Public Library Users Research Articles

Curriculum SIG: The Ethics and Evolution of Truth and Information

The Curriculum SIG will examine how library science education curricula can prepare future librarians to engage with the ethics and evolution of truth and information. The session will begin with presentations of each paper, followed by an interactive discussion inviting attendees to participate in an open dialogue and Q&A with the presenters about the issues raised by the papers, implications for practice, and potential areas for future research. Dr. Natalie Taylor will deliver a presentation titled “Core Competencies, Core Courses: How Accredited MLIS Programs Interpret the ALA’s Core Competencies through their Curriculum.” This paper aims to examine the way that the 66 accredited degree programs describe their programs’ relationship with the ALA Core Competencies (ALACCs) and whether these descriptions can demonstrate a measurement of the influence of the ALACCs on curriculum. This finding will serve two purposes: 1) a representation of the strength (or weakness) of the connection between the library profession (as represented by the American Library Association) and MLIS degree programs and 2) a better understanding of how the curriculum of these programs represents the competencies called for by ALA. Dr. Cynthia Stogdill and Dr. Elizabeth Burns will present “Information Literacy: A Case Study in Inquiry Instruction.” Information literacy is a set of skills we expect school librarians to teach K-12 learners. AASL embeds these competencies within their instructional standards for learners and school librarians however, there is little agreement on a model of inquiry that should be used with K-12 learners. Further, there is little consistency in pre-service school librarian information literacy instruction. This exploratory case study examines the information literacy instructional models used with one cohort of pre-service school librarians. Findings discuss practices that can be shared and further developed for LIS education. Dr. Rhonda Clark, Dr. Xiaofeng Li, and Dr. Angela Jones will present “A Study of US Public Library Strategic Plans: Trends and Trajectories.” This paper reports the results of a content analysis, reviewing strategic plans from public libraries across multiple states in the U.S. The presenters will make recommendations based on their analysis to help library educators teach an effective writing style for strategic plans. They will also advocate for the importance of strategic planning as a necessary skill in the curriculum. Additionally, they will invite attendees to discuss how library schools implement curriculum development through strategic planning. Overall, these presentations will provide valuable insights into how library science education programs address core competencies, information literacy instruction, and strategic planning to better prepare future librarians for the evolving challenges of the profession.

Bibliographic Culture as a Factor of Security of Trusted Public Internet

The article deals with the problem of security of search in modern public computer-network resources of reliable, complete sources, their qualitative bibliographic description. The relevance is due to the “digital transformation”, the rapid spread of computer-network technologies since the 2010s to all sectors, as well as everyday life; a sharp and significant increase in the number and variety of electronic databases (libraries); turning the majority of humanity into daily active users. Objective international and national diseases of growth of standardization, streamlining, structuring of databases, development of indexing systems and search public network services, means of verification of electronic documents have manifested themselves.Since 2014 and even later from 2022, the problem was exacerbated by the reduction of international cooperation in computer-network technologies, anti-Russian sanctions of unfriendly countries, violation of Russian legislation by global digital corporations, leapfrogging strengthening of cybercrime and information confrontation in the Internet. The possibilities of attackers who, by exploiting vulnerabilities, reduced the access of mass users to reliable electronic documents in cross-border Internet communications increased. The opportunities caused by the relativistic understanding of truth, fabrication and broadcasting of falsified information, fake news, disinformation, use of new means of “social engineering” (fraud, manipulation of consciousness) that threaten citizens and national interests of Russia have increased.The novelty of the study lies in the integrated application of theoretical and cultural gnoseology (culture of cognition) and methodology of information security (countering deliberate attempts to mislead). The comparative analysis revealed significant differences between Russian state electronic libraries, document management systems, registers and services and non-state, as well as foreign public Internet resources and services. The result of the study is the conclusion about the importance of the prevalence of essential interests of mass users of Russian public libraries and electronic services. Recommendations on the preferability of applying this experience in the creation and modernization of Russian public non-state digital databases, libraries, services, as well as the development of standardization on its basis are formulated.

Availability and Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Facilities by Rural Community Users of Public Libraries in South-South, Nigeria

Availability and Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Facilities by Rural Community Users of Public Libraries in South-South, Nigeria

Prospects for Applying Artificial Intelligence Technologies by Public Libraries of Ukraine

