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This research responds to calls to further our understanding of exhibitions in the library context by exploring the significance of a commemorative exhibition staged in a public library. Employing a qualitative methodology, it centers on the 'Goodbye Dublin: The War of Independence in the City' commemorative exhibition, staged by Dublin City Pearse Street Library, between August 14th and October 31st, 2019. The findings show that the commemorative nature of the exhibition appealed to a variety of new, lapsed and frequent library users, connecting with Irish and non-Irish residents, as well as tourists visiting the city. In this regard, the exhibition was effective in its objective of appealing to a new and wide-ranging audience, however, the findings underline the need for more diverse and varied marketing, if this aim is to be entirely successful. The staging of the exhibition as an active authoring and articulation of the past by the library is highlighted, and the use of multimedia is seen to transform the library into an emotionally charged, dynamic, and multisensory space. This facilitates an immersive encounter, involving interplays between the exhibition narratives and visitors' personal memories and interests. This offers different ways for visitors to engage with the library, inspiring them to find new meanings, explore issues of personal, collective and national identities, and to reassess contemporary events. Overall, the research makes an important contribution by highlighting the complexity and importance of commemorative exhibitions in the context of public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Libraries in the UK have evolved from traditional book-lending institutions into dynamic community hubs, This study aims to explore the potential of libraries to act as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults, drawing on insights from both library users and library staff in England. Design: A mixed-method, cross-sectional study using online survey and interviews with community-dwelling adults and library staff. Methods: We collected data using a 14-item electronic survey and interviews with library users and staff to gauge perceptions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to identify key trends and emergent themes. Results: We included 605 respondents from the survey and interviewed 12 library users and staff. Libraries remain popular and are considered a 'safe place by members of the community, regardless of their frequency of service usage irrespective of whether they are frequent users of services. However, a lack of awareness among library users about community-facing services could act as a hurdle to improving community health and wellbeing. Targeted engagement with residents is needed to increase awareness of libraries' services, including community interventions to help tackle loneliness and inequalities in digital and health literacy. Library staff often did not feel involved in important decision-making. Various barriers, drivers and practical recommendations were identified to leverage libraries as hubs to promote community health and wellbeing. Conclusion: Libraries already offer a variety of resources that directly or indirectly support the health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults and young people. However, public awareness of these services is limited. As we navigate post-pandemic recovery, libraries can serve as platforms for community engagement, fostering resilience, mental health support and reducing social isolation. Recognising libraries' untapped potential can lead to healthier communities and improved wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent semi-structured interviews with 28 librarians and branch managers on the placement of social workers in public libraries revealed a need for library and information science (LIS) programs to better prepare students for their role as social service information providers and to provide models for working with and supervising social workers in the library. It is clear that libraries are experiencing increasing demands to respond to the social-service information needs that users bring to the library, and the importance of libraries to communities in times of uncertainty and crisis is clear. In response, some libraries are including social workers on staff, but this trend does not completely relieve librarians of the need to serve the public's social-service information needs. LIS students need to understand the professional boundaries of librarianship and social work and to develop the ability to feel confident in their interactions with users who have been traumatized, are in crisis, or are struggling with challenges such as the need for credible health information; home and food insecurity information; legal aid; access to the Internet for individuals and families from low-income situations; accessible adult education programs; and more. Interview participants offered a number of suggestions for how to incorporate social work concepts into LIS education and asked for several specific skills such as training in mental-health first aid, de-escalation techniques, and greater knowledge of social-service resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries are increasingly trying to meet patrons' psychosocial needs, in response to shifting demographics and the changing requests of their users. These psychosocial needs include assistance with or referrals for mental health or substance misuse, physical health problems, or basic needs such as housing or financial assistance. In many cases, needs assessments are conducted before libraries begin to address psychosocial needs of patrons. Limitations of existing needs assessments include only surveying staff instead of patrons, asking about only specific needs like housing or mental health-related needs, or surveying community members who may not be actual library users. The current study fills a gap in the literature by surveying a large sample of public library patrons about their broadly defined self-identified needs and suggestions for the library