Search

This study aimed to evaluate the opinions of the librarians of Semnan public libraries on information consulting and examine the feasibility and requirements of setting up information consulting services (ICSs) in public libraries, which has become even more important during the coronavirus pandemic. The present study adopted a survey method using the interview technique. The research population included all librarians of Semnan public libraries. The findings showed that more than 75% of the librarians of Semnan public libraries were willing to set up the ICSs in the public library. Librarians of Semnan public libraries believed that specialized human resources hardware and software facilities and funding are required to set up the ICSs in public libraries. knowledge and skills, personality traits, and communication and public relations techniques are mentioned as the characteristics of information consultants. According to the librarians, the ICSs increase the users of libraries, improve library services, provide job satisfaction for librarians, and increase income for the library. They considered these factors as the top benefits of setting up information consulting. Given the willingness of young librarians with less experience, who are educated in Library and Information Science (LIS), to set up the ICSs in Semnan public libraries, they have the potential to provide ICSs in libraries by setting up an information consulting desk. Training of these librarians can provide the necessary basis for setting up the ICSs and information consulting clinics, promoting the position of the LIS field in the community, and leading to the employment market for graduates of LIS. This is the first study on public libraries in Iran. The importance of the subject can be a prelude to launching information consulting services in Iranian public libraries during the coronavirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the gap between decreased budgetary allocation and the need to sustain free and improved quality public library services continues to increase, librarians are expected to think more innovatively about how to bridge this gap while ensuring the notion of free public library services is not compromised. This study aimed to investigate revenue mobilization and the sustainability of free public library services in Ghana. The study adopts a multiple case study approach, exploiting the advantages of the use of a combination of varied data collection techniques using 3 Regional Public libraries in Ghana to enhance representativeness. The data was collected from some major stakeholders, including Head Librarians, library staff and patrons of public libraries using questionnaires and qualitative interview sessions. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed in selecting respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and thematic analysis were deployed as analytical tools to examine the data. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers conclude that the challenge is in tracking down the elusive mix of fee-based services that deliver more than they take away. We therefore, admonish that those who still preach against fee-based services on moral grounds accept the reality that seeking alternative funding (beyond government's subventions) to sustain public library services has become a Hobson's choice to most public librarians. Recommendations are also proffered in mitigating the present challenges affecting service delivery in public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of digital technologies in libraries represents a transformative move in the way information is accessed, disseminated, and preserved. The main purpose of the study is to examine the impact of digital technologies on resources and services of public libraries in Anambra and Imo States, and five specific objectives were formed to guide the study. Survey method was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprises of all the library staff both professional and para-professional staff of Anambra state and Imo state public library board (Headquarters) and there are fifty-eight (58) in number. The entire fifty-eight (58) was used as sample size, census enumeration was adopted. The instrument for data collection for the study was the four point modified likert rating scale. The researcher administered the questionnaires through the help of research assistant. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics for calculating the mean. Mean score above the expected or criterion mean of 2.5 was accepted while those below the value were rejected. Diffusion of Innovations Theory by Everett Rogers (1962), guided the study. The findings of the study revealed that the overall digital awareness, as indicated by the grand mean, is moderate, with a score of approximately 1.82 and that the extent of digital integration in the two public libraries is on low extent. The study recommends that that effort should be made to enhance awareness and access to online cataloging, digital lending, and library websites/apps to improve the overall digital literacy and engagement of library users. This may include conducting targeted outreach and educational programs to inform users about these services and their benefits. The library should consider investing in improving its computer facilities for public use, ensuring that patrons have access to up-to-date and well-maintained computers and internet connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries and information centres accumulate information and achieve the users' information needs. The users' information need varies according to their different fields of interest. The library professionals and information centres need to fulfil the changing needs of the users. Through users' studies, we get the idea of where the users are using optimal information and know where the library must improve the services. A study was carried to gauge the services provided by the public libraries to the users of Murshidabad District, West Bengal. Survey methods and questionnaire tools were applied to conduct this study. The study found that users improve their reading skills in several ways by using public libraries. It was found that the users need more services like computer facilities, photocopies facility, beverage facility, newspapers, magazines, more subject related books, and journals publicly libraries of Murshidabad District. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated public library services on the literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike ECentral Library, Awka. Five research questions were used for the study. The research method adopted was the survey method and population consisted of 2543 registered users of Kenneth Dike public library. A sample size of 345 users was used. Mean was used for data analysis. Questionnaires and observation checklist were used for data collection. The study found that the available public library services that can promote the literacy level of users are consultancy services, exhibition and displays, book reservation services which have high mean score above 2.50. The extent of use of the available public library services by users to promote their literacy level are reprographic services, library instruction (user education), and inter-library loan which have high mean score above 2.50. The roles of public library in promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike E-central Library in Awka are teaching of literacy skills, promotion of independent learning, education on lifelong learning, organizing library week, story-talk hour, creative activities or creative writing, book exhibition and book talk which have high mean score above 2.50. The challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level are inadequate financial support, insufficient library materials, and poor library infrastructure which have high mean score above 2.50. The solutions to the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level of users are adequate financial support, sufficient library materials, and low cost of library materials which have high mean score. This study concludes that the impacts of public library services on promoting literacy level are high as they have the tendency of improving the reading culture of users. The study went on to recommend that sufficient and relevant library materials which include electronic resources be made available for users of public libraries as this will go a long way to enhance each user's literacy level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drawing on the survey of Spanish-speaking immigrant and migrant readers in Canada and the US, this study pursues three goals: (1) examine the image of the library held by these readers and trace the change of this image after the international migration; (2) use the study findings to revise and update the currently existing typologies of the image of the library; and (3) understand ethical and effective research practices in the studies of immigrant/migrant communities whereby researchers are external to communities in question. Design/methodology/approach: The data about immigrant/migrant readers were collected through a self-administered survey questionnaire that was available both in print and electronically, both in Spanish and English. The data analysis was guided by hermeneutic phenomenology, as explicated in the article. Theoretical examination of the image of the library relied on the earlier typology developed by V. Stelmakh. Findings: The study elucidates perceptions of libraries and librarians in both North America and countries of origin held by Spanish-speaking immigrant/migrant readers, and highlights changes that occur in the image of the library as readers move across geographic borders. Building on the empirical data, the article develops a new typology of the image of the library. It also offers insight into ethical and effective ways of engaging with immigrant communities that should be upheld by researchers from outside the communities in question. Originality/value: It is the first known study that systematically traces the changes in the image of the library which occur alongside geographic and sociocultural migrations. It is also the first known study that focuses specifically on readers rather than library users in general. The new typology consists of four different elements – the cultural image; the functional image; the humanistic image; and the ideological image of the library – and is accompanied by detailed definitions of each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Makerspace is a place where library users can try out and use equipment, devices and tools for various purposes free of charge. This service has become very common in public libraries around the world in the last decade, while in Slovenia there are currently only two public libraries that have experience in developing makerspaces. The paper provides an overview of the development of makerspaces, their purpose and position in public libraries. It also presents some examples of successful makerspaces in public libraries. Special attention is given to service planning of makerspaces and the elements that are critical to their successful operation. Three groups of stakeholders involved in makerspace planning are presented - users, local community, staff and volunteers. Along with recommendations for physical space and equipment in makerspaces, we present a list of equipment with appropriate devices, tools and materials that covers the most common activities in makerspaces. This is the first paper on makerspaces in Slovenia that comprehensively addresses this service in public libraries. It can serve as a starting point for reflection both before the decision to set up a makerspace and in the process of planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public library users' expectations of library resources and services related to open data as well as their own estimation of their data literacy skills are examined. Library users were surveyed from nine different Indiana public library communities. Findings suggest that public libraries are viewed as resources for finding data and educational programming for data skills, particularly as it relates to the community context. Additionally, study participants assessed their data skills to be average or slightly above, indicating a foundational knowledge from which to design library resources and sources to meet a community's data needs. Keywords: open government data, public libraries, data literacy skills, communities, information behaviors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Makerspace is a place where library users can try out and use equipment, devices and tools for various purposes free of charge. This service has become very common in public libraries around the world in the last decade, while in Slovenia there are currently only two public libraries that have experience in developing makerspaces. The paper provides an overview of the development of makerspaces, their purpose and position in public libraries. It also presents some examples of successful makerspaces in public libraries. Special attention is given to service planning of makerspaces and the elements that are critical to their successful operation. Three groups of stakeholders involved in makerspace planning are presented - users, local community, staff and volunteers. Along with recommendations for physical space and equipment in makerspaces, we present a list of equipment with appropriate devices, tools and materials that covers the most common activities in makerspaces. This is the first paper on makerspaces in Slovenia that comprehensively addresses this service in public libraries. It can serve as a starting point for reflection both before the decision to set up a makerspace and in the process of planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article contributes to the contexts of audience and user studies via research into two cases of civic libraries created by local communities. Results from this study could encourage communities to create and/or step in to co-produce the local library services for their community. The findings of this research add an alternative view from library service users to established library services and may be helpful to local authorities in redesigning the public library service. Two cases were chosen to investigate the phenomenon of civic libraries: the library at Sänna Cultural Mansion in a small village in Southern Estonia and the library of the New World Society in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the