The aim of the article is to study prospects for the artificial intelligence technologies usage by public libraries of Ukraine in conditions of digital transformation of society. Research methods. General scientific research methods are used, in particular, analysis and generalisation of possibilities of language prognostication models based on neural networks in the activity of Ukrainian public libraries. The scientific novelty of the obtained results consists in actualising the problem of using ChatGPT 3.5, Gemini, Microsoft Bing and Grok technologies in the library sphere, and outlining the key possibilities of using these language models of artificial intelligence among public libraries. The usage of new generation chatbots for interacting with users of public libraries, searching the information and generating content are actively gaining popularity, moving from theory to practical level. Linguistic models of neural networks are used to create marketing campaigns, analysis and familiarisation with the content of works and archival materials, interaction with library users, and finding answers to professional questions. Main conclusions. The potential of language prognostication models based on neural networks in the practical activity of public libraries is analysed. By means of the analysis of ChatGPT 3.5, Gemini, Bing Chat and Grok technologies, and their usage in the library sphere, the main potential possibilities of interaction of information institution employees with these technologies are determined. In particular, the integration of ChatGPT functions through API into the system of public libraries will allow to optimise searching the information in the database and and feedback opportunities with library users. Using the ChatGPT 3.5 neural network service will speed up the development of a marketing content plan, instructions, as well as automate book recommendations based on the analysis of the readers’ preferences and books read. It is found out that the methods of implementing innovative models can allow not only to qualitatively improve the service of public libraries users, but also to automate their work in order to optimise the performance of everyday tasks, preserve cultural heritage and access to digital resources. In the future, the level of deepening the involvement of these technologies will inevitably grow. The sooner library institutions start using neural networks in everyday practice, the sooner they will be able to facilitate the work of library sphere workers, provide improved users’ service, and increase the effectiveness of library marketing support. It is emphasised that experiments on the use of artificial intelligence language models still need an empirical research method. Particularly, they require attention not only from the point of view of usage for personal purposes, but also in the professional activity of the library sphere.

Perception of Public Library Users on the Library and Librarians as Change Agents in Lagos State, Nigeria

Perception of Public Library Users on the Library and Librarians as Change Agents in Lagos State, Nigeria

The Relationship between Personality Traits and Health Information-Seeking Behavior of Users of Public Libraries Based on Miller's Theory

The Relationship between Personality Traits and Health Information-Seeking Behavior of Users of Public Libraries Based on Miller's Theory

Investigating the Use of Virtual Social Networks by Librarians and Users of Public Libraries

Investigating the Use of Virtual Social Networks by Librarians and Users of Public Libraries

A Study on Information Seeking Behaviour of Public Library Users in Belagavi District

A Study on Information Seeking Behaviour of Public Library Users in Belagavi District

Community-based learning and data literacy: the role of the public library

PurposeBy examining types of literacies taught by public libraries and the modes through which these programs were offered, this study aims to explore how public libraries might integrate data literacy training for the general public into existing library educational programs.Design/methodology/approachThis study examined programs offered in 30 US public libraries during 2019 and 2020 to better understand types of literacy education announced to the public through library website listings and Facebook Events pages.FindingsWhile public libraries offered educational programs in literacy areas ranging from basic reading and writing to technology, vocational skills, health literacy and more, data literacy training was not widely offered. However, this study identified many already-existing programs highly compatible for integrating with data literacy training.Originality/valueThis study offered new insights into both the literacies taught in public library programs as well as ways for public libraries to integrate data literacy training into existing educational programming, in order to better provide data literacy education for the general public.

Detecting demands of public library users: The growth points and perception stereotypes

The authors investigate into inconsistency between the purpose of the library as a social institution and stereotypical perception of libraries by involved and uninvolved audiences. The libraries modernizing and transforming themselves into digital ecosystems along with accomplishing their traditional mission of information archive, are becoming the centers of cultural life, interactive spaces offering users wide variety of information services and resources, and multimedia areas for co-working, communication, and learning. At the same time, the fixed stereotypical perception of the library as a book depository becomes a barrier to the expansion of the user audience. The purpose of the study is to diagnose the demands of actual and potential users of libraries and to assess the change in purpose and role of libraries as a social institution under conditions of expanding access to information services. The methodology of the study was determined by the works documenting the relevance of the search for fundamentally new approaches in the interaction of the libraries with their target audiences in the context of media communications to increase the attractiveness of libraries. Sociological methods were used to identify stereotypical ideas about libraries: the survey of two groups of respondents, i. e. engaged and unengaged users (adults and students). Methods of statistical analysis of empirical information were used for data analysis. The main findings are: the study captures the needs in positioning library services within the wider communicative space. The access is needed to special market segments with building multi-subject user chains and new ways of informing young actual and potential users about the array of services. The relatively inefficient building of awareness of new services may indicate the prevalence of traditional positioning in the nearest target market and, so far, rather low penetration into other segments. The novelty of the study is expanding knowledge of the library potential target audience, which would make the foundation for developing communication tools and attracting primarily the young audience. The flexibility of communication methods, formats, and channels is essential for interaction with the young users.