to better meet their needs. Implications for public libraries are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, individuals tend to seek information about various entities through online platforms where other people share their experiences. Google Maps is one such platform that enables users to rate and review anything, including public libraries. This study aims to investigate the manner in which users of the SPS library utilize Google Maps to express their opinions about the library's services and amenities. This study utilized Google Maps as a source of data, with a data extractor being used to extract reviews. The extracted reviews were then subjected to content analysis to categorize them into different categories. Following this, a sentiment analysis was conducted to identify positive, negative, and neutral opinions about the library. The study found that users of SPS library utilized Google Maps to express their opinions about the library, with most of the reviews coming from local guides. Out of the 220 comments obtained, facilities and general aspects of the library received the most attention. Of these comments, 56% were positive, 26% were negative, and 18% were neutral. The staff and technology were the most criticized categories. None of the reviews received a response from the library authority. The study concludes that the library should actively monitor user reviews on Google Maps and other online platforms to improve their services and facilities. By doing so, the library can enhance user satisfaction and maintain a good reputation in the eyes of its users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New technologies and digital services influence the current forms of reading, and public libraries respond to these possibilities by offering new services based mainly on ebooks. The constraints resulting from the recent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic have reinforced this trend. This work introduces the development process of new library services based on open web books experimentally developed at Masaryk University and the Municipal Library of Prague. Our initial research focused on people's behavior when reading a book in a browser, on elements of user interface interactions, and the overall context of reading on different types of devices, especially mobile. Through a Research through Design approach, qualitative inquiry, and prototyping, we have identified patterns in reading behavior and library users' needs, to which we have responded by designing a new service. We converted the new service concept into interactive prototypes in the Figma tool, which we further tested and iterated. The research supports reading in the digital world and brings new information about reading behavior in the age of instant digital services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the public libraries' holdings of PreK-12 materials that could be helpful to Catholic library patrons. Topics discussed include archdiocese and libraries in the study, library holdings by publisher type and by Dewey Decimal classification, and list of titles produced by Christian publishers which were owned by at least ten libraries.

While the conditions for using libraries in South Korea are improving in terms of the concept of a 15-min city, such as the expansion of public library functions and an increase in the number of libraries, the number of users per library is declining. This phenomenon represents the necessity of advancing the understanding of library use behavior from the policy aspects of facility planning, maintenance, and management. Hence, this study analyzes the effect of library services and distance on choices regarding library use and predicted changes in library use behavior through a choice experiment and a discrete choice model. The results reveal that library services, distance, and library-use status influenced library users' and non-users' decisions regarding library use. Through predictions of library use behavior, administrative districts that provide relatively low utility are identified, and the number of library users is estimated. Considering the impact of the interaction between library services and spatial patterns on potential users, it is possible to predict different library use patterns that can help make policy decisions regarding facility planning and management. • Preferences for libraries that apply the concept of a 15-minute city are analyzed. • Potential users' choice behavior of library is economically modeled and explored. • We divided the regular library user into single, transfer, and multiple user. • Library services and spatial patterns influence decision-making on library use. • Demand is estimated considering the differences across districts in the utility provided by libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abraham Lincoln's proverbial remark concerning the definition and meaning of democracy, is equally applicable in the context of public library-it is an institution 'for the people, by the people and of the people. The District Central Libraries are an important component of the public library system in Andhra Pradesh (A.P). Being located in the district headquarters they stand as models to be emulated by other public libraries in the districts. In this era of information technology, people are quick to gather information using the internet. Therefore, there is a need to study the internet facilities of the District Central Libraries in Rayalaseema Region of Andhra Pradesh state. Because of the importance of the subject matter, the article is titled as, "Use of Internet facility by the users of District Central Libraries in Rayalaseema Region of A.P., India-A Study." The target group of this study includes library users of the central libraries in the 4 districts in Rayalaseema Region of A.P. The respondents selected as samples suggested that many aspects of the library environment are changing due to the improved technology. Data were collected by using questionnaire from 4 District Central Libraries in Rayalaseema Region of A.P. A structured questionnaire was distributed among 612 users, of whom 525 (85.78%) responded. Based on the analysis of the data collected through a structured questionnaire, inferences have been made. [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]

