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This paper reports on a study on delinquent acts in three academic libraries in northern Ghana. A survey method was used for the study and a questionnaire was used to collect data. The study population consisted of staff in the Reader Service Sections of the three libraries. The study found that failure to observe library regulations, keeping overdue materials, eating in the library, littering, reserving seats unjustifiably, and hiding of books for the purpose of monopoly are examples of delinquent acts practiced by library users. According to the participants, the main reasons for delinquent acts are inadequate orientation to users, insufficient copies of books, and indiscipline among library users. The respondents further reported that these actions led to a reduction in library resources and low patronage. To curb deviant behaviors in libraries, the study recommends the adoption of pragmatic approaches including massive orientation for users, imbibing positive library culture that fosters respect, bolstering commitment and cooperation among library users and the staff, increasing library budgets as well as finding more creative ways of acquiring more copies of books, such as using Open Educational Resources (OERs), belonging to consortia and building and/or enhancing existing Institutional Repositories (IR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a 2-year study on how quickly Texas library staff members greeted a library patron after eye contact. Results from 140 library visits found a mean of nearly 4 min, but a mean of 9 s after removing outliers. The study also calculated the perceived customer value by measuring the service, quality, image, and price of the customer service experience. Findings suggest that each patron/staff interaction may alter a patron's perceived Return on Investment (ROI). Given libraries are primarily supported by tax dollars, poor patron service experiences may impact the perceived values of library programs and services, jeopardizing future funding. The article highlights the importance for libraries to retain satisfied employees and build trust within their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise in numbers of people experiencing homelessness in our cities, towns and regions, public libraries are seeing an increase in visits from members of this community. Public library staff are increasingly required to assist and work with people experiencing homelessness, often with little training and without the guidance of policy documents to advise them. This article reports on a survey of Australian public library staff who were asked about their experiences in, and attitudes toward working with this community. The article finds public library staff are frequently working with people experiencing homelessness. Although library staff largely believe working with this community is part of their role, they also report feeling unsafe at work, and a belief that the presence of people experiencing homelessness in libraries can be detrimental to other library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article follows up on two previously published studies regarding the incorporation of student feedback amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It builds on the model of embracing user experience, focusing on how library employees and patrons felt about the health safety protocols in place during Fall 2021. Analyzing both surveys from employees and patrons, the findings indicated that both groups felt safe in the library. This article recommends that when library decision-makers are in doubt about policies and practices, they should consult with the groups directly affected, and demonstrates the importance of ensuring stakeholders feel heard and can contribute to decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This column article discusses the state of people with disabilities who work in libraries in conjunction with the Covid pandemic, and the return to working on site. Also discussed is how accessibility changed in libraries because of the pandemic and the shut downs that occurred before vaccination. This article asks administrators to consider several issues including the difference between compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessibility, compassionate care for library employees and patrons, boundary setting, and embracing change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a community hub, libraries and their patrons were impacted by the social distancing, closures, and health-related restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored one library system's changing needs during the pandemic, both from the patrons' point of view as well as from the perspective of library staff. A number of themes are identified, which can assist library administrators with adjusting to the needs of their constituents post-pandemic and inform future resource planning in library systems. Implications and limitations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today libraries stand as the most inclusive institution in US society, but their workforces remain unaligned with the wide-ranging domestic demographic. With 83% of librarians identifying as white in 2020, this institution requires cultural reconstruction to enable its information literacy goals. As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts have been unsuccessful over the years in libraries, this report surveys efforts in industries with more diverse workers and adapts them for implementation in library settings. Recruitment, retainment, and inclusion strategies in corporate, STEM, and healthcare environments are reviewed to identify successful options as starting points for library planners. Practical adaptations are provided as more feasible options for library budgets and personnel volumes. As libraries were founded and transformed to serve the varying needs of all patrons, incorporating these DEI tools into planning strategies is imperative to diversify library labor forces and eliminate barriers to information literacy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library patrons are adopting mobile devices for personal and other uses. The ubiquity of mobile devices will lead to changes in how and where learning and education happens. Libraries have wanted to become ubiquitous by making resources and services available anywhere, anytime. Reference librarians can use mobile devices and applications to include services in mobile learning environments. Challenges to libraries include uncertainty about which technologies to adopt in a rapidly changing technology landscape, the cost of technology adoption, staffing for 24–7, diversity of needs and preferences among library patrons, and the need to offer stable, consistent services. The combination of mobile librarians, mobile patrons, and mobile content provides an opportunity to move closer to the ideal of the ubiquitous library. This article originally published in Journal of Library Administration, Vol. 51, Issue 3, pages 279–290, 2011. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2011.556942. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Over the past 15 years, the work of staff at the University of Arizona (UA) Libraries has transformed significantly to meet the evolving needs of library users, the changing profession, and the economic climate. To keep pace with these changes, the UA Libraries have gradually shifted to a new, competency-based hiring and performance management model. This article will describe the process of moving to a competency-based model both for librarians and classified staff at the University of Arizona. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews publisher and vendor use of library advisory boards. While they are not new to the information industry, library advisory boards have assumed new importance. From the industry perspective, library advisory boards provide valuable market feedback concerning products and services. For librarians, membership on library advisory boards is an opportunity to learn about new products, provide feedback on existing products, and better understand the information marketplace. Recent literature is reviewed and a number of publishers and vendors are surveyed. The uses and organization of advisory boards and their value to both companies and the library community are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the relations between libraries and vendors which need to have an open communications to better provide services to end-users. The author points out that if there is relationship, there is dependence. The library employees are providing a service to their customers which can be improved if the working relationship between library staff and the vendor can also be enhanced. The author points out that the open lines of communications and the sharing of information are the key points of library and vendor relations.

Due to immigration patterns over the past few decades, librarians and library administrators at all levels-public, school, and academic-are increasingly welcoming library users who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). Not surprisingly, growth has also occurred in the ESL teaching profession (referred to as TESOL-Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), including the proliferation of many Web sites for both teachers and students. This article discusses these sites, particularly in the context of how they may be of help to libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]