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Hear from a public library director of a small library in Michigan. The author assumed the role as a first-time library director. This column explores the opportunities and challenges of taking on a directorship of a small public library. An emphasis on customer service and building the library into a community player is a key theme. The library's relationship to the city and other city departments is also discussed. Leading a public library through the COVID pandemic is touched on as well. This column is a glimpse into the operation of municipal government and public libraries. Smaller public libraries are special places in a community and this column helps you understand how they function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research scrutinizes the instrumental contributions of public libraries in augmenting community resilience. The study deploys a methodological framework predicated on comprehensive literature examination and empirical investigation by focusing on the National Taiwan Library and the New Taipei City Library as paradigmatic instances. Employing a multi-layered approach of case studies and in-depth interviews with various library staff, the study aims to (1) formulate a nascent conceptual architecture of community resilience, (2) identify the multifaceted strategies public libraries employ to bolster resilience, and (3) articulate specific functional roles libraries execute in this resilience ecosystem. Empirical data coalesce into six salient categories: (1) Knowledge Curation, Skill Development, and Lifelong Learning; (2) Community Network Dynamics; (3) Human-Place Connections; (4) Infrastructure and Foundational Resources; (5) Innovation and Diversification; and (6) Public-Governmental Interface. Libraries surface as agile orchestrators in intricate socio-environmental nexuses, utilizing adaptive service models that leverage emergent community networks, enhancing intrinsic and extrinsic resilience. The roles libraries fulfill in community systems are manifold: they act as (1) Adaptive Sustainers in volatile conditions, (2) Socio-Organizational Mediators in community networking, (3) Stewards of Cultural Integrity, (4) Facilitators of Inclusive Information Access, and (5) Navigators in Collaboration with governmental and social entities. The findings contribute rich scholarly and practical perspectives on how public institutions fortify socio-ecological resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Academic Library & Information Science is the property of Anhui University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Álabe is the property of Alabe and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This essay examines the relevance of the public library as a physical space within the context of the digital age. Given the predictions of its little relevance, the essay emphasizes the role of the agents or actors of the library project as the main mission of this institution aimed at the development of communities. The metaphor of the library as a laboratory is supported by the exercise of human libraries as the opposite extreme of the traditional version of a repository. The diversity and constant change of symbolic structures, including libraries, lead to a deterritorialization of their borders in a cartographic figuration that addresses their nomadic character as an expression of their critical and creative power in the field of political construction of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legislation pertaining to public libraries is a helpful instrument for attaining state-mandated library services, financial support, resource and network sharing among libraries, and administrative effectiveness. In order to better understand the history of Public Libraries Acts in the Southern Indian states, this paper looks at a number of public library development aspects. Another focal point of the study is a comparative analysis of the provision of involvement of Local Library Authorities as well as their role and governance model in the Southern Indian states of India. The current work is based on data gathered from primary and secondary sources. To study the Public Libraries Acts of the southern states of India, the respective state government's gazetteer notification and website of RRRLF were used as sources for data collection. The study has extensively analyzed the Local Library Authorities of Public Libraries Acts of South Indian States and made a comparative study among the different elements of the Local Library Authorities of the Public Libraries Acts. The study finds out that Kerala state has taken several distinctive steps in the development of its Local Library Authorities, including the establishment of block-level libraries. The study reveals that the local community and the Local Library Authorities have a tight relationship and are mutually fulfilling their objectives. Despite having sufficient provision for engagement of Local Library Authorities in the Public Libraries Act of the southern states, there is still debate about the proper implementation of the Acts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, in response to the trend of population aging, focuses on 32 older adults aged 55 and above as the research subjects. It selects the new main branch of the Taoyuan Public Library as the research setting. Through field observation and semi-structured interviews, the study explores how older adults use the library’s space and facilities, as well as their thoughts and suggestions after using the Taoyuan Public Library. The findings reveal that older adults pay attention to how the library space affects them in three aspects: physical, psychological, and social. Each aspect demonstrates unique needs. Physically, concerns include sensitivity to light reflection, mobility issues due to knee deterioration, and memory decline. Psychologically, issues such as a need for privacy, a sense of security, awareness of others’ perceptions, and valuing a quiet reading environment are highlighted. Socially, preferences include enjoying areas designated for social interaction like board games, not being bothered by children’s noise, and spaces for interactive activities such as intergenerational reading between grandparents and grandchildren. Finally, the study offers specific recommendations and future outlooks based on post-visit evaluations of the research case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is a crucial period for developing abilities necessary for future success. This study focuses on Teen Spaces in public libraries as an environment where adolescents can develop diverse future visions tailored to their personalities. We aim to identify environmental planning factors that influence adolescents’ preference for Teen Spaces, to create dedicated spaces supporting healthy growth. A survey of 234 adolescents using public libraries was conducted to derive key environmental planning factors. Linear regression analysis revealed that “creativity support”, “amenity support”, and “learning support” significantly influenced adolescents’ preference for Teen Spaces. Interestingly, adolescents with prior experience of youth spaces were additionally influenced by “universal design support”, while those without experience were affected by “safety support”, “leisure support”, and “openness support”. The findings suggst that improving Teen Spaces in public libraries, considering these factors and the segmented characteristics of adolescents, can positively impact their growth and future development. This research contributes to ongoing efforts to create supportive environments for adolescents in public libraries, emphasizing the need for spaces that foster diverse future visions and support individual growth trajectories.