Over preceding years, numerous data privacy and data security-related pieces have been published - whether in news media or as stand-alone works. Patrons now - arguably more than ever - are informed about data privacy, wish to learn more about data privacy, and have expectations around data privacy. [Extracted from the article]

The world of publishing distribution has increasingly become an object of interest for both industrial production and the readers. The recent past showed that books must be selected carefully not only by bookshop managers for their buyers, but also by libraries for their users. Libraries themselves are examined in their relation with publishing distribution: the paper presents an initial analysis of the process enacted to pursue the goal that each individual title may fruitfully contribute to the growth of the whole library collection. The research considers only the acquisition of print monographs from some of the most important suppliers of both public and academic libraries; with these vendors it was possible to entertain a crucial and essential direct discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, yet few Americans test their homes for radon, particularly in rural areas. The academic team and community partners engaged the public library systems in four rural counties to offer digital radon detectors for check-out as a means of increasing the public's access to free radon testing. The check-out procedures and instructional materials were created through an iterative process, and library personnel were educated on radon and home radon testing prior to launching the lending program. Library patrons reported high usability, feasibility, and acceptability of the program. Library patron-staff interactions mainly included discussions about the logistics of radon testing. Given that public libraries are invested in making communities thrive and promoting health, providing library lending programs for radon detectors is a novel, feasible, and acceptable way to reduce the risk of lung cancer in the community. • The radon detector library loan program was designed and evaluated using citizen science methods. • The radon detector library loan program was usable, feasible and acceptable to library patrons. • Library patrons were appreciative of having access to radon detector kits at no cost. • Public libraries can serve as partners to promote the health of communities. • Radon detector loan programs are innovative and attract community members who may not have otherwise utilized the library. [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]

Meghalaya is considered as one of the beautiful places of North east India where 70% of the people are from rural areas. The paper is basically deals with the public library system of the state in where district libraries play a vital role. The paper gives emphasis to give proper information about the system and services of the district libraries of Meghalaya. The paper also throws light on ICT application and what role of ICT plays in developing the district libraries of the surveyed region. At the end, the paper tries to give some suggestions for better development of such libraries so that users are benefited with new and innovative services provided by the libraries. Finally the paper ends with a suitable conclusion which that makes the paper more meaningful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, given the global crisis generated by the new coronavirus COVID-19 that led to the installation of a global pandemic, the role of libraries, regardless of their type (public, academic, university, specialized etc.), is very important, given that they represent the main sources of trust in the distribution of verified information. The way they responded to the challenge was different from case to case. Public libraries were the first to realize that they need to find solutions to stay in touch with their users, using the new media technologies, bringing to them credible and up-to- date information on topics of interest to each citizen or for each institution. Knowing the aspects of information literacy (especially digital literacy) have proved indispensable to be able to relate in this virtual form. In this paper we want to do a research on the mechanisms identified by each type of library to come in real support of users, given that fake news has invaded social media and it has become increasingly difficult for ordinary people to assess the correctness and the veracity of the information. The analysis was performed on all 41 county libraries plus the Metropolitan Library of Bucharest, National Library of Romania, Library of the Romanian Academy, as well as on a number of university and specialized libraries, the aim being to observe their reaction capacity and adaptability in times of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many public libraries receive challenges from patrons, when patrons request that certain materials be removed or relocated through a formal process. However, many other public libraries avoid this fraught situation. The differences between these libraries is not clear--why do some libraries face patron challenges while other libraries do not? To address this question, the authors sought interviews with children's and teen librarians in public libraries who had never dealt with patron challenges. Twenty-five telephone interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed with DeDoose software, which allows for iterative team web-based coding. The qualitative coding revealed three predominant themes. Librarians discussed their collections, their patrons, and their actions as librarians in their attempts to explain their lack of challenges. We analyze these interpretations and suggest future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. are now employing or housing social workers. As this practice area grows, it is reshaping the way that libraries assist their patrons. Though the work of