Public Library Users Research Articles

Unique or ubiquitous: information literacy instruction outside academia

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how US public libraries offer information literacy (IL) instruction to their patrons.Design/methodology/approachThe study is a content analysis of eight library websites to determine passive IL instruction and active literacy instruction.FindingsLibrary web guides offer passive IL instruction by highlighting resources patrons may wish to access to resolve information inquiries. Further, the authors found that a little less than 50 per cent of library programming offers some IL instruction, the majority of which relates to helping patrons learn to use tools to create information products.Originality/valueIL is the ability to recognize the need for information, to effectively find information to meet that need and to use information for some purpose or goal. Academic, school and public libraries believe that understanding and using information critically and effectively bring gains to an individual and to society. However, they diverge in how and why they engage in IL instruction. The authors’ findings suggest that less than half of the libraries surveyed are providing active IL instruction, despite the recognition of the benefits IL provides.

Assessing mobile application components in providing library services

Purpose This study aims to investigate the essential components needed to develop a practical mobile application for providing library services to its users. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in a descriptive-survey format. The statistical population constituted the libraries worldwide using mobile applications to provide library services to the users of academic and public libraries. The data were collected through the content-analysis method, World Wide Web and checklists. Findings It was found that services such as search, ask a librarian, database, renew, circulation and library hours were frequently used at academic libraries, while the services of search, search through barcode scanners and database were mostly common at public libraries. According to the users of academic and public libraries, circulation and renew, search, ask a librarian and library hours were considered as the most essential services to be included in library mobile applications. Practical implications Most libraries usually use mobile apps subjectively. Thus, it is important to identify the most important components of their usage and present them in a suitable pattern. The findings of this study identified the most important components in the design and development of mobile apps and proposed the right model for their integration into libraries. Originality/value The practical mobile application proposed here for library services is applicable to all types of libraries and provides an appropriate pattern for mobile application designers.

Contacto intergrupal y actitudes en bibliotecas públicas: un estudio con usuarios marroquíes y españoles en Barcelona y Almería

Este estudio analiza el contacto, las actitudes intergrupales y otras variables psicosociales relacionadas en usuarios de bibliotecas públicas españolas, con objeto de conocer si el cumplimiento por las bibliotecas de las Directrices IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations) para Comunidades Multiculturales favorece el contacto y mejora las actitudes intergrupales. Se seleccionaron usuarios españoles y marroquíes de bibliotecas de Barcelona (que cumplían las Directrices IFLA) y de Almería (que no las cumplían). Los españoles (NBarcelona = 138 y NAlmería = 116) respondieron a un cuestionario sobre marroquíes y éstos (NBarcelona = 89 y NAlmería = 100) sobre españoles. Las actitudes intergrupales y otras variables fueron más positivas en usuarios de Barcelona, pero el contacto intergrupal sólo difería entre españoles y marroquíes.

A Study on the Transformative Public Library Usage of the Second Semester Students of STKIP Muhammadiyah Enrekang

This study was aimed at knowing the extent to which the use of the transformative public library of the second semester students of STKIP Muhammadiyah Enrekang. The subjects of the study were the second semester students of STKIP Muhammadiyah Enrekang in primary school teacher education department. The data was collected through interview. The result shows that the students use the transformative public library in three purposes. The first is as a media to do the assignment from the campus. The second is to read interesting books. The third is to participate in a book fair. Yet, there are some students who never use the facilities given by the public library since they never go there.

Prediction of health information-seeking behavior components based on health anxiety among users of public libraries.

INTRODUCTION:This study aimed to predict health information-seeking behavior (HISB) components based on health anxiety among users of public libraries.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This research was a descriptive-correlational study. The statistical population consisted of users of public libraries. Data collection tools included the HISB questionnaire and the Short Form of Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI).RESULTS:The results indicated that health anxiety was a significant predictor of the components of HISB. The illness likelihood had a direct relationship with the components of the need for health information and the purposefulness of health information seeking, and it was inversely related to barriers to obtaining health information. In addition, the preoccupation with illness was directly related to the components of the need for health information, the diversity of health information sources, the time of referring to health information sources, the purposefulness of health information seeking, and evaluation of reasons for referring to the library.CONCLUSION:Among the components of health anxiety, preoccupation to the disease has the highest role in the emergence of users' information-seeking behavior.