customers' perceptions on three traditional dimensions of the perceived library service quality (library personnel; library resources and user services; and facilities and equipment), customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty of the public library users. Survey data using simplified questionnaires were analyzed which were collected from 1015 users of public libraries in 2015 and 2019 respectively in South Korea. The results show that they were generally satisfied with public library services and want to visit them again and/or recommend them to others based on the good perceptions on the public library service quality, because the means of each variable on a Likert 5-point scale was fairly high: customer satisfaction 3.85, customer loyalty 4.12, and perceived service quality 3.80 (library personnel 3.80, library resources and user services 3.81, and facilities and equipment 3.79). Each of three dimensions of perceived service quality had statistically significant positive impacts both on customer satisfaction and on the loyalty of the users, and that customer satisfaction had statistically significant positive impacts on customer loyalty. Different groups by gender, age, education, and occupation show the mean differences in customer loyalty. This article suggests research and managerial implications and limitations of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Public library plays a pivotal role in modern society. Public libraries, by providing free access to the resources, support all groups of users like students, teachers, researchers, physically challenged people, retired people, businessmen, homemakers, etc. The present study investigates the utilization and user satisfaction of public library resources and services at City Central Library, Shimoga, India. The study examines the various resources available and the services rendered by the City Central Library, Shimoga. Questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data for the present study, where 100 questionnaires representing 80% were received out of 125 questionnaires distributed. The data were analyzed and interpreted with the help of SPSS software (version 6.0) and MS-Excel. It was found that majority of the users (50% above) were satisfied with the resources, facilities and services provided by the library. It was discovered by the study that the library is extensively used by the users of all age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The paper presents library programs and remote services of the Public Library "Petar Preradović" Bjelovar during the COVID-19 epidemic in the period from March 16 to April 24, 2020, when the library was physically closed to users. The adapting of the library to emergency situations in the context of designing and implementing remote services is considered, as well as the remote communication of the library with its users using communication media and channels based on information and communication technology. Methodology. The methodological approach to the topic is presented in the research of the literature related to library management in crises and distance library services. Furthermore, an important topic covered by the literature is the media communication of libraries in crisis situations. This paper brings a synthesis of this research, i.e. a critical reflection on the topic with some examples of good practice. Results. By inspecting the relevant professional and scientific literature and through examples of good practice, it was noticed that the remote services provided in public libraries could more or less successfully implement various services that do not require physical presence of the users in the library. Likewise, these services can be further promoted and developed in collaboration with the local joint media programs, with the help of communication channels based on information and communication technology. Value. The paper emphasizes the importance of adapting library operations to extraordinary situations, in this case the COVID-19 epidemic, both in theory and in practice. Furthermore, the paper highlights examples of good practice that should serve as an example to other librarians in setting guidelines for designing and implementing distance services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of this research was to determine the information needs and reading habits of the users of the mobile library services of the Zadar Public Library, as well as their satisfaction with the existing services and the choice of library materials available at the mobile library service. The purpose was to gather user feedback in order to support the continuation of the services that are important to the users, with the possible further service improvements. Approach/methodology/design. The research included a questionnaire that was distributed to 100 mobile library users of all ages during the summer of 2019, and two interviews with the information services librarians that were conducted during the summer of 2020. The sample included the users from the islands and coastal areas that are served by the mobile library no. 2 from the Zadar City Library. Findings. Pupils and adults are the two main groups of mobile library users. The pupils borrow more multimedia, entertainment, and sports books, and they read children's books, while the adults borrow more fiction and non-fiction books. The adult users, who are employed or retired, stated that they were mostly satisfied with the choice of books, while the pupils were completely satisfied. The users were completely satisfied with the information services librarians. These librarians take care of user recommendations and availability of library materials because they are well aware of the needs of the regular library members. Research limitations. The sample did not include the mobile library service no. 1, which serves mainly the inland of the Zadar County. The research was conducted during the summer, and most of the mobile library stops that are next to the schools were empty because of the summer holidays. Practical implications. Further improvement of library services and acquisition of new library materials can be carried out on the basis of the user suggestions and their satisfaction with the availability of library materials. Social implications. An insight into the needs of the mobile library users in rural areas enables further work on equalizing access to information in both rural and urban areas. The high user satisfaction confirms the irreplaceable role of the Zadar Public Library mobile library service in the county settlements that do not have stationary libraries. Originality/value. Considering that there are very few similar surveys in Croatia related to mobile libraries, the methodology and the results of the work can serve other mobile library services as an example of good practice when they wish to examine the needs and satisfaction of users in order to improve the services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation in public libraries has been concentrated in the areas of participation, making & creating, learning, new outreach and partnerships. These trends represent the emerging areas of strategic focus for public libraries and are strongly influencing the development of library services