individual library social workers vary depending on the unique needs of their patrons and communities, there are some social work concepts that remain constant across the country. Conceiving of the library as a protective factor, particularly for vulnerable patrons, can be a helpful lens through which to view the ever changing needs of individuals and communities served by public libraries. Libraries can play a crucial role in the strengthening of their communities by partnering with local service providers and by considering ways to strengthen and expand the resources they offer to patrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of an absence of dialogue, a tense relationship appears to exist between Wisconsin's gay men's book discussion groups and their local public libraries. Public library directors express interest in accommodating these groups if approached but face budget restrictions and local communities that may oppose these gatherings; gay men's book clubs prefer meeting in private homes and other openly gay-friendly environments largely because of the conservatism of cultural institutions in their collective memories. This qualitative study argues that, with consistent dialogues, gay discussion groups can help public libraries achieve their missions of diversifying their patrons, collections, and services, and that public libraries can assist gay communities with establishing themselves in the city or county's history by hosting visible public discussions of gay texts as markers of an entire community's cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing upon findings from a national survey of U.S. public libraries, this paper examines trends in Internet and public computing access in public libraries across states from 2004 to 2006. Based on library-supplied information about levels and types of Internet and public computing access, the authors offer insights into the network-based content and services that public libraries provide. Examining data from 2004 to 2006 reveals trends and accomplishments in certain states and geographic regions. This paper details and discusses the data, identifies and analyzes issues related to Internet access, and suggests areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between OCLC Online Computer Library Center and its member institutions worldwide is formalized in the Members Council. This body, representing OCLC's constituent networks and service centers, has a key role in helping the OCLC Board of Trustees and management determine the future direction of the cooperative. Its core responsibilities include electing six trustees to the fifteen-member Board, and approving or rejecting changes to OCLC's Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations, the corporation's founding documents. The Members Council also represents the interests of libraries to OCLC. While the Board, Council, and management do not agree on all issues, their relationships are characterized by extensive interaction and mutual respect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information is a critical resource in organizational management and organizations use huge amount of information to enable solve their daily problems. The problems organizations are faced with maybe managerial, administrative or technical but no matter the nature of the problems, they can be managed properly if relevant information is provided to them at the right time and in the right form. Information is not just relevant in the personal development of individuals but also in increasing the viability of organizations. This study discovered the roles of bank libraries and the challenges they encounter with a view to determining the strategies that can be employed to manage the challenges and enhance the functions of bank libraries in Nigeria. The Central Bank of Nigeria, Enugu branch Library was the case study for this work. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Enugu branch library, identify the nature of resources found in them, identify the users perception of the library, investigate the challenges facing the library and also, proffer strategies that can help improve the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Enugu branch library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unconventional libraries have emerged as a result of initiatives by individuals, NGOs or other types of organizations in order to facilitate access to reading in a different context from the traditional, institutional one. In most cases, these are public access libraries consisting of collections of print books for borrowing available in unconventional spaces (cafes, malls, hotels, outdoors, etc.) or as itinerant collections. Their main function is not to preserve their collections, but to make them more accessible and more attractive to users. Unconventional libraries can be an alternative to the collections and services of conventional libraries but also a unique solution, when serving certain disadvantaged users in terms of access to conventional libraries. The authors propose a division of unconventional libraries into three categories - libraries organized in unconventional spaces, mobile libraries and micro libraries - and present examples of unconventional libraries in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Medgidia City Library was established in 1949 with a collection of publications consisting of donations from other libraries, mostly brochures. Currently, the institution is the most important public library in the city, with a rich cultural tradition, with over 75,000 encyclopedic book volumes and collections of periodicals, organized according to library standards. The library is also a center for information, professional and intellectual training of community members. The author makes a brief historical and social journey of the library in its 50 years of existence, presenting the most important activities and events carried out or organized by it from its establishment until 2019. Throughout 2019, the library has hosted numerous symposia, book launches and courses, offering readers in Medgidia and implicitly library users, the