Electronic Circulation as a Means of Meeting Information Needs of Dniprovsk Region Users

The aim of this paper is to analyze the features of developing, storing and using electronic collections and collections of documents, to provide online access and circulation of electronic publications in public libraries in order to meet the information needs of actual and remote library users of Dnipropetrovsk region. The study aims at identifying the role of electronic publications in the information environment of the library. The author examines the future trends of the development of electronic collections and collections of documents in public libraries, the provision of online access and electronic circulation.Research methodology. The author uses comparative and analytical methods of research.Results. The paper presents the main stages of developing the electronic collections of libraries. A new kind of information support of actual and remote users of public libraries in Dnipropetrovsk region is considered. The study suggests the alternative solutions of the problems which make difficulties to the development of electronic collections.Novelty. The author examines the features of developing, storing and using the electronic collections, the provision of online access to them and electronic circulation as a new sphere of information service for public libraries users in Dnipropetrovsk region.The practical significance. The proposed alternative versions of developing electronic collections, as well as their future trends described in the paper, can be successfully implemented by public libraries in Dnipropetrovsk region.Keywords: electronic collections,electronic circulation, the development of electronic collections, online access, information support, remote users, information service, information needs.

Le choix d’un mode d’approvisionnement en livres des Québécois : les temps, l’espace et les usages

The practice of reading is increasing, but reading books is decreasing. The way people read is evolving: there is a diversity which is parallel with the multiple facets of the ways and formats of reading. The belief that a borrowed book is a book that will not be bought is opposed to the belief that several readers may discover authors in libraries and proceed to purchase them later. In order to better understand Quebec public library users who chose to buy books, 36 individual interviews were conducted with users and non-users of public libraries. The authors have separated the purchases of books from the borrowing of books in print as well as digital formats. In this article, the consumption of books with regard to the relationship between supply and demand by the public was taken into account, along with the context of exchange.

The governance and management of public library services in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the managerial and governance issues that impact on service delivery in public libraries in Nigeria. Within many countries this seems to be a challenge often resulting in an ineffective service delivery resulting in underutilisation thereof. This study was conducted among administrators and managers of public libraries in Nigeria to establish the current status quo concerning governance and management issues impacting on service delivery.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study using interviews was used to illicit data from three permanent secretaries, six public library directors, and six heads of rural community libraries, purposively selected for the study.FindingsThe findings show that variables such as relevant academic qualifications, years of experience, and designation of the administrators and managers of public libraries affect service delivery. A huge dependency on government bodies for decision making and funding was established. Impediments to good management of the libraries were found to be inadequate funding; lack of involvement of stakeholders in public library administration; and inappropriate public library legislation.Practical implicationsThe study recommends the promulgation of a public library-specific act in order to regulate the administration and management of this public unit, involve stakeholders in public library administration, as well as the provision of alternative forms of funding in order to alleviate the dependence on governmental budgets.Originality/valueWith very little research available on these issues in Nigeria, this paper will create awareness among all stakeholders of specific governance and managerial issues impacting on effective service delivery to public library users so that it can be addressed.

Use of Information Sources and Services in Public Libraries: A Study

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of information sources and services of public library. This study selected 1527 registered users from 25 city / district central libraries in Karnataka State. The result of the study shows that 73.67% of public library users are students and most of them (48.13%) are from rural areas. Majority of users (62%) used the public library daily, and 73.3% of respondents spent more than 4 hours in public library. In this context, the public library should procure more number of books which are more relevant to the students. The public library needs to create awareness among the female users to visit the public library as well to make use of sources available in the public library. The basic facilities viz., separate reading hall, ladies waiting room need to be created. Apart from that the need based information services viz., novels, comics, women health related books need to be procured by public library.

Išeivijos bibliotekų ir skaitymo klausimai JAV lietuvių periodikoje (iki 1904 m.)

[straipsnis ir santrauka lietuvių kalba; santrauka anglų kalba]
 Lietuvių išeivijoje XIX a. pabaigoje – XX a. pradžioje augant dėmesiui švietimui, skatinant savišvietą ir skaitymą, didėjo dėmesys bibliotekoms. Jų būtinumas aptarinėtas išeivių spaudoje švietimo, savišvietos ir skaitymo klausimų kontekste, taip pat ir jų veiklai skirtose publikacijose. Nuo XIX a. paskutinio dešimtmečio pradžios ėmė rastis privačios ir visuomeninio pobūdžio išeivių bibliotekos, taip pat stengtasi, kad lietuvišką spaudą komplektuotų JAV miestų, kur gyveno nemažai lietuvių,viešosios bibliotekos. Nepaisant deklaruoto bibliotekų steigimo nesudėtingumo, išeivijos sąlygomis tai buvo sunkiai sprendžiama problema, todėl jas kuriant dalyvavo įvairios institucijos, matoma bibliotekų steigimo ir jų gyvybingumo užtikrinimo būdų paieška. Straipsnyje nagrinėjami šie klausimai, taip pat bibliotekų santykis su tuo metu besiplėtusia išeivių leidyba.

RDA Implementation in Large US Public Libraries

This survey sought to investigate how the transition to the new cataloging standard, Resource Description and Access (RDA), has been handled in one hundred of the largest US public libraries, specifically examining whether catalogers believe that some of RDA’s major goals have been met, and how some of the anticipated impacts of RDA implementation have been handled. A large majority of these libraries have implemented RDA for original cataloging, but respondents also generally believe that RDA has failed to meet some of its most important goals, primarily ease of use and cost-effectiveness.