towards a model that is collaborative, creative and participative, and that places the library at the centre of its user's daily lives. This article provides an overview of these trends, with examples of how they are manifesting in library services, programming and strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries in Hawai'i serve one of the most diverse populations in the United States. With 51 branch locations across six islands, Hawaii's public libraries are central hubs for citizens, where community building can take place. This paper seeks to explore ways in which community building takes place at public libraries in Hawai'i. Through on-site visits at public libraries, observations of training sessions of participants of a Hawai'i-based public library professional development program (Hui 'Ekolu), and informal interviews with local public library patrons, key themes, reflections and analysis convey a common question across all groups: "What is a Native Hawaiian Library?" "What is Hawaiian librarianship?" This research is at an emerging stage where such meaningful questions are pointing towards a need to center Indigenous Hawaiian ways of knowing and perceiving public services in libraries as a primary tenet of cultural competence for public library workers in Hawai'i. As a federally funded grant program, Hui 'Ekolu is an innovative opportunity to explore questions that emerge as an inquiry-based approach to determining what professional learning and development can look like within place-based contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a reflection on the importance of a library as a public space as well as a "third place". Public libraries are far from being just the institutions that collect, catalogue, store and make available library materials. They are social spaces able to connect people of different believes, cultures and interests. They are a part of public cultural and educational infrastructures at a local level that are available to everybody on equal terms. The importance of library spaces for their users is multi-layered and it depends mostly on their needs and the needs of the local community. Public libraries are institutions of lifelong learning that not only offer basic services but also provide the feeling of homeliness, warmth, well-being, safety and shelter. However, they must be a regular feature in the life of people who are using them. "Third places" are informal spaces, which enable people to meet socialize and connect and to make new friendships. Thus, they provide the space for social interactions, and building social capital. A literature review presents and explains the concept of a "third place" that has been emerging for a long time in connection with the development of public libraries, but is difficult to understand - to what purpose it serves or what it actually is. This article determines to what extent the activities of the France Bevk Public Library Nova Gorica meets the definition of the "third place". It is mostly based upon subjective observation and reflection on the subject, on personal experience and perception. It is also supported by the exchange of opinions with members and visitors attending the events at the France Bevk Public Library and the users of its services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rural dwellers need timely, accurate, pertinent and reliable information for sustainable rural development. However, in Nigeria it is estimated that over 70% of people are living in rural areas who are mainly non-literate people who cannot read and write in any language. It is against this background that this article sought to investigate the forms of information sources and services utilised among rural dwellers from public libraries in the North-West zone of Nigeria to find out whether they are relevant and appropriate to the nature of this group of people. Objectives: The study aimed at investigating the forms of information sources and services utilised among rural dwellers from public libraries in the North-West zone of Nigeria for sustainable rural development. Method: Wilson's 1981 model suggests that information-seeking behaviour arises as a result of a need perceived by an information user, who, in order to satisfy that need, makes demands upon formal or informal information sources and services. Hence, the model was adopted to underpin the current study. A structured questionnaire was designed and personally administered to the study participants. The quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS software and descriptive statistics. Results: Despite the fact that most of the rural dwellers in the North-West zone of Nigeria are non-literate people, it is evident from the results that there is utilisation of various forms of information sources and services from public libraries. The predominant forms of information sources utilised among rural dwellers from the libraries were printed materials, posters, flyers and audiovisuals. However, the forms of information services provided to rural dwellers by the libraries were traditional library services and awareness campaigns about government policies. Conclusion: The study revealed that utilisation of public libraries' information sources and services among rural dwellers in the area under study revolved around printed materials and traditional library services. It is evident that most of the library users among rural dwellers were those who were literate, as the non-literate people who were the majority did not patronise the libraries. Thus, this study will assist authorities of the public libraries in the area under study to provide relevant and effective information sources and services to rural dwellers for sustainable rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to assess tire service quality of public libraries of Lahore by evaluating the disparities between the users' expectation and currently received services. The survey method based on questionnaire was used. Four of the largest libraries in Lahore, in terms of services, collection and other facilities, were the population of the study. A sample of four hundred library users was selected with one hundred library users for each library based on convenience sampling. A modified LibQUAL+ tool was adopted to collect the data. The findings revealed that users have very high expectations regarding the accessibility of library's electronic resources from home or office, library website, printed material, availability of electronic information resource, modem equipment, tools that allow the users to find the material themselves, and provision of the information in an easy manner. The findings are helpful for public libraries' authorities to redcsign/upgradc the quality of library services, policies and procedures according to users' expectations and requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study conducted by researchers Susan K. Burke and Molly Strothmann on use of library websites by public libraries to engage in outreach and services of Readers' Advisory (RA) library service to users. Topics discussed include information and library services provided by library websites to patrons, use of RA to promote the contents of a library's collections, and use of public library websites as outreach tools for readers' advisory.

