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Purpose The purpose this study was to determine currency of print health materials readily available in North Carolina public libraries, through a statewide assessment. Two subject areas were examined: health reference and diabetes.Design/methodology/approach In total, 30 randomly selected public libraries were visited and unobtrusive stacks assessments were completed. Some months later, the libraries’ websites were examined for collection development policies, and online catalogs were searched using the keyword diabetes to identify possible discrepancies and additions.Findings For visits, publication dates for reference books ranged from 1899-2014 and the average number of holdings was 10 (range 0-30). The most common reference item, the AMA Family Medical Guide (2005), was available in 6 of 30 libraries. In diabetes collections, publication dates ranged from 1983-2013; the average number of books was nine (range 0-26). The Atkins Diabetes Revolution (2004) was the most common, available in 9 of 30 libraries. Two-thirds of libraries did not have a collection development policy online. Catalog searches revealed 10 titles prior to 1983 and 18 titles (non-cook books) from 2014-2016.Practical implications The study found overall that print health reference books were outdated. In diabetes collections, there were also many outdated items. It appears that regular weeding to assure currency of print health literature is not taking place.Originality/value The study demonstrates that public libraries may not be providing optimal print health information. With unprecedented access, it is imperative that librarians in all types of settings aid in health literacy promotion by assuring access to reliable and timely health information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to get a baseline understanding of the state of reference services in urban public libraries in the United States. Design/methodology/approach: The researchers surveyed all members of the Urban Libraries Council, a network of public library systems in urban centers across the country. The survey asked about their reference services, including how reference is offered, volume and types of questions and staff responsibilities. Participants were also asked how reference has changed in the past 5–10 years and what changes they anticipate in the future. Findings: This study found that the vast majority of urban public libraries still maintain a physical reference desk, but most also offer reference services in other formats as well. Most libraries have seen numbers of reference questions decline. Reference staff members are engaged in instruction, programming and community outreach as well. Looking ahead, some libraries expect reference questions to continue to decline and demand for virtual services to increase. Practical implications: Directors and reference staff of public libraries, especially those in urban and suburban settings, will find these results useful for benchmarking against their own experiences and for planning for future changes. Originality/value: While discussions of changes in reference service and volumes of reference questions are plentiful, as are predictions of how these declines will impact reference services, there is little current research on the actual state of those services. This study fills a gap in the literature by providing a baseline overview of the reference services in urban public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose CELA, the Centre for Equitable Library Access, is a national not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support public libraries in providing accessible collections for Canadians with print disabilities and to champion the fundamental right of Canadians with print disabilities to access media and reading materials in the format of their choice. This paper aims to examine the history of the organization, the events that led to its creation, the issues with which it has and continues to struggle with – political, technological, structural – and the successes it has enjoyed.Design/methodology/approach This is a case study intended shine light on the development of a service sorely lacking in Canadian public libraries – consistent and sustainable publicly funded access to reading materials for Canadians with print disabilities – by providing related history and context and outlining current and future offerings.Findings The decision to centralize a service that most public libraries struggled to deliver within their own capacities was wise and has greatly benefited Canadians with print disabilities.Originality/value This paper provides a profile in determination, collaboration and the value of inclusivity in public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Age philosophies are having an increasingly important influence on contemporary life. They offer a challengingly holistic view of human potential, and are available in numerous publications and formats. Public library collections often marginalize New Age materials, and find selecting and acquiring them a challenge. Argues that greater awareness of what such materials have to offer would answer growing demands from users and provide spiritual and cultural benefit for the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate tool lending library patrons’ perception of their tool borrowing, in order to explore the role of a public lending service in the context of their lives. It addresses the research question, why do patrons borrow tools from the library? Design/methodology/approach – A case study was conducted, consisting of semi-structured interviews with patrons of a tool lending library. Led by a phenomenographic approach, the interviews focused on participants’ recounted experiences. Transcripts were structured into major categories and underlying themes. Findings were discussed from a perspective taking departure in Wiegand’s notion of “the library in the life of the user,” and summarized with regards to sustainable community development. Findings – Participants are found to talk about their tool borrowing from two main viewpoints. First, reasons for making the decision. This involves weighing practical considerations, e.g., cost, storage, access, and frequency of use. It also includes ideological motivations, and sympathy with the concept. Second, effects of their borrowing, interpreted as how it enables them. This enablement includes inspiration, learning, support to self-employment, and strengthening of community. Patrons focus on local aspects of social and economic development, rather than global or environmental motivations. Research limitations/implications – A single and in part unique setting was studied. The findings provide foundation for a developed discussion on the societal role of public libraries providing “non-traditional” materials such as tools, with particular regards to community settings and sustainability. Originality/value – Addresses knowledge gaps on borrowing and tool lending libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The recent financial crises and the economic problems caused by the pandemic highlight the importance of financial literacy (FL). Libraries have an essential role in developing informational literacy and promoting access to information. In this study the authors seek to identify, based on the published literature, in which areas and in what roles libraries engage in the development of FL, and what options are available for those who intend to set out in this direction in the near future. Design/methodology/approach: The basis of the research is a review of the literature, as comprehensive as possible, achieved by keyword- and discipline-focused searches run in the Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), the Web of Science (WoS) and the Scopus database. At the beginning of the study, the initial list of results had 765 publications, but this number decreased