UK Public Libraries Research Articles

Part of the Job: Patron-Perpetrated Sexual Harassment in UK Public Libraries

ABSTRACT Patron-perpetrated sexual harassment (PPSH) toward librarians is an under-researched area of sexual harassment studies and library studies. This study is the first on PPSH toward librarians in the United Kingdom and focuses on public librarians. 143 UK public librarians were surveyed about their experiences of PPSH over the past five years. Respondents had experienced 14 of the 16 sexual harassment behaviors in the survey, and 81.8% of respondents experienced at least one form of PPSH. Respondents’ age, gender, and ethnicity were also considered in relation to their experiences of PPSH. This study provides recommendations for the profession and future researchers.

The value of digital and physical library services in UK public libraries and why they are not interchangeable

This study reports on a series of focus groups of UK public library users to understand how the forced closure of UK libraries caused by the COVID pandemic and the increased use of replacement digital services affected their library use. We specifically focus on digital exclusion and whether this increased as the result of physical library services being inaccessible. We show that although digital exclusion did increase as the result of library closures, digital exclusion was not the best way to characterise our participants’ experiences and digital choices was a more suitable concept. We show how public library users adapted to library closures, how they coped with these closures, and how they intend to use library services in the future. Our participants reported different patterns of use of digital and physical library services, had different experiences of these two modes of library service, and described their value in different terms. We explore what they valued in physical and digital services and show how simple arguments that digital services can replace physical ones do not match the experiences or wishes of those who use these services.

Communicating Patron Rights and Responsibilities Transparently: Creating a Model Internet Acceptable Use Policy for UK Public Libraries

ABSTRACT Facilitating access to the Internet is an important part of the public library mission, and is crucial in ensuring that all citizens have the possibility of access to contemporary digital information and public services. Part of managing this access relies on the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), an agreement between the library and the user regarding the conditions of access. This article reports on a national UK study of public library AUPs and the development of a new national model policy for public libraries, and which can be considered as ‘best practice’. The article reports analysis of AUPs across the UK, with specific focus on how they communicate the use of filtering, and surveillance. This research adds new insight by studying the content of AUPs and contributes to the limited research that exists on public library AUPs in the UK. The research analyzed AUPs from 205 authorities in the UK, a return rate of 99.5%. The resulting conclusions and synthesis of relevant guidance on AUPs led to the formation of the model policy presented in this article.

Skills for (private) life: The emergence of digital privacy initiatives and ‘cryptoparties’ as a response to the challenges of digital inclusion, in UK public libraries (three exploratory case studies)

Digital inclusion – a proposal to provide equal access to the benefits of the Internet – is a national initiative supported by public libraries in the UK. Following the Snowden revelations however, many library workers have argued that digital inclusion gives scant regard to end-users’ digital privacy. Yet public libraries have protected access to information for a number of years through ethical principles recognising privacy as an important provision for the right to read and receive ideas. In the US, public librarians appear to understand that a lack of privacy in one's intellectual activities chills enquiry. This has resulted in many dynamic initiatives which teach end-users the value of digital privacy and introduce them to essential privacy-respecting tools. Comparatively little was known about whether public librarians in the UK, recognised these concerns and whether they had acted upon them in the interests of their communities. This study focuses on the activities of exemplary public library services in the UK, in order to report on the character of their digital privacy initiatives and in doing so, identify their rationales. The research explores their relevance to existing service strategies, the risks and barriers to implementation, and the potential for wider replication. This was fulfilled through the study of relevant literature and the application of practical research. The latter was carried out though a multiple case study involving three public libraries.

The tension between caring surveillance and controlling surveillance in the public library

ABSTRACTThis visual presentation will take the format of a poster, displaying the preliminary results of a study into acceptable use policies (AUPs) in UK public libraries. This study seeks to understand how surveillance is used in the public library and if surveillance is used in a caring or controlling way. This research used discourse analysis to analyse the content of 200 acceptable use policies in the UK. Results indicate that libraries use both caring and controlling surveillance, with more instances of controlling surveillance being found, and that there appears to be tension between the usage of caring and controlling surveillance in public libraries in the UK.

