of a public library website on information-seeking experience for elderly people

PurposeTargeting the common functions of the Zhejiang Library website, elderly individuals were invited to complete six experimental tasks on the improved website interfaces, and subjective data (PAD emotion scale and usability evaluation) and objective data (eye movement data) were recorded to verify the effects of graphic layout and navigation position on the information-seeking experience of elderly individuals.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes the effect of the graphic layout and navigation position of the Zhejiang Library’s website interface on the emotional state, perceived usability and information-seeking time of elderly individuals, with the aim of providing guidance and suggestions for the elderly-oriented reform of the public library website.FindingsThe experimental results show that the graphic layout has a significant effect on the emotional state and perceived usability of elderly individuals, and the navigation position has a significant effect on the information-seeking time; the interaction between graphic layout and navigation position exerts a significant effect on the information-seeking time of elderly individuals. The eye movement data show that elderly individuals have a better information-seeking experience when the top navigation bar and image-text matched arrangement are used for the interface layout.Originality/valueThis study adopts a new approach combining subjective data and eye movement data to evaluate the effect of the public library website’s interface layout on the information-seeking experience for older people. The findings can provide a theoretical basis and methodological support for the elderly-oriented reform of public library websites. They can also provide scientific design suggestions for age-friendly interface layouts of other Internet products and service applications.

Public Library Websites in the Reaching Across Illinois Library System: A Webometric Examination

A public library’s website is often the first introduction that a user has to the library. Users come to the website looking for information about the library’s location, hours, how to get a library card, library programs, search the library catalog, or other services. As Poll writes, “Libraries have started to offer a new virtual ‘entrance’ to their services: the library website” (2007, p. 1). As such, a library’s website must provide users with the information they are seeking simply and clearly. People expect websites to be simple to use and to be able to find the information they are seeking quickly; simply put “if it’s convenient, they will use it; if not, they won’t” (Nielsen & Loranger, 2006, Preface, xxi). Ideally, a public library’s website will fulfill these needs for their community. The library website should provide information to patrons in a way that the majority of its users will understand. Providing access to information is a key component of the mission of public libraries and the library website is often the first stop for patrons looking to access library resources. This study is a web analysis of Chicago area public libraries in RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Library System) using checklists based on the work of Chow, Commander, and Bridges (2014), Powers (2011) and Vargas Ochoa (2020).

Popularisation of Scientific Knowledge: Event Formats in Libraries of the Novosibirsk Region

The resourcefulness of the library event is examined within the framework of libraries’ capacity to participate in science-society communication. The library event is most often studied by researchers in the context of leisure activities. The concept of “leisure” is multifaceted, it includes such elements as play, recreation, entertainment, self-education, self-development, daily life etc. Leisure activities can be associated, both for the organizers and the visitors, with different motives and goals. The professional press often highlights the stimulation of reading activity, but also the desire to disseminate knowledge in a non-trivial way, the self-presentation of the library, the demonstration of its openness to the public, etc. In this context, traditional and new formats of work for libraries, new trends (e. g. comprehensiveness, eventfulness of events, etc.) are discussed. It is obvious that library event is an actively developing phenomenon, which requires theoretical reflection. The purpose of this article is to analyze the communicative resource of library events on the example of popular science events in the libraries of the Novosibirsk Region. The library event is considered as a level of direct communication, and its purpose is to provide patrons with leisure and intellectual communication. The research is based on the information materials presented on the official websites of public libraries. As a result of the study the following conclusions are obtained: the nature of popular science events is mostly event-based, but only large libraries are involved in wide-scale complex activities. Both science communicators and librarians are involved in the preparation of the events, using different formats. All popular science events held in libraries are in line with the deficit model of communication between science and society.