Public Libraries Can Be Open Science Laboratories for Citizen Science Projects

A Review of: Cigarini, A., Bonhoure, I., Vicens, J., & Perelló, J. (2021). Public libraries embrace citizen science: Strengths and challenges. Library & Information Science Research, 43(2), 101090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2021.101090Objective – The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of libraries supporting citizen scientist (CS) projects. Design – Mixed methods program evaluation study. Setting – 24 public libraries in Barcelona, Spain. Subjects – Public librarians and library users. Methods – It is a mixed methods and mixed population study done in several phases. The first phase involved training 30 librarians how to conduct a citizen science project. They were given a pre and post survey about their perceptions of citizen science and comfort-level in conducting a project. The second phase involved a project run by the now-trained librarians with library user participation. At this phase a questionnaire was given to the users at the start and end of the project. Finally, a focus group of librarians was asked about their project. The responses were evaluated through thematic analysis. Seven libraries participated in the focus groups. Main Results – During the first phase of the study, the survey found the librarians were pessimistic about user participation in a citizen science project, both at the beginning (75%) and at the end (79%) of the session. Though they felt confident in discussing citizen science (100%) and had high satisfaction in the training (70%), only 42% felt confident to conduct a project on their own. The second phase involved the users, 94% of whom had never participated in a CS project. At the end, 70% of users said the project positively changed their perceptions of the library and 70% were satisfied with the experiment. During the focus groups, librarians said the project brought new users into the library and had the potential to build more relationships among participants and with the community. Major challenges discussed were user commitment to the project and the workload required by librarians, however they all answered positively when asked about continuing with CS projects. Conclusion – This study showed that citizen science projects can be successfully implemented in public libraries. Public libraries are facing challenges caused by societal change, the rise of open science, and more transparent and novel democratic ways of knowledge production. Updating public library infrastructure would be needed to support these projects more fully. This may involve building partnerships and developing new guidelines. There is potential for public libraries to be leaders and innovators in citizen science.

Empowering Rural Public Library Users Towards Sustainable Community Development Goal.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of international targets that were developed in 2015 by the United Nations. These goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity among human kind for all by the year 2030. They are divided into 17 goals and 169 targets that cover all aspects of life – including education, health care, housing, food, energy and climate, peace and justice, governance and sustainable economic growth. Plus, to ensure peace and prosperity. Empowerment is very important element for a community to become developed and to sustain the development. To be able to have self-empowerment, one must first have a sense of self-help and self-determination. Self-help and self-determination are related to the idea that helping one’s self will create collaboration and improve one’s quality of life (Christenson, 1989). Power in community development refers to the ability to influence change rather than the power to exploit or dominate others, it is an action of choice. This paper introduces Rural Community Learning Network (RCLN) Traits Model which offers a helpful insight for rural communities to value and support rural public library as community sustainable development center. This model was develop using qualitative approach through interviews with the rural public libraries’ staffs, users and non-users, observations, and examinations of documents. Thematic analysis has been used to identify the empowerment sustainability characters for the traits model. This study concluded that rural public libraries in Malaysia had not fully implemented the empowerment elements which is identified as an important element in rural libraries and community development.

Virtual and augmented reality as predictors of users’ intention to use Lagos State Public Library, Lagos State, Nigeria

PurposeVirtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are a significant part of smart libraries in the information age. Hence, their adoption is inevitable in the technological age. This study aims to examine VR and AR as predictors of library users’ intention to make use of public libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a descriptive survey approach. Using the random sampling technique, a questionnaire was adopted to collect data from the users of public libraries in Ikorodu Local Government, Lagos State, Nigeria. The sample size for the study is 229. Data were analysed using the IBM-Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (version 23). Descriptive statistics (frequency counts and simple percentage) and inferential statistical (simple linear regression and Sobel test) were used to analyse collected data.FindingsThe findings revealed that the users have a positive valence towards VR and AR. Results showed that library users would be influenced by subjective norms to make use of VR and AR. Findings revealed that users need the cooperation of librarians to use the technologies.Originality/valueThe study established that the users have a positive attitude and normative beliefs towards using the library if VR and AR technologies are introduced in library and information services in public libraries. This provides a theoretical underpinning to use VR and AR to enhance users’ intention to use public library.

Examining differences in perceived usability of Google Drive among public library users

PurposeThis study aims to explore differences in the usability of the Google Drive application based on demographic characteristics, computer skills and use frequency of Google Drive among public library users of Lahore.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative approach and survey-based research method to achieve the study's objectives. The cloud usability model (user perspective) has been used as a theoretical lens to guide the study objectives. It comprises five dimensions of usability – capable, personal, reliable, valuable and secure.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that the usability of Google Drive varied statistically significantly on the basis of depending on the respondents gender, age, academic qualification, computer skills and Google Drive use frequency.Practical implicationsIt is a valuable study since it and adds knowledge to existing literature and has implications for practice.Originality/valueThe findings might be helpful for cloud support teams including Google Drive as they can notice the demographic and other differences among users' perceived usability of Google Drive and can enhance certain features of usability which leads attributes to increase its usage among users.