Investigating the public response to local government decisions to reduce or remove public library services

This paper presents new findings regarding the public response to public spending cuts as part of the UK Government fiscal consolidation programme, specifically to the perceived effects of reduced library opening hours on the public library user in a city in the North of England. An inductive approach was taken to the mixed methods study, using a self-completion, cross-sectional survey distributed to adults visiting one of three libraries in the city during a six-day period. Qualitative and quantitative data analyses indicate a shared level of dissatisfaction with the service reductions across the respondents, and a shared perception of having been adversely affected. Statistical analyses revealed a strong level of agreement that the changes had a significantly negative impact on different aspects of respondents’ lives. The research evidences the direct effects of service reductions on library users, as well as the wider social and economic implications.

Users' Satisfaction as a Valid Measure for Information Resources: A Case of Public Libraries

ABSTRACTThe mission of public libraries is to serve the unique needs of their local communities. Public library User's play a very vital role in the development of these libraries by suggesting or recommending additions to the collection. This study aims to evaluate the satisfaction of users with the quality and quantity of library collection. A self structured questionnaire based on open and close ended question was constructed. A purposive sample of one hundred users was selected. The data were qualitatively analyzed using a thematic approach. Positive opinion observed related to the library response towards the suggested titles. Almost half the population of respondents was satisfied with the availability of their suggested titles in library. Most of them were dissatisfied regarding the maintenance of equal collection of books and they are not encouraged by the library staff during the books suggestion process. It concludes that there is a need to evaluate the existing library collections.

Evaluation And Use Of Special Collection Perspective Of KNLS

Users in public libraries’ needs are changing, technology is changing, the economic environment is changing, distribution of information channels are changing and so, Public libraries should change their roles and approaches to achieve its goal by availing of special collection and special services to users. In assisting information users to access and use not only online special information services but also access other websites special collection services the role of public libraries within the information age context is changing from that of information provider to that of service provider and so is the roles of librarians; changing its old-age manual operations of print to print service to that of library networking to facilitate information sharing services and activities fundamentally requires the new dimension of trained and available enabling environment of ICT in public library system in Kenya. Users’ opinion, views and feelings account most in the fulfillment of the core objectives the Public library is established for. This paper, discusses the public library special collection in the format of; rare books, manuscripts, photographs, archives, artifact, historical photos, unique materials and pamphlets. Therefore researcher has surveyed them in all 32(100%) public libraries in Kenya. This research paper is further, intended to help public libraries librarians, managers and management to decide how to integrate ICT resources special collection in such a way that most users can understand them well enough to make productive choices to foster research. It compiles usability test data evaluating special collection and services offered in library public libraries in Kenya. This research paper describes the progress and application of a fundamental comparison typical which allows librarians to quantitatively measure library special collection services apparent quality, satisfaction and constancy with a library as well as the degree to which exact elements of a library’s program, collections and setting donate to those perceptions……Library professional protocol and standards are in safe hands of both users and staff who are skillfully trained in technical, analytical and information management and repackaging skills; to further provide library information services like subject specialists and subject analyst equipped with special skills to deal with children information needs and users with special needs. In this paper special collection and special services offered to special users in Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) via public libraries in Kenya has been discussed.

Entrepreneurship resources in US public libraries: website analysis

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the entrepreneurship resources patrons can discover and/or access on the web pages of the largest 46 US public libraries to assess the strength of public libraries’ current support to their entrepreneur-patrons, and where, and by what means, public libraries may wish to expand, or further promote, their support.Design/methodology/approachThe author completed a website analysis of the largest 46 US public libraries, as defined by the criteria in the ALA publication The Nation’s Largest Public Libraries. Website analysis was completed via a standardized checklist assessment of each library website.FindingsPublic libraries often have print and electronic resources, meeting spaces and programming that could be of use to entrepreneur-patrons, but these resources are sometimes difficult to discover on library websites. Libraries have strong partnering relationships with other government and nonprofit organizations, but they may wish to expand these partnerships further.Practical implicationsPublic libraries in the US often have multiple support services to offer entrepreneur-patrons. However, if libraries would like to reach entrepreneur-patrons beyond their walls, as well as within them, they may wish to consider further refining the resources both accessible via their website and promoted on it.Originality/valueWhile there are research articles exploring how both academic and public libraries support entrepreneur-patrons, as yet, there has been no in-depth research into how public libraries support their entrepreneur-patrons through not only their in-library offerings but also the materials highlighted and/or available via their website. This research addresses this gap in the literature.