Filtering wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet access in public places

This paper discusses selected results from the AHRC-funded ‘Managing Access to the Internet in Public Librarie s’ (MAIPLE) project and explores Wi-Fi Internet access in UK public libraries. It investigates how this compares to commercial provision of public Wi-Fi. It discusses security issues, filtering of Wi-Fi access and acceptable use policies. A mixed methods approach was used involving a review of the literature, a questionnaire survey of UK public library authorities and five case studies of selected authorities. A majority of UK public library authorities offer Wi-Fi access to the public at one or more of their libraries and they generally have an authentication system in place for their users. The majority of survey respondents that provide Wi-Fi use filtering software. There are similarities and differences in the ways that public libraries and commercial outlets provide and manage access to their wireless networks. Differences mainly relate to security and privacy: these differences reflect to an extent the underlying purposes of providing public Wi-Fi access as well as legal obligations. In some ways, public library Wi-Fi access is better managed than commercially provided public services. Evidence from the case studies suggests reluctant acceptance of filtering on the part of public library authorities, based on a perceived need to balance providing access to information with providing a safe and trusted public space for all.

“Access to Research”: how UK public libraries are offering access to over 15 million academic articles for free

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe a unique service offering by UK public libraries that provides access to over 15 million academic articles for free. Design/methodology/approach The approach is descriptive. Findings The service has been a success with users, but more training for staff, as well as promotion, is needed. Social implications The study will be potentially important for enabling access to a vast amount of published academic articles for a wide section of UK citizens. Originality/value The first article on this service is aimed specifically at the LIS community.

Interlending and resource sharing in UK public libraries: A mixed methods study

This paper presents the results of a mixed methods study of interlending and resource sharing in UK public libraries, based on the results of a survey distributed to both senior library managers and interlending staff, and in-depth follow-up interviews with 20 respondents. We present an analysis of perspectives towards rates of interlending, the rationales and strategies for providing the service, the perceived value for money offered by various interlending schemes, the impact of the current digital environment, and views on the future of interlending in the UK. Our findings suggest that while interlending services are undoubtedly threatened by the drastic cuts to public library funding, and that demand for the service is more generally in decline, resource sharing is viewed by some as a potential means of mitigating the effects of increasingly limited acquisitions budgets, and ensuring the public library system continues to provide access to a wide range of resources for its users.

Regulating internet access in UK public libraries: legal compliance and ethical dilemmas

Purpose– This paper aims to consider selected results from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded “Managing Access to the internet in Public Libraries” (MAIPLE) project, from 2012-2014. MAIPLE has explored the ways in which public library services manage use of the internet connections that they provide for the public. This included the how public library services balance their legal obligations and the needs of their communities in a public space and the ethical dilemmas that arise.Design/methodology/approach– The researchers used a mixed-method approach involving a review of the literature, legal analysis, a questionnaire survey and case studies in five public library authorities.Findings– UK public library services use a range of methods to regulate internet access. The research also confirms previous findings that filtering software is an ubiquitous tool for controlling access to and protecting library users from “inappropriate”, illegal and harmful internet content. There is a general, if sometimes reluctant, acceptance of filtering software as a practical tool by library staff, which seems to contrast with professional codes of ethics and attitudes in other countries. The research indicates that public library internet access will be a valued service for some time to come, but that some aspects of how public library services regulate internet access is currently managed can have socially undesirable consequences, including blocking legitimate sites and preventing users from accessing government services. Education could play a greater part in helping the general population to exercise judgement in selection of materials to view and use. This does not preclude implementing stricter controls to protect children, whilst allowing public libraries to continue providing a social good to those who are unable to otherwise participate in the digital age.Research limitations/implications– The response to the survey was 39 per cent meaning that findings may not apply across the whole of the UK. The findings of this study are compared with and supplemented by other quantitative sources, but a strength of this study is the depth of understanding afforded by the use of case studies.Originality/value– This paper provides both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of how internet access is managed in UK public libraries, including how library services fulfil their legal obligations and the ethical implications of how they balance their role in facilitating access to information with their perceived role as a safe and trusted environment for all members of their communities. The findings add to the international discussion on this issue and stimulate debate and policy making in the UK.