Multilingual Support in Digital Environments: A Case Study of Online Catalogs in US Public Libraries, with a Focus on Korean-Language Speakers

Previous articleNext article No AccessMultilingual Support in Digital Environments: A Case Study of Online Catalogues in U.S. Public Libraries with a Focus on Korean Language SpeakersTae Hee Lee and Inkyung ChoiTae Hee Lee Search for more articles by this author and Inkyung Choi Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmailPrint SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by The Library Quarterly Just Accepted Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/726321 HistoryAccepted October 10, 2022 © 2023 The University of Chicago. All Rights reserved.PDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.

Techniques Used for Marketing of Digital Services to Library Users in Public Libraries of Karnataka: A Study

Techniques Used for Marketing of Digital Services to Library Users in Public Libraries of Karnataka: A Study

Education Magazine Archive

Education Magazine Archive from ProQuest, part of Clarivate, is a digital archive of 26 magazines in the field of education, with date coverage ranging from 1910 to 2015. The titles chosen were originally aimed at teachers, policy makers, and other education professionals. Given the full-text coverage from the first volumes and issues to 2015, the Archive provides valuable access to those researching not just education but also areas such as social history, childhood studies, psychology, sociology, and politics. The Archive can be of use to a broad range of public, academic, and corporate library users. However, it will be of particular use to those institutions, like colleges and universities, with a focus on educational research and history. Institutions with multiple full-text subscriptions should compare their existing full-text access to this product before making final purchase or subscription decisions. This reviewer, for example, found an overlap greater than 60% between the Education Magazine Archive content and their library's current e-resources entitlements.

DIGITAL INITIATIVE FOR FARMERS: REBOOTING PUBLIC LIBRARIES

This paper is all about the public library digital initiative for farmers with much emphasis onthe concept of digital library, digital library services, advantages of digital library, disadvantages of digital library, use of digital library, digital technologies in agriculture and rural area, condition for digital transformation, challenges, conclusion and recommendations.It was found that Public Libraries so far done nothing for the farmers who have been potential users of Public Libraries. Library timings do not suit the farmers. So, Public Libraries should take immediate initiatives to reboot its importance among the rural communities. Public Library should plan to start to provide above mentioned services without any delay. In addition to these services some new and innovative technology-based services like, Computer literacy for farmers, Webinars for farmers, SMS alert on new issues like crop diseases and plant protection in local language etc., should be started.

Environmental education in public libraries

PurposeThis research aims to investigate effective public library environmental education interventions in order to inform the development of a framework for public libraries.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research method was developed incorporating surveys and follow-up interviews with librarians working in USA public libraries, who were known to have been involved in environmental education initiatives.FindingsThe research determined which environmental education interventions were most likely to lead to action and behaviour change in public library users. The resulting discussion has allowed for the creation of a framework which establishes factors useful for successful implementation of environmental education programmes and activities. These elements include partnership, institutional commitment, inclusion and outreach and practical activities linked to a larger vision.Research limitations/implicationsThe research participants were limited to those libraries in the USA which were all affiliated with the American Library Association (ALA) Resilient Communities programmes and had received grants.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes with a framework for implementing environmental education programmes in public libraries. Effective interventions are also shared which provide practical ideas and strategies.Social implicationsProviding structure and considerations for establishing an environmental programme enables libraries to build on experiences of other libraries. As climate change action becomes a more pressing issue, providing these interventions supports action.Originality/valueThe paper discusses the concepts of environmental education and the role which public libraries can play in this arena, concluding that sustainable development should be treated as a new tenet of librarianship and environmental education as a new research field of library and information science.

Scientific information in modern society through the eyes of public library users

Increasing prestige of science, educating scientific and innovative outlook in population and its faithfulness to science and scientists make the priorities of the national policy. The authors present the findings of the survey of Novosibirsk library users (as the segment of society). The survey was to reveal their attitude toward science. The authors conclude: the overwhelming majority of users trust in scientific knowledge and acknowledge science significance. They demonstrate the willingness to keep pace with the latest developments. The specialized Internet resources and libraries are the main sources of information. The respondents are not eager to make decisions on science advancement and applying them, acknowledging that it is researchers and scientific communities that are to set forward research problems. It is of no account to the respondents which country researcher reside in. The users see the libraries as a depositary of scientific and popular literature, site for mass event intended to promote science. However their commitment is not that high: up to the half of the respondents “read sometimes”, and even less number attends popularization events (mostly tours). Probably, changing displays and diverse exhibitions would contribute to scientific knowledge promotion. The libraries are not at all times capable to provide access to scientific knowledge. The users are seen to be most interested in exhibitions on the subjects of psychology, medicine and technological achievements.