A Study on Digital Literacy Education for Adults in US Public Libraries

디지털 리터러시는 ICT 기술이 고도로 발달한 디지털 사회에서 일의 능률을 높이고 삶을 영위하기 위한 필수적인 역량이 된다. 세계의 선진 국가들은 국민의 디지털 리터러시를 향상시키고 디지털 격차를 해소하기 위해 많은 노력을 수행해왔다. 본 논문은 이들 중 노인을 포함한 성인의 디지털 리터러시 향상을 위한 미국 공공도서관의 사례를 조사․분석한 것이다. 이를 위해 프로그램 우수사례 도서관을 중심으로 디지털 리터러시 교육 프로그램 유형, 교육 방식 및 내용 현황을 조사․분석하고 담당사서들과의 인터뷰를 통해 운영 실태를 파악하였다. 다수의 교육 프로그램이 기본적인 컴퓨터나 인터넷 기술에 관한 것이었고 Micro Office, 이메일, 소셜미디어, 스마트폰이나 태블릿 PC 사용에 관한 교육 프로그램의 비중도 높게 나타났다. 가장 빈번하고 일상적으로 이루어지는 교육 방식은 비공식적인 현장교육이었고 그것의 교육 내용과 수준은 매우 다양하게 나타났다. 추가로 디지털 리터러시 교육을 위해 공공도서관 담당사서들은 사서의 디지털 역량과 이를 위한 재교육을 가장 중요하게 생각하고 있었고 디지털 리터러시 교육 프로그램운영에 적합한 도서관 시설과 최신 장비 도입, 시기적절한 다양한 프로그램 개발과 홍보의 중요성도 함께 제기하였다.

Public library mobile apps in Scotland: views from the local authorities and the public

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine current public library apps in Scotland and assess Scottish public library users’ opinions of those apps.Design/methodology/approachTwo qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted. One survey was distributed to each Scottish local authority, the entities responsible for public libraries and Scotland. The second survey was made available to the public. The results were analysed with nonparametric statistics and content analysis.FindingsAll 32 authorities responded. In all, 17 authorities had an app, two had one in development, and 13 had none. Offering an alternative means of communication to patrons was the main reason for providing an app, while cost and low priority were the main reasons provided against app provision. Authorities were satisfied with the core services offered in their apps, but less so with others. No authorities had consulted the public regarding app provision. The public (n=185), while satisfied with current library apps, criticised the complex procedures required to access external services. Patrons from authorities without an app stated interest in apps.Research limitations/implicationsIt is vital for public libraries to implement at least core services that are optimised for mobile devices. They should consult with the public before and throughout the development process to ensure they are happy with the implementation.Originality/valueThis is the first known study to explore public library app use in Scotland as well as one of the first in public library app use worldwide.

Intergroup contact and prejudice in Moroccan and Spanish users of Spanish public libraries: mediating variables and directionality of the process / Contacto intergrupal y prejuicio en usuarios marroquíes y españoles de bibliotecas públicas españolas: variables mediadoras y direccionalidad del proceso

This study tests two serial models of intergroup contact in intergroup relations between users of Spanish public libraries and the directionality of the contact-prejudice relationship. Participants were selected in libraries that meet IFLA Guidelines in Barcelona (NSpaniards = 138 and NMoroccans = 89) and libraries that do not meet these guidelines in Almería (NSpaniards = 116 and NMoroccans = 100). They responded to a survey about the quantity of intergroup contact, anxiety, ethnocultural empathy, outgroup knowledge and prejudice. Several serial mediation analyses reveal a model where the indirect effect of quantity of contact in the library on prejudice was mediated by intergroup anxiety and ethnocultural empathy in Moroccans in Almería and Spaniards and Moroccans in Barcelona, and it found that the direction of this relationship is from contact to attitudes, but not attitudes to contact. These results show that the mediating power of affective variables is stronger than that of cognitive variables. Explanations about the absence of significant results in Spaniards in the Almería group are provided.

The Role of Public Libraries in Socio-Cultural Development in Rural Areas in India

Generally a library is a place where individuals access information and ideas. Access to information is very crucial; it accelerates the level of individual advancement as well as corporate educational development. Information is treated as an economic resource or as a catalyst to development and for making good decision. Information society is a society in which the quality of life as well as prospects for social change and economic development depends upon access to information to meet their needs and requirements. Public libraries are an important entity in local communities, particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities. They are more than shelves of books. Public libraries offer an ever changing range of cultural resources for the community, and they have become a type of social and cultural institution. This article discusses the broadly accepted conceptualization of information for development of social and cultural activities in people of rural areas by providing the information at all the levels necessary for that. In turn, it links between community development, empowerment and rural public library usage in India.

戦前における公共図書館の女性利用者:─1930 年代東京市立図書館を中心に─

戦前における公共図書館の女性利用者:─1930 年代東京市立図書館を中心に─