Third-Party Tracking in Online Public Library Environments in the United States and Canada: A Statistical Analysis

A Review of:Gardner, G. J. (2021). Aiding and abetting: Third-party tracking and (in)secure connections in public libraries. The Serials Librarian, 81(1), 69–87. https://doi.org/10.1080/0361526X.2021.1943105 Objective – To determine through statistical data collection the frequency of tracking by third parties in online public library environments along with the visibility and ease of discovery of online library policies and disclosures related to third-party tracking in particular and data privacy in general. Design – Online evaluation of public library websites. Setting – English-language public libraries in the United States and Canada. Subjects – 178 public library websites (133 in the United States and 45 in Canada). The libraries included in the study were intentionally selected for their membership in either the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) or the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) in the Unites States, since these libraries have some of the largest systems membership serving predominantly urban and suburban communities in both countries. The included Canadian libraries serve nearly 41% of the population in that country while the included libraries in the United States are positioned to serve 28% percent of the total population. The author notes that “These percentage figures serve as hypothetical, upper-bound estimates of the population affected by third-party tracking since not every member of these communities actually uses their local public library” (Gardner, 2021, p.72). Methods – In addition to evaluating the public library catalog and website in general with regards to third-party tracking and data privacy, 10 common content sources (databases) available at all of the included libraries were also included in the examination. Two browser add-ons designed to detect third-party tracking, Ghostery and Disconnect, were used in the study due to their popularity and incorporation into previous similar studies. In addition to third-party tracking the author executed word searches on library homepages using Ctrl-F for words commonly used to denote privacy or terms of use statements. No qualitative analysis was performed to determine if information shared regarding third-party tracking was accurate, and subpages were not examined. The data collection period lasted a total of three months beginning in March 2017 and running through May 2017. Main Results – The data gathered between March and May of 2017 clearly indicates a general disregard among most sampled public libraries regarding the protection of patron data gathered by third-party tracking. Of Canadian libraries included in the sample 89% (40) enabled third-party tracking, while libraries in the United States allowed it at a rate of 87% (116). Both Ghostery and Disconnect revealed an almost identical number of incidences of third-party tracking in library catalogs and in the 10 popular public library databases examined in the study. Certain OPACS were associated with higher tracking counts as were certain library databases. Libraries were found to be lax when it came to providing a link on the homepage potentially informing users of the presence of third-party tracking. Of the 156 total libraries with third-party tracking in their online catalogs, 69 (44%) included a homepage link while the rest did not. The author notes that the presence of a link was all that was examined, and not specific language used to disclose the level of third-party tracking or data privacy. In total, 8 of the 10 common content sources allowed third-party tracking. All 10 provided a link to either privacy or terms of service statements on their landing pages. Conclusion – Although patron privacy is an issue addressed in the American Library Association (ALA) Code of Ethics (American Library Association, 2021), the author concludes that “Together with previous research on usage of privacy-enhancing tools in public libraries, these results suggest that public libraries are accessories to third-party tracking on a large scale” (Gardner, 2021, p.69).

Classifying innovation in Indonesian public libraries

PurposePublic libraries have been making various efforts and innovations to adapt to changes. The purpose of this study is to analyze type of library innovation based on the innovation’s subject.Design/methodology/approachThe data was collected by identifying the information in regard to the innovation uploaded on the library website. A total of 548 public library websites have been identified, and 1,567 library innovations data have been collected.FindingsThe innovations that have been made and carried out are divided into seven subject categories: inclusion-based innovation, information source innovation, innovation, cooperation, innovation in information services, innovation in library management, innovation with the use of technology. The consequences of innovation in public libraries include increased performance, community empowerment, increased accessibility of information, increased public literacy and external support.Research limitations/implicationsThis research only focuses on one type of library, namely, all public libraries in Indonesia. The findings of this study are based on library innovation data taken from the public library website, so that library innovations that are not uploaded to the website are not included in this study.Originality/valueThe impact of the innovations that have been implemented is not only in improving the performance of the library but also the surrounding community. Public libraries must continue to innovate because of the amount that can be obtained for the progress of society, nation and state.