This study aims to provide essential data for the interior design program of new public libraries in Dubai by investigating user satisfaction with interior space characteristics. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted among users of six public libraries in Dubai, and self-filling questionnaires of 42 questions were collected from 280 participants. The survey findings indicate that public libraries in Dubai are mainly used for educational purposes, with differences in space usage patterns among age groups. Those in their teens and twenties mainly used the General Reading Room, the Cultural Data Room by those in their thirties, and the Electronic Information Room by those in their forties and older. Users’ satisfaction with public library spaces differed based on gender and age groups. Men expressed higher satisfaction levels than women, and the Electronic Information Room received the highest satisfaction rating. The General Reading Room and Cultural Data Room had the least satisfactory interior design, while satisfaction with the Electronic Information Room was relatively high. The survey also revealed that users’ furniture arrangement preferences varied, with most students favoring the face-to-face seating arrangement. The study findings can serve as primary data for creating new public libraries in Dubai that cater to diverse user perspectives and requirements. However, further research is needed to obtain more in-depth insights, such as increasing the number of cases and conducting user interviews based on gender, profession, and age.

Augmented reality (AR) applications are getting popular since they integrate the real world and the virtual world. This paper focusses on AR applications for public and scientific libraries. There exist some projects and sample implementations of AR apps specially designed for libraries, but they are seldom found in practice. To identify whether there is potential for AR apps to be applied in libraries, the results of a qualitative study that has been performed among librarians working in public and scientific libraries in Austria and experts in augmented reality are presented. Searching for media, navigating to the correct location and displaying ancillary information, like ratings, reviews, secondary media, links, etc., has the highest potential for users according to the experts. AR apps for maintaining the bookshelfs of a library provide real benefit for librarians and are awarded high potential as well. Guided tours through libraries using AR-based apps lightens the load of the librarians to introduce new users to the library. The feasibility of an AR app for a library is demonstrated by introducing a prototype that supports library users with additional information on media and the library itself.

Citizen science (CS) is a set of practices for organizing scientific research in a wide range of thematic areas using volunteers at various stages of the research process, them being not professional scientists. The article analyzes the activities of foreign libraries in order to implement CS projects. Both academic, research and public libraries abroad are involved in CS. Libraries (as well as archives and museums) are implementing crowdsourcing projects to create digital collections. Libraries help their readers who have decided to become volunteers navigate CS information resources on the Internet; create on their websites guidelines for using the necessary equipment and software to carry out CS projects; advertise, discuss, visualize and place in repositories the data collected by volunteers for such projects.

Public libraries and public spheres have been widely studied over the past three decades. In recent years, several studies have comprehensively reviewed past research results to reveal the main issues, concerns, and research topics in the field of public libraries and public spheres. These studies have elucidated that the research theme of public libraries as a ‘meeting place’ has received increasing attention. They also noted the need for quantitative approaches in this field. Addressing this requirement, we conducted quantitative topic modelling using latent Dirichlet allocation and established an overview of research topics in the literature related to public libraries as public spheres. The following four periods emerged: first period (1993–2003), second period (2004–2010), third period (2011–2015), and fourth period (2016–2022). By analysing a cross-section of research topics from all periods, we elucidated the transitions of research themes developed in the research field. In addition, our comparison of topic model maps and topics over the years revealed that research topics appear to have become increasingly complex. Research topics on meeting places in public libraries have emerged continually and changed over time, covering (1) places for individual civic group activities, (2) public spaces where patrons face diversity and pluralism, (3) community spaces where patrons foster social trust, and (4) social spaces where patrons build social capital in the community. This result indicates that the research on public libraries as public spheres has gradually developed based on these venues being meeting places and will continue to progress.