opportunity to meet prestigious writers. Over the years, the threshold of the library has been crossed by great writers: Mihail Sadoveanu, Tudor Arghezi, Corneliu Leu, Francisc Munteanu, Cristian Teodorescu, as well as by personalities from Medgidia, which confirms that in Constanța County, it was and will remain one of the best equipped and appreciated local libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Cuba, there is little qualitative research in the context of public libraries. Incidentally, the research group Public Library and community turns its attention to the development of transformative qualitative research. The result of two of his most recent research focuses on the discourses of the participants. These are the discourses of workers of municipal public libraries of «La Lisa» and «Habana del Este» and members of their communities. The discourses revolve around the functions of these libraries, services and activities in their communities. Also, allow to notice the importance of the performance of these social institutions. The methods and techniques of research are discourse analysis and content analysis, and indepth interviews, focus groups, participant observation and social mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the specific target groups for vocational training. The focus is on the satisfaction with the libraries' offers and on possible services to increase their attractiveness and thereby strengthen the role of Berlin's public libraries as educational agents for those who left school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries offer easy, free access to information, education and entertainment to individuals from all sections of society. Today, their offers play an important role in promoting and supporting media competence. This article examines how well libraries enable immobile persons and inhabitants of less developed areas to take part in society, based on the results of the study 'Use monitoring for public libraries', a project of the Berlin public libraries (NuMoB study). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public library value is often ascertained by outlining the economic, social, and cultural benefits public libraries generate for the greater community. While researchers have focused on the concepts of social capital, civic engagement, and the role of libraries in promoting democracy, fewer studies have explored the public’s perceptions of libraries in an effort to determine library value. Furthermore, library nonusers are rarely included in these studies. In Alberta, Canada, 1,201 Albertans from across the province, including both urban and rural areas, were asked a series of questions about their perceptions of public libraries and library use. Findings reveal characteristics of library users and nonusers, what services and resources are used most often at public libraries, what value the public places on public libraries, and the role that libraries play in supporting communities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As part of the Alliance for Lifelong Learning the state of Baden-Württemberg promotes innovative forms of training and provides, among other things, a virtual learning environment based on ILIAS (German for 'Integrated Learning, Information and Work Cooperation System'). On that basis the public library of Ludwigsburg has designed its own learning platform which is adapted to its individual needs. Since mid-July 2013, library users have been able to gain access to language, business and computer courses with a valid library card, regardless of time and location. The article describes the framework of the Ludwigsburg project and gives an insight into its latest developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses hypotheses why women librarians are particularly resistant to and critical of new forms of culture and learning that young visitors of libraries find attractive. Based on several enquiries, the author concludes that libraries in France remain a feminine world which tends to be closed to intermixing sexual, ethnic and social barriers. She describes women's reaction to young people - qualified as 'non-readers', 'visitors', or 'tourists' - who prefer libraries with coffee shops, DVD rentals and internet services. Male teenagers legitimately find traditional libraries gloomy, and female librarians are particularly critical about their behaviour and preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the introductory part of this paper we give different definitions of public relations activities and a brief overview of the ways this activity is performed in Serbian libraries. In Serbia, only the National Library of Serbia has a special department for public relations; none of the libraries have engaged a professional agency for these tasks, and only a few of them have planned, in their job systematization, position of one or (rarely) more than one person who should, in addition to their other duties, deal with public relations. In the main part of the paper we present the organizational model and methodology in the field of public relations of the Belgrade City Library, in order to enable interested colleagues - in libraries that still do not have any or have a poorly developed PR strategy - to obtain guidelines for its development. The work does not consider all the relationships that this public library establishes with the target groups, but focuses on two of them which are, according to the author, the most important ones: the media and the active and potential library users. In the Belgrade City Library the Cultural Programs Department is in charge of public relations, therefore the paper describes mainly the activities of this department. Although public relations in the Belgrade City Library is rather developed, there is a need for its further improvement. The key measures that should be implemented in this regard are as follows: development of a long-term PR plan, analyzing appearances of the Library in the media, intensification of work in promoting the municipal libraries and branches, intensification of relations with politicians and sponsors, improvement of internal communication - informing all the employees about the current activities and long-term plans of the Library, organization of training in the field of internal and external communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the way that Scottish public library authorities are implementing filtering software as a public access internet management tool. The aim of the study is to determine the extent to which filtering systems are used as a public access internet management tool and to examine the nature of this implementation. This constitutes an analysis of the actual policies and procedures in place within each library authority to manage public access to the internet. Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilizes a literature review and an analysis of data supplied by the public library services. The data required was gathered through Freedom of Information requests sent to all Scottish public library authorities. Findings – A total of 31 of the 32 public library services operating within the 32 Scottish local authorities utilized some form of filtering software to control internet access. The main justifications cited for this were to prevent access to illegal or inappropriate materials; however it was found that in the majority of cases the decision to implement the software was not made by the management of the library but external IT staff. This raises major issues related to the historical role of the librarian as selector of content for their community. Research limitations/implications – The paper presents results from a subset of local authorities in the UK, thus cannot claim to be anything more than indicative of the geographic sample. Practical implications – The findings can help inform the rationale utilized by public library services in implementing filtering policies. Originality/value – This paper is the only paper to directly address the issue of internet filtering in all public libraries in Scotland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance for libraries to provide materials that will serve teen patrons. It mentions the need for libraries to provide for the teen community since they are still young and they can be influenced to use the library and its facilities. It is noted that challenges are presented to librarians since teenagers have different tastes, ideas and have varied attention interests. Also noted is the importance for libraries to be comfortable and accessible to technology.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to emphasize some of the qualitative results from the data collection throughout the second year of the Biblionet Program in Romania. Design/methodology/approach – Concentrated here are the conclusions drawn from reports of the County Coordinators, online questionnaires, quantitative and qualitative research reports, and information from colleagues in the Biblionet team. Findings – The results and findings have been grouped under the four key objectives of the Biblionet Programme: the citizens' information needs are better fulfilled with the help of public libraries; librarians provide better services to communities; for the National Association of Librarians and Public Libraries in Romania (ANBPR) to improve its capacity to provide services to members; and public authorities to increase their support for library development. Originality/value – A wide range of improvement examples are provided that can be easily transferred to other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A homeless man's lawsuit against a public library went to federal court 20 years ago, leaving a legacy of constitutional law that balances the rights of library customers against the responsibilities of library administrators. The case, Kreimer v. Bureau of Police, has come to stand for the proposition that there is a First Amendment right to receive information. A corollary of this principle is that a library can violate the Constitution if it unfairly expels a customer. At the same time, however, the court recognized that appropriate conduct is essential for the operation of a public library. For this reason, the Kreimer case established that library administrators can and should adopt behavior policies that allow all members of the public to use the library. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose – While the great recession may have concluded more than a year ago, the lingering effects of state and local budget contraction and austerity are having a highly negative impact on libraries and librarians. The future for publicly funded libraries as institutions that promote learning, literacy, knowledge creation and entertainment is increasingly doubtful as publicly funded libraries across the country are seeing unprecedented levels of budget cuts. While the immediate cause of such reduced funding seems rooted in budgetary pressures, the reality is that library financial support is traditionally premised upon a publicly held assumption of goodwill for libraries and the societal benefits they represent. In order for libraries to survive the economic downturn and austerity measures put in place by government budgets, they need to rethink the role, purpose and benefits of library marketing in favor of a more sophisticated approach that conveys the unique value of their library and its offering to their specific user population. This paper aims to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach – Informed by the author's extensive experience in marketing information services, the paper discusses the current trends in library marketing, especially those aimed at conveying the value of libraries, and ties them to relevant scholarship in the areas of services marketing and value creation. Findings – Assumed goodwill is inadequate to the task of competing for financial support in a post-recessionary environment where expenditure of public funds is highly scrutinized. In order to survive long term, libraries of all kinds must take on a more sophisticated view of library marketing that focuses on value creation. Eliminating the old model of presumptive value in favor of one that utilizes the marketing process in order to communicate the competitive viability of libraries as place and content providers to their users in the form of targeted benefits that convey value, is critical. Simply put, if libraries hope to receive continued support in today's challenging fiscal climate they must elevate marketing to a critical operational function while focusing that marketing effort upon communicating the library's benefits and value to the users it serves. Practical implications – As a librarian, adjunct professor of marketing and former sales and marketing manager for a large information company, the author relies on his years of experience to convey a more purposeful sense of library marketing that is directed at communicating a library's unique value or worth to its users based upon an understanding of their needs, the benefits to them specifically as well as the competing options available to them in terms of information acquisition. Originality/value – The paper shares specific ideas regarding the purpose, role and benefits of library marketing that are connected to improving perceptions of the worth of libraries and the perception of value to a specific community as a means of engendering future support for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has established international standards for website accessibility which attempt to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to use materials published on the World Wide Web (Web). This article provides a summation of the research conducted into the accessibility of public library websites in Western Australia. A discussion is provided of the website audit methods used and results obtained. The research demonstrates the level of compliance with Australian and International standards as well as results of surveys used to determine the perceived willingness to comply with those standards, barriers to compliance and benefits of an accessible website. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries collect personal information from users and link that information to internal library records. Although they fiercely protect the privacy of their patrons, libraries cannot ensure that personal information will remain confidential. Patrons must therefore have sufficient information to make informed decisions about release of personal data. Privacy notices are the accepted mechanism for providing this information. Our study demonstrates, however, that Ontario public libraries rarely provide notice to patrons regarding information collection and use. Smaller libraries and those without MLS-trained staff are less likely to provide notice, suggesting that resources and/or staff training may contribute to this lack. We suggest that national or provincial organizations may want to support libraries in the development of privacy policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper details three projects utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) in the assessment of public libraries. The benefits of GIS include the abilities to generate maps to convey more information than through other means and to allow for spatial analysis of library services. This paper includes specific examples of uses implemented by the authors. GIS allowed the authors to display data related to library service and identify various disparities across service areas. In addition, this paper discusses practical issues of GIS for library researchers and practitioners based upon the knowledge gained through the development of the three GIS projects discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on how Nigeria provides public library service to rural areas. It mentions the intention of librarians to improve access to information and offer satisfaction to users. It offers information on the development of public library services in the country. It also talks about the introduction of the bookmobile service in the country.

A survey of 4,032 youth in grades 5 through 12 was conducted to determine the impact youth's use of the Internet was having on their use of the public library. Results indicated that 100% of the youth had access to the Internet from one or more locations, and that although one quarter of the youth accessed the Internet at the public library, the public library was the least frequently used source of Internet access. For youth without Internet access at home, the public library was also the least used alternate source of access. Approximately 69% of the youth reported that they had visited a public library during the school year. Having Internet access at home did not affect whether or not youth visited the library however, Internet access at home appears to have affected the frequency with which youth visit the library. Youth without Internet access at home visited the library more frequently, whereas youth with Internet access at home visited the library less frequently. Use of the Internet also appeared to have diminished youth's need to use the public library as a source of personal information however, use of the Internet appeared not to have affected their use of the public library for school work or for recreation. Among youth, use of both the Internet and the public library appear to be complementary activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — Aims to focus on the issue of value in libraries. Design/methodology/approach — Draws from research conducted to set up a conservative transportable cost-benefit analysis (CBA) methodology that could be applied to public libraries. The paper discusses the CBA-survey participant comments draws out the value themes that interviewees talked about as they answered various questions. Findings — There is a huge tendency in North America to talk about libraries as if they are secular churches and to impute spiritual values to them. This paper suggests that while library users may hold such feelings, that is not the first line of reasons for why they use their library. Originality/value — Shows how library communications needs to be framed in the practical as well as the ethereal, the practical along with the ideal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]