Communicating information in the era of the internet poses a new challenge to public libraries. Is there a way to connect conventional media and digital information to experience both worlds as one? With the research project 'Quellentaucher' ('source diver'), North Rhine-Westphalia intends to develop and test new opportunities of information research. The library user shall be offered an intuitive and entertaining research experience. The research project is carried out in cooperation with the working group Human-Computer Interaction of the university of applied sciences in Konstanz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With patience and perseverance, the readers' advisory (RA) relationship can form a long-term bond between patron and librarian and can also serve to unite library, literature, and the community. But what happens when something hampers the librarian's ability to bring patron and book together? The purposes of this survey of public librarians were to ascertain if readers' advisory librarians were coming into contact with patrons who spoke other languages, to compile best practices and resources librarians used or could use during these types of readers' advisory interactions, and to gain feedback directly from them regarding the interactions themselves. An electronic survey was distributed to public libraries in North Carolina in March 2014. Responding librarians listed over 29 different languages that they were aware of being spoken within their local libraries. Results also indicated that 8 out of 10 public librarians in North Carolina have encountered communication barriers during RA services, with just over 6 out of 10 of those encounters occurring because of the differences in languages spoken during the exchange. Although North Carolina librarians are resourceful individuals who rely on each other, skillfully employ learning strategies, and turn to technology to solve RA problems, results also indicate frustration at the lack of resources and support available to them in these situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries must respond to the needs of the communities they serve in order to remain relevant, but assessing these needs is especially challenging in the midst of the rapid development of information technology. This study examines needs assessments to understand the user community, library services, and expected sources to determine user needs regarding space and services. The research employed a mixed-method approach including semi-structured interviews, a questionnaire assessment, and Social Network Site (SNS) big data analysis. The study assessed the needs and characteristics of users and non-users at Yongsan-gu Public Library, South Korea. Data collected were used to examine how the library was affected by COVID-19, the steps it taken to adjust and provide services, and how users have adapted to library use during the pandemic. The research results provide direction for building a future public library in regions that lack cultural infrastructure. The results also demonstrate that it is necessary to construct infrastructure linked to cultural projects by creating complex cultural and user-oriented spaces. • Triangulation methods were used to assess public library users and non-users service needs. • The study examined how library users and non-users adapted to library closures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. • The research findings provide direction for public libraries by emphasizing infrastructure development. • Library users and non-users have similar expectations and want libraries to be more interdisciplinary cultural spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While libraries are operating offline, adapting to local conditions and circumstances, library users can access library services online from anywhere in the world, as libraries themselves have online access to the services of any other library in the world. The library image of Hungarian society is based on rather conservative, old stereotypes. Libraries need to continually justify their existence to society, and this is reinforced by their users being satisfied with the quality and diversity of library services. Librarians are constantly looking for ways of renewal. The challenges faced are as follows: libraries can be central players and platforms for lifelong learning, for developing the digital literacy of the local population and for community building. Public libraries strive to succeed through creative use of grant resources, involvement in national digitization projects, and librarians are seeking new types of competencies. As an experienced public librarian, the author illustrates these aspirations toward expanding services (trainings to improve the IT skills of the population, introduction of a creative spaces, etc.) through practices partly from his own library and partly from its network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]