Copyright of Journal of Academic Library & Information Science is the property of Anhui University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this research was to identify and rank social factors effective in transforming Iran's public libraries into social centers and develop a conceptual model. This is a mixed research conducted with a systematic grounded theory approach. Four effective community factors in transforming public libraries into community centers were identified: 1. promotion of social activities, 2. participation of public groups, 3. awareness of the community situation, and 4. promotion of community skills. By applying the theory of the public sphere, public libraries can inform people about government decisions and facilitate public debate between the government and citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The popularity of Japanese animation (anime) has increased worldwide in recent years. The paper aims to represent an anime club as an opportunity for public libraries to draw in young fans by offering them a place where they can exchange experiences and find like-minded peers. It reflects on the definition of anime and the reasons for its popularity, offers an insight into possible ways of using anime in public libraries and presents a case study of a successful anime club. Methodology: This case study investigates the role of an Anime Club for High Schoolers in attracting an often hard-to-reach user group of adolescents back to public libraries. The observed anime club is specific for adopting a book club structure. To answer the questions how and why this worked, data had been collected through archival record research and observation with participation during two program years (from October 2021 to July 2023). Findings: Despite the difficulties due to epidemiological measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, 20 teenagers joined the club: 7 individuals per session on average and 8 adolescents regularly attending meetings held twice a month. During the second year, even more participants regularly attended individual meetings. The club managed to gather an interested, engaged and positive community, whose members then started participating in other library programs. Applicability: The work showcases anime clubs as effective and valuable means for public libraries worldwide to attract young fans by offering them a place to cultivate their interests. It can serve librarians as an incentive for the development of a similar activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ABI Technik is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study examines e-lending dynamics in Scandinavian public libraries, by exploring the relationship between libraries and publishing houses. We ask how representatives of both fields perceive the public library’s role. Public libraries and publishers have traditionally served different roles in the book sphere: the library as a key cultural policy institution providing access to information and culture, and the publishers as involved in the production of books, operating on commercial premises. This relationship is affected by the change from ownership to licensing of digital book collections, which occurs along with changes on the national book markets. As a theoretical and analytical tool, the study uses the institutional logics perspective to explore the relations between different perceptions. We argue that this relationship can be illuminated through the dynamics of public service logic, market logic and digital logic. The study is empirically based on 26 in-depth interviews interviews with representatives of Danish, Norwegian and Swedish major libraries and trade publishers. Findings indicate that the relationship is nuanced and multifaceted, more than if it relied on a simple opposition between the public and the market. Both libraries and publishers share a common understanding of public service and market logics; however, they differ in perceptions of library’s role which is amplified by digital logic. The study also indicates that e-lending dynamics are influenced by cultural policies but with different outcomes in the three countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the reading habits of adult readers and use of library resources and services of Kotahena Public Library, Colombo: Sri Lanka. Readers who come to the library have different reading habits. Libraries are assisting in providing the right information to the right users, right format at the right time. This study was conducted using a survey method and adopted a deductive approach. Structured questionnaires through Google Forms were used to collect data. Questionnaires were distributed through WhatsApp to 80 respondents which covers the total population. The study found that reading has improved the lives of readers. Primary data was used for the conducted research. Data was collected through the questionnaire from two main questions and collected data was analyzed using quantitative techniques. The study found that adults' purposes, types of reading materials and time, allocation, place, language for reading by adult users that visiting the Kotahena Public Library. Findings of the study can be used to reinforce the services with which the users were satisfied, focus on services that need more improvement according to user concerns, and to take steps for resolution of identified problems to gain users' satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vorgängerin der heutigen Stadt- und Landesbibliothek Potsdam war in der DDR die Wissenschaftliche Allgemeinbibliothek. Sie galt in der DDR als Vorbild und folgte mit ihrer Doppelfunktion als wissenschaftlicher und Öffentlicher Bibliothek dem Muster der public library, wenn auch im Rahmen der Zensurvorgaben der DDR. Nach der Wende blieb diese