Information about vaccination in public libraries: results of a catalogue search of the London Libraries Consortium

BackgroundThe role of the internet in propagating anti-vaccine information is well researched. However, there remains little information about vaccination resources available in public libraries. We undertook an electronic review of vaccination information in London libraries to ascertain the extent to which they contain messages that undermine the National Health Service (NHS) childhood vaccination schedule. MethodsA serial keyword search of The London Libraries Consortium (an electronic catalogue for public libraries across 17 boroughs of London) was performed on March 12, 2015. All searchable print media with a title or description containing “vaccination”, “vaccine”, “immunisation”, or “MMR” were included (eg, books, newspapers, posters, leaflets, and eBooks). No language restrictions were specified. We manually selected search results to identify publications that met criteria for relevance as a vaccine information resource and availability (more than two copies of a title in the whole consortium). Content analysis was performed by reading individual titles, which were deemed to be anti-vaccination if they contained at least one message that supported omission or delay of childhood vaccinations as a potentially valid choice. Findings105 copies of publications (11 unique titles, appendix) were identified that met criteria for relevance and availability out of 118 copies identified in the record search. A single copy of an information booklet on vaccination produced by Public Health England was excluded from the analysis because of its restricted availability. 60% of these publications (n=63, four unique titles) contained messages that countenanced either delaying or omitting vaccination. 40% of publications (n=42, seven unique titles) contained no anti-vaccine messages. InterpretationBooks that are commonly available to parents on vaccination in the London Libraries Consortium promote messages that seem to discredit the NHS childhood vaccination schedule. Provision of educational resources for dissemination across UK public libraries is urgently needed to give parents clear unbiased information about the benefits and risks of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule. FundingNone.

Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 86

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature concerning interlending and document supply. Design/methodology/approach – The study included the review of over 130 journals and related material. Findings – The race to build and deliver a system for dealing with the vast increase in OA-deposited manuscripts in the USA continues. Public access to publishers’ e-content is being made available in UK public libraries as part of the Finch report agreement. More developments in Patron-Driven Acquisition are described and much else. Originality/value – Represents a useful resource for librarians and others concerned with interlending and document supply and such related matters as resource sharing and open access.

Book reviews

Kingma, Bruce R. The economics of information; A giode to economics and cost-benefit analysis for information professionals.
 
 Creaser, Claire and Spiller, Davis. LISU annual library statistics: Featuring trend analysis of UK public and academic libraries.
 
 Creaser, Claire. A survey of library services to schools and children in the UK 1995-96.

Regulating Internet access and content in UK public libraries: Findings from the MAIPLE project

This paper reports the results of an online survey concerning the management of Internet access in UK public libraries. All UK public library authorities were invited to complete the survey which had a response rate of 39%. The survey explored the ways in which acceptable use of the Internet in public libraries is managed through the use of mechanisms such as filtering software and authentication of identity. All 80 responding public library authorities used filtering software. Procedures for authenticating identity for static Internet access were uniform whereas wireless access was much less regulated.

An evaluation of a Books on Prescription scheme in a UK public library authority

This article discusses an evaluation of a Books on Prescription (BOP) scheme in a UK public library authority. The research was carried out by Rebecca Furness and submitted as a dissertation for the MSc Information and Library Management to Northumbria University. The dissertation was supervised by Biddy Casselden at Northumbria University and was awarded a distinction. The dissertation identified areas for development for BOP schemes and made specific recommendations that could make the schemes more accessible, enabling significant numbers of people to lead more fulfilling lives. Because this study focuses on mental health and the role that UK public libraries have in supporting well-being, it is a good illustration of the wide-ranging nature of subjects welcomed for the Dissertations into practice feature.

Availability and organisation of creationist literature in UK public libraries

PurposeThis study seeks to investigate the availability of creationist and intelligent design (ID) books in UK public libraries, whether any materials held are obtained as a result of donation or purchase, and whether such materials, if available, are classified as religion or science.Design/methodology/approachA Freedom of Information Request (FOI) was sent to a subset of all the public library authorities in the UK. The FOI requests took the form of three queries/questions asked of the library service of each local authority. From a list of 218 library authorities, 68 were contacted either by email or by online contact form.FindingsThere was a relatively low level of reported donations of creationist and ID materials in UK public libraries. However, a high number of library authorities did have creationist and intelligent design materials on their catalogues via their own procurement mechanisms. There was no consistent nationwide pattern with regards to how these materials were classified and there was a wide geographic variation reported, with difficulties evidenced in whether to present creationist and intelligent design texts to the public as religious texts or science texts.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents results from a subset of local authorities in the UK, thus cannot claim to be anything more than indicative of the sample.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that library authorities may need to be more consistent in how they present controversial materials to users.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to examine the issue of creationist materials in UK public libraries and how they are processed.