The New Civic Journalism? An Examination of Canadian Public Libraries as Community News Sources During the 2019 and 2021 Federal Election

Background: This article examines to what extent Canadian public libraries participate in civic journalism at a time when news media coverage is declining in many communities. This pilot study was prompted by reports that public libraries in the United States were undertaking civic-minded journalism following the closure of community newspapers. Analysis: A content analysis of 64 Canadian public library websites found nearly a dozen examples of basic news reporting or civic-minded journalism initiatives (basic reporting, n = 8; civic, n = 3) published during the 2019 and 2021 federal election campaigns. This article also articulates and explains the shared goals and philosophy of the civic journalism movement and the mandate of public libraries. Conclusions and implications: While the numbers are small, this is the first empirical evidence of Canadian public library participation in journalism work, and the fact that it exists at all has significance. Whether or not public libraries in Canada continue to participate in civic-minded journalism warrants further attention.

Content analysis of websites of select public libraries in India

Content analysis of websites of select public libraries in India

Topic modelling of diverse events in the 21st century public library: A case analysis of New York Public Library

Public libraries hold events to meet the needs of citizens. Recently, online events have increased due to COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to describe public library events with an emphasis on those held during COVID-19. Analysis was based on 21,411 data points collected from event descriptions on the New York Public Library (NYPL) website, from November 2020 to November 2021. Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a topic modelling method, data were collected and analysed. Analysis. Event topics were extracted from event descriptions using LDA. 24 event topics were identified. Five general topical categories were then derived qualitatively from the 24 topics. The topics and topical categories were visualised using PCoA, a general algorithm used in LDA. 24 topics and 5 general topical categories were created. The events ranged from traditional collection-based events to future-oriented events to help overcome community division. Online participation was a common theme among all events. Online events that developed due to the COVID-19 pandemic offered increased opportunities for participation. In the current uncertain climate, public library events play an important role in supporting everyday life and culture.

Is Your Library Website Missing Essential Information?: A Comparison and Evaluation of Public Library Websites in Australia, Canada, and United States

This paper describes the findings of a quantitative study of 1,698 public library websites in Australia, Canada, and the United States over a period of three years using a spreadsheet protocol. The purpose of the research was to evaluate public library websites, available online sources, and whether library staff were available to respond to users’ questions and concerns regarding the website. Descriptive statistics are used to report the results. The study provides public library website information regarding which protocol criteria each country’s libraries attained.

Evaluation of Public University Libraries Websites in Bangladesh

The research paves a way to look into the content, features, and upkeep of Bangladeshi public university library websites. To ensure representativeness, we selected twelve (12) public university libraries that have dedicated websites. For authenticity and reliability of data, a checklist of sixty-one (61) items divided into ten (10) categories was used, along with interview procedures. The findings of this research have been presented in both tabular and figurative forms. According to the research, the website trend, which began a few years ago, will become a driving force for library services, although there is still potential for development, such as liquid layout, mobile-friendliness, Web-OPAC, online tutorials, etc., and may indicate some maintenance issues for the library's website. This research is useful for information scientists and academic librarians involved in the establishment and management of library websites, particularly in underdeveloped nations like Bangladesh, where resources are restricted and studies are sparse.

Ask Librarian: Penerapan Teknologi Informasi Perpustakaan pada Layanan Referensi di Perpustakaan Umum Asia

Reference unit is the core service of the libraries in fulfilling the information needs of their users. As technology develops, reference services are currently switching to virtual to facilitate users in reach their information. The purpose of this research is to review and analyze the actual implementation of the impact of information technology on current library reference services, in Asian continent countries; and to know what are features used in reference services development. The method used is a qualitative approach through literature study. Data were obtained by making virtual visits to public library websites in Asia that have implemented the Ask Librarian reference service. The results show that (1) the impact of technological developments on reference services made it easier for users to ask questions through the Ask Librarian for 24 hours to obtain an information that they needed; and (2) there are five types of virtual reference Services applied that can be used by users, namely: (a) Internet Reference Enquiry Service via email and/ or form; (b) Live-chat; (c) FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions); (d) Links to Other Library Reference Services; and (e) Call the Librarian.