significantly after removing duplicates and sorting the results. Finally, 138 publications were included in the analysis. Findings: Libraries engage in the development of FL mostly through their collections, with recommendations, through education, by organizing programs and through information service. Most successful methods do not require any specialized FL knowledge from librarians. Necessary competences are more related to organizational skills, cooperation with partners and creativity. Research limitations/implications: The study is based on publications which include the term financial culture, any of its synonyms, or broader or more specific terms and which are related to libraries in the manner described in the search strategy. The international literature databases chosen for the searches limited the scope of the articles available for inclusion. Originality/value: The study summarizes the results in libraries related to FL from the past 10 years. There has been no other similar summary published recently applicable in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article explores the financial literacy resources patrons can discover and/or access on the webpages of the largest 48 US public libraries in order to assess the strength of public libraries' current support to patrons seeking assistance with personal financial matters. Design/methodology/approach: The author completed a website analysis of the largest 48 US public libraries, as defined by the four sets of criteria in the American Library Association (ALA) publication. Website analysis was completed via a standardized checklist assessment covering full-site searching, catalog content, the availability of relevant guides and/or workshops, and any other relevant online resources. Findings: Public libraries provide many resources relevant to patrons searching for personal finance topics, but some of these resources are not ideally highlighted on libraries' websites. Site search tools are generally less efficient than catalog search tools. Only half of the studied libraries have relevant online guides, but all libraries have some relevant online resources. Originality/value: While there are a number of research articles exploring how public libraries support financial literacy in their communities, there has not yet been an in-depth exploration of how public libraries support this literacy, specifically through the materials highlighted and/or available via their websites. This research addresses this gap in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate the language of "weeding" (library deselection) within public library collection development policies in order to examine whether such policies and practices can be usefully connected to library and information science (LIS) theory, specifically to "Deweyan pragmatic adaptation" as suggested by Buschman (2017) in the pages of this journal. Design/methodology/approach: This is a policy analysis of collection deselection policies from the 50 public libraries serving US state capitals, using Bacchi's policy problem representation technique. Findings: "Weeding" as described by these public library collection deselection policies is clearly pragmatic and oriented to increasing circulation to patrons, but the "Deweyan pragmatic adaptation" as reflected by many of those reviewed might better be defined as the pragmatism of Melvil Dewey rather than that of John Dewey. Research limitations/implications: Although this work reviewed policies from a very small sample of US public libraries, collection, selection and deselection language as shown in the policies studied appear to be consistent with neoliberal priorities and values in terms of prioritizing "circulation" and "customers," which may have additional implications for the current transition from print to electronic materials in public libraries Originality/value: John Dewey's political philosophy and Carol Bacchi's policy problem representation technique have not been widely used in policy analysis by LIS researchers, and this paper offers a number of suggestions for similar public library policy investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The authors' goal in writing this article was to provide background information and detailed considerations to assist those wishing to provide patent and trademark assistance at their libraries. The major considerations include staffing, spaces and resources, with the time commitment from the staff being the most significant. Design/methodology/approach: This paper combined the experiences of an author relatively new to patent and trademark librarianship with one who has years of experience. These were used in tandem with knowledge gained from a decade of attendance at annual week-long seminars at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as well as by way of a comprehensive literature review. Findings: The main commitment needed in providing patent and trademark services to the public is not money but the investment of time, which includes professional development, staffing, teaching classes and workshops, outreach and consultations. Originality/value: The information in this paper should serve as guidance to anyone new to providing patent and trademark services within their libraries, including those at Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), Patent Information Centres (PATLIBs) and beyond. Although articles have been published on various aspects of intellectual property (IP) and libraries, a comprehensive guide to providing patent and trademark services has yet to be published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter introduces the focus of this volume - the many ways in which libraries and librarians are helping to increase people's health literacy and reduce health disparities in their communities. The rampant and rapidly increasing health injustices that occur every day throughout the world are, in large part, caused and exacerbated by health information injustice - something which libraries and librarians are playing an instrumental role in addressing by ensuring the physical and intellectual accessibility of information for all. This chapter opens with an introduction to the central concepts of health justice and health information injustice, focusing on the many informationrelated factors that shape the degree to which individuals have the information they need to be able to have a sufficient and truly equitable chance to live a long and healthy life. Next, the authors present a timely case study to emphasize the importance of health information justice, looking at the dire importance of health literacy as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors then provide a brief glimpse into their 13 contributed chapters, grouped into five categories: (1) Public Libraries/Healthy Communities; (2) Health Information Assessment; (3) Overcoming Barriers to Health Information Access; (4) Serving Disadvantaged Populations; and (5) Health Information as a Communal Asset. In conclusion, the authors discuss their aims for this volume, particularly that readers will become more aware of librarians' efforts to address health disparities in their communities and excited about participating in and expanding these efforts, moving us closer to health justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Contemporary adult readers' advisory aims to adhere to (what I term) a pure preference satisfaction model in which librarians provide nonjudgmental book recommendations that satisfy their patrons' aesthetic tastes rather than improve upon them. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether readers' advisors really ought to treat all such tastes as essentially benign, even when doing so may conflict with core commitments to diversity and social responsibility. Design/methodology/approach: This paper utilizes a thought experiment to interrogate our intuitions regarding the practice of recommending recreational