Censorship challenges to books in Scottish public libraries

Censorship challenges to books in UK public libraries have received renewed attention recently. This study sought to establish the incidence of censorship challenges to books in Scottish public libraries in the years 2005–2009 and the actions taken in response to these challenges. It was found that eight local authorities in Scotland had received formal censorship challenges to books, with a total of 15 challenges throughout the country. The most common action taken in response to these challenges was for the book to be kept in stock in its original position with the rationale for this explained to the complainer, with the second most common action being taken to move the title to another section of the library. Two books were removed from the library in response to a censorship challenge. The largest numbers of challenges were made against books on the basis of sexual material.

The Use of Volunteers in Local Study Library Projects: A Case Study of the Walter Gardiner Photography Project

Abstract
 
 Objectives – Interviews with library staff and volunteers were conducted to evaluate the use of volunteers in UK public libraries via a case study of the Walter Gardiner Photographic Project, a digitisation project based in Worthing Library, to inform future guidelines on volunteer usage and to make recommendations to existing practice. 
 
 Methods – Fourteen semi-structured interviews were carried out to explore the perceptions and experiences of both staff and volunteers of the project. All interviews were fully transcribed and then coded to identify emergent themes.
 
 Results – Key positives for volunteers were professional training, good time management and organization by staff, the friendliness and approachability of staff, and the informal nature of the volunteering. Enjoyment of the work and forming close relationships with others were key motivating factors. For staff, the completion of work which would have otherwise been impossible was the most positive outcome. Problem areas identified by volunteers were lack of contact time with project staff and feeling isolated from other library staff. For project staff, a lack of professionalism on behalf of some volunteers was the primary negative. Key issues to emerge were the need to strike a balance between formal and informal management, the need for good integration between the volunteers and host organization, and the importance of acknowledging the nature of the voluntary commitment. 
 
 Conclusions – The project proved overall to be a successful example of using volunteers in public library projects with good examples of volunteer recruitment, training, and management being demonstrated. Areas of conflict that did arise stemmed from differing expectations of levels of service between staff and volunteers. Clarification on these expectations through a written volunteer agreement is advocated for further projects.

Exploring reader response to minority ethnic fiction

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present findings of a study investigating the reading of, and engagement with minority ethnic fiction in UK public libraries, with a particular focus on Black British fiction and Asian fiction in English.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative study of the reading behaviour of a large population of public library users (n=1,047) from the East Midlands region. A survey was distributed at issue points in 16 libraries in nine participating local authorities, to investigate respondents' reading choices, and factors that may affect these choices.FindingsFindings have emerged regarding the readers and non‐readers of Black British and Asian fiction in English. Social identity theory and reader response theory, whilst initially appearing contradictory, are helpful in understanding patterns of reading behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides a valuable starting point for future research in materials portraying, and originating from, minority ethnic communities.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies areas in which public libraries, publishing houses and minority ethnic community groups can improve the provision and promotion of minority ethnic fiction.Social implicationsIt is hoped that longer‐term effects will be to increase the involvement of members of all communities in the selection and promotion of culturally appropriate materials.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a gap in previous research and practice, whereby the provision of multicultural resources was always considered only in linguistic, rather than in broader cultural terms, the latter felt to be more appropriate to contemporary society.

The situation facing UK public libraries and the need to change the status and approach of interlending

PurposeThe purpose of his paper is to describe the situation facing public libraries in the UK and specifically in London, in particular the role of interlending and the potential for its development.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses his own research work into the work of London libraries.FindingsThe paper finds that in a period of deep cuts there nonetheless exist real opportunities for developing services, and concrete suggestions and proposals are made.Originality/valueThis is one of the very few articles to address the issue of interlending in one of the world's largest cities.

The shape and state of gaming in UK libraries

This article describes the results of a survey to ascertain the current state of gaming provision in UK libraries. The online survey was completed by a self-selecting sample of libraries from mainly public and school libraries. The questions were based on similar surveys carried out by the Library Game Lab at Syracuse in the United States. The results show that, despite little mention of gaming in library policy documents, there is evidence considerable support for gaming in UK public and school libraries. A number of benefits for libraries and gamers are identified, but there are barriers to greater involvement in gaming such as resources and negative attitudes within the profession