Online Content Analysis of Ontario Public Libraries’ Sensory Programming and Service Offerings

Sensory storytimes and other similar sensory programming and services, are those which have been specifically designed to respect the needs of autistic children and/or children with sensory processing disorders, even while also being open to a range of neurodiverse attendance. These programs and services are important ways in which public libraries can work to become more inclusive spaces. Nonetheless, sensory storytimes and other sensory programs and services are not as widely offered at Canadian libraries as they could be. In order to concretize and draw attention to this gap, this paper describes our content analysis research, conducted in July 2021, of Ontario Public Library (OPL) websites and their sensory programming and services listings. Although we found that some OPLs are offering sensory storytimes, as well as other sensory programming and services, we emphasize that offering and advertising these programs and services effectively remains an area of growth potential within Ontario.

Accessibility of public library websites in the United States

Accessibility of public library websites in the United States

Web-based Application Programming Interface (Web APIs): Vacancies in Iranian Public Library Websites

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are software tools that help different programs work together. APIs can improve an organization's presence on the Web with tools that integrate various useful, popular programs. This study aimed to identify appropriate web-based APIs used by the most popular public library websites for presentation on Iranian public libraries’ websites. For this purpose, we conducted this study in two stages: In stage one, Web APIs were identified by reviewing the websites of the top public libraries in the world. Then, in stage two, using the obtained results, important Web APIs were selected utilizing experts' opinions (the heuristic method). In stage one, the 30 Web APIs in two categories were identified: 10 public Web APIs and 20 private Web APIs. Then, in stage two, 7 public APIs and 17 private Web APIs for these websites were selected, based on expert analysis. The results of this study can be used to improve the design of public library websites and enhance the communication of such websites' presence on the Web.

Librarians as Media Advocates: Public Library Website Advice for Parents

With the proliferation of technology and technological resources, there has been much debate about screen time and how the use of electronic media might affect children. Parents are often left without clear ideas of how best to guide their children’s use of these tools.

Analyzing the accessibility of Illinois public library homepages: Are we accessible to all?

This paper reports the results of the examination of the homepages of Illinois public library websites for language, design, layout, and efficacy based on the recommendations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 508 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium. The homepage of each public library website in Illinois was analyzed using the AInspector Sidebar online tool which inspected webpage landmarks, headings, content, images and links to determine which elements passed, violated or issued a warning or required a manual check to meet specific recommendations. A discussion of these results includes consideration of American Library Association website design standards as well as the standards of the Illinois Public Library Association. Since the library website provides virtual access to information, government forms, employment applications and resources for assistance, it is vital to consider the needs of those with disabilities when designing library websites.

Navigating Children’s Use of Screen Media: An Analysis of Guidance Information Provided on Public Library Websites

AbstractLibrary websites are potentially important resources for parents and caregivers seeking guidance information regarding children’s screen media use. This article analyzes a representative sa...

Analysis of Free Browser-based Accessibility Tools: WCAG 2.1 Evaluation of Mississippi Gulf Coast Public Library Websites

This webometrics study compared free browser-based accessibility tools and determine the WCAG2.1 compliance levels of Mississippi Gulf Coast public library websites based on homepage analysis through free browser-based accessibility tools—ARC Toolkit, Lighthouse, Accessibility Insights for the Web, and Axe Accessibility.

Ontario Public Library Websites and the Framing of Disability

An environment may be technically accessible, in that it complies with accessibility legislation or makes space for those with disabilities, but that does not guarantee equality. A space or experience can be technically accessible according to a standard and still be unusable, difficult to use or not perceived to be inclusive of those with disabilities. This research takes this understanding of ‘technically accessible’ in order to examine a set of medium-sized Ontario public library websites. Overall, findings are promising as the websites use person-first language and provide a variety of information of value for those with disabilities. At the same time, there are opportunities for improvement.