Doppelfunktion, in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland ungewöhnlich, erhalten. Der Beitrag berichtet vom kurvenreichen und nicht einfachen Weg, von kontroversen Debatten begleitet, über die Wendezeit bis zur Konsolidierung und Sicherung mit dem im Jahr 2013 eröffneten Neubau. The predecessor of today's Potsdam Municipal and Regional Library was the GDR's Wissenschaftliche Allgemeinbibliothek ('General Academic Library'). It was considered as a role model in eastern Germany and, with its dual function as an academic and public library, followed the public library model, albeit within the framework of the GDR's censorship guidelines. After the fall of the East German regime, this dual function, though unusual in the Federal Republic of Germany, was preserved. The article reports on the winding and challenging path, accompanied by controversial debates, during the period of reunification leading to the library's consolidation in the new building, which opened in 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telehealth services are a growing aspect of the US healthcare delivery system. Some rural patients, however, lack proper internet speed in their home to access telehealth services and need alternative telehealth access points. Public libraries can be an alternative telehealth access point due to their access to high-speed internet services; however, these programs often experience limited success due to a lack of planning with community health providers and local health organizations. This article describes a novel workbook that guides public libraries to collaborate with community stakeholders when considering the implementation of telehealth services. Development of the workbook leveraged expertise of library and public health professionals. The workbook is currently free to download and updated versions will be available as more knowledge is gained in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate the present scenario of social media-based public library services in Bangladesh and develop a model plan to popularize these services among the user community. A semi-structured interview questionnaire was used to collect responses from the representatives of public libraries. Findings indicated that while there is a growing trend of using social media for community engagement in public libraries in Bangladesh, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed. The study also identified several opportunities for public libraries to use social media to better engage with their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim of this paper is to present the experiences of a reading group and its ten-year development across two locations, at the Prečko library and the Staglišće library. The emphasis is on a specific type of activity in public libraries - reading clubs, and the possibilities that such programs offer to participants. Approach. The paper begins by reflecting on reading as an important activity in our experience and understanding of the world. In the second part of the paper, the essential and irreplaceable connection between books and libraries is highlighted, as well as the importance of reading and reading clubs as part of the work of public libraries. Paper also presents activities and characteristics of a specific reading group. Results. Author points out the cognitive and qualitative enrichment that reading brings as an activity and identify quantitative elements that show that interest in books and reading still persists. The number of participants in the reading group at the Prečko library has grown from a handful in 2013 to over 20 participants in 2024 at the Staglišće Library. An important aspect is that the original members stayed active while moving the reading group to new location, which attracted new members and still continues to grow. Practical application. As there is continuous interest in reading meeting, some of the experiences shared in this text may serve as inspiration for establishing new reading groups or developing new ideas within existing ones. The discussion about books finds its natural place, and thus its practical application, precisely within the library space. Originality/Value. The paper provides an overview of the development of a reading group during its ten-year existence. It aims to emphasize the importance of reading for both participants and the facilitators of reading clubs, who, through this type of activity, intertwine contemplation and action, vita contemplativa and vita activa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The paper presents evaluation of the e-book collection in the Zagreb City Libraries with the objective of analyzing the current state of the collection, determining what are the strengths and the weaknesses of the collection, as well as exploring potential development of the e-book lending services in the future. Approach/Methodology. The evaluation was carried out using a method of partial quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the collection by analyzing data available from the ZaKi library system. The research was based on six assumptions, which were either confirmed or disputed through data analysis. Results. Quantitative analysis of the collection and its circulation highlighted both strengths and weaknesses, while the qualitative analysis showed collection relevance. The research results confirmed four assumptions, challenged one, and one assumption could neither be confirmed nor challenged. The obtained and analyzed data provide valuable information for further development of the e-book lending service. Originality/Value. The described methods and analysis can serve to libraries that have e-book collections as a possible model for partial evaluation, and it can encourage libraries that do not provide this type of service to consider the possible need to introduce this service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patron-perpetrated sexual harassment (PPSH) toward librarians is an under-researched area of sexual harassment studies and library studies. This study is the first on PPSH toward librarians in the United Kingdom and focuses on public librarians. 143 UK public librarians were surveyed about their experiences of PPSH over the past five years. Respondents had experienced 14 of the 16 sexual harassment behaviors in the survey, and 81.8% of respondents experienced at least one form of PPSH. Respondents' age, gender, and ethnicity were also considered in relation to their experiences of PPSH. This study provides recommendations for the profession and future researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to identify, categorize and analyze the components of social responsibility in Iranian public libraries. Specifically, it seeks to determine the extent to which these components are realized within Iranian public libraries. Methodology: This research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. In the qualitative phase, through a review of English-language research articles, the components of social responsibility in public libraries were identified and categorized into 5 primary dimensions and 11 sub-categories. A conceptual model was designed using a concept sorting method. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was developed based on the identified components. Content validity was established using the Content Validity Index (CVI), with a mean CVI of .80 per item. Reliability was assessed through the split-half method, yielding a Spearman-Brown coefficient of .891. Data collection occurred between January 2023 - June 2023. The sample size was calculated to be approximately 160 participants using Cochran's formula. Then, a systematic sampling technique was employed to select 80 participants from Hosseiniyeh Ershad Library and another 80 from Park-e Shahr Library, both located in Teh-ran. Data collection spanned a period of 45 days. For data analysis, a variety of statistical tests were utilized, including binomial tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and structural equation modeling. Findings: The study revealed a complex structure of social responsibility in public libraries, composed of five primary dimensions and eleven secondary dimensions. These dimensions include popularization of critical rationality, encompassing critical thinking and historical awareness; responsiveness, characterized by reasoned argumentation and a commitment to justice; dialogical rationality, emphasizing freedom of expression and inclusive dialogue; social inspiration, fostering social art and literature; and socialization, promoting privacy, community integration, and public awareness. The findings indicated a general gap between the expected and actual levels of social responsibility in the studied libraries. While no significant differences were observed between the responses of users from the two libraries, demographic factors such as age and income influenced perceptions of social responsibility. Younger individuals (aged 31-40) were less likely to perceive social inspiration as fulfilled, while those with higher incomes (10-15 million Tomans per month) reported lower levels of satisfaction in critical rationality, social inspiration and socialization. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that the paths of critical rationality, social inspiration, and socialization were the only significant paths in the model, meaning that dialogical rationality is a factor influencing social inspiration, and the combined effect of these two factors influences socialization. Furthermore, dialogical rationality had the most powerful indirect effect on socialization, suggesting that popularization of dialogical rationality is the most prioritized social responsibility of public libraries. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the components of social responsibility in public libraries. Additionally, it highlights the significance of dialogic rationality in achieving the broader goals of social responsibility within these institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Yearbook for Dutch Book History / Jaarboek voor Nederlandse Boekgeschiedenis is the property of Amsterdam University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’de belediyecilik geleneğinin köklü geçmişinin olduğu İzmir’in merkez ilçelerinde yerel yönetimlerin sorumluluğunda çocuklara hizmet veren halk kütüphanelerinin seçmen kimliği ile kullanıcılarda yarattığı memnuniyet düzeyi ve söz konusu memnuniyetin seçmen tercihlerine etkisinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Çocuklar ile ebeveynlerinin kütüphane ve hizmetlerine ilişkin yaklaşımlarındaki farklılıklar ve memnuniyetleri arasında anlamlı bir ilişkinin var olup olmadığını serimlemek, araştırmanın bütünleyici hedefidir. Yöntem: Araştırmada yerel yönetimlerin kütüphane hizmetleri ile söz konusu hizmet yelpazesinde çocuklara yönelik hizmetlerin önemi ve etki alanının ele alındığı genel değerlendirme ve kavramsal arka planın kurgulandığı bölümlerinde betimleme yönteminden yararlanılmıştır. 5-15 yaş arası çocuklara yönelik hizmetlerin çocuklar ve aileleri üzerinde yarattığı algı ile bu algının seçmen kimliği ile ailelerin tercihlerine etkisinin ortaya konulmasında ise anket tekniğinden yararlanılmıştır. Bu bağlamda, aynı zamanda çocuklara yönelik hizmetleriyle de ön plana çıkan İzmir’in merkez ilçelerinden nüfus dağılımı dikkate alınarak ve basit rastgele seçilen katılımcılara yapılandırılmış sorular yöneltilerek anket uygulanmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında 403 çocuk ve 5-15 yaş arası en az bir çocuğu olan 806 ebeveynle görüşülmüş ve anketi yanıtlamaları istenmiştir. Bulgular: Katılımcı olarak rastgele seçilen çocuklar ve ebeveynleri ile yapılan anket uygulamasından derlenen veriler, çalışmanın amaç ve hipotezine uygun olarak incelenmiş ve analiz edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgulara göre, araştırmaya katılan çocukların belediyelerin verdiği kütüphane hizmetlerinden genel olarak memnun oldukları, bununla birlikte ailelerin kütüphanelerin hizmetleri konusunda yeteri kadar bilgilendirilmediklerini düşündükleri tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç: Ankete verilen yanıtların analizi ve çalışmanın amacı ile ilişkilendirilmesinden, çocukların kütüphane hizmetlerinden tam bir bilinçlilik hali ile yararlanmadıkları, ailelerin ise sunulan kütüphanene hizmetlerini temel belediyecilik hizmeti olarak gördükleri ve bu noktadaki algılarının seçmen olarak oy tercihini belirleme potansiyeline sahip olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Özgünlük: Halk kütüphanesi hizmetlerinin yerel yönetim eliyle mi yoksa merkezi yönetimle mi daha başarılı olacağı sorgusunun yanıtının hala yüksek sesle tartışıldığı ülkemizde soruna seçmenlerin gözünden ve seçmenlerin çocuklarına yönelik duyarlılıkları üzerinden yaklaşan çalışma, bu yönü ve kapsayıcılığı ile ulusal literatür için bir ilktir. Kullanıcı memnuniyetinin çocuklar ve ebeveynleri için ayrı ancak aynı anda ölçüldüğü ve seçmenin oy tercihindeki yönelimin söz konusu memnuniyet algısına bağlı olarak sorgulandığı araştırmanın bu açıdan da disiplinin tüm paydaşları için anlamlı olduğu değerlendirilmektedir.

Purpose: The aim of this research was to analyze the spatial distribution of current libraries and the optimal distribution of libraries in the future in Rasht city. Methodology: In this research, the data of Rasht's existing libraries, statistical blocks of the 2015 census of the Rasht, and Rasht's spatial data were used in shape file format. This research was conducted based on the instructions of the Iran Public Libraries Foundation, 2017. Spatial statistics analysis has been used to investigate the spatial distribution of existing libraries and network analysis has also been used to determine the service range of libraries. Finally, VIKOR decision-making model was used to prioritize future service areas. Findings: The values ​​of the tests show the significance of cluster distribution of libraries in Rasht city, which indicates heterogeneous distribution based on population or distance from population centers. In fact, the distribution of libraries in Rasht is not suitable and they are mostly concentrated in the city center. There are few libraries in the south, west and north of Rasht city. Based on the criteria of distance and population for existing libraries, 4 service areas were determined (due to the proximity of some libraries to each other, their service areas were merged with each other). Considering the population of Rasht city, there is 14,991 square meters lack of library infrastructure to reach the access standard in this city. The existing libraries cover only 163,633 people (equivalent to 24.2%) of Rasht’s population, and with the development of about 3500 square meters of library space at the available libraries, 32.4% of Rasht's population will be covered by library services. By conducting network analysis and applying distance and population filters, twenty future service areas in Rasht city were proposed to cover the population of Rasht city in the most equitable way. These twenty areas will cover 442,575 people of the population of Rasht city, which includes 65.3% of the population of Rasht, and if they are realized and the infrastructure level of the current libraries is increased, a total of 661,943 people (97.7%) of the population of Rasht city will be covered by public libraries services. In determining the priority of the future service areas, the population is more important than the distance, and respectively, the areas with the largest population in the south, west, north and northeast of Rasht city are in the first six priorities for the construction of new libraries, and marginal areas in the north of Rasht is the last priority due to its lower population and proximity to existing libraries. 2.3% of the population of Rasht, including 15,322 people do not have the necessary population and distance criteria, and currently it is not possible to propose the establishment of a new library for them, who are mainly located in the south of Rasht city. Originality/value: Conducting land use planning researches is the basis of future planning. Lack of this type of studies and lack of foresight will lead to waste of resources and duplication in different projects. According to the basic criteria, this research has determined the amount of library infrastructure based on the population, the amount needed to increase the infrastructure of existing libraries and also the number and area of ​​new libraries in order to cover the needs of the population of Rasht city. By doing it, libraries can be expanded in principle in Rasht and new libraries can be established at the right areas of the city.

For more than three years, the City Library in Frankfurt has been offering new library users an online card application service without media discontinuity. In 2022, it was extended to include online renewing of the library card, followed by ePayment in 2023, to settle fees and overdue charges. The article includes a description of the starting position and motivations, outlines development processes and challenges, and offers a preliminary assessment after three years of practical experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Academic Library & Information Science is the property of Anhui University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Academic Library & Information Science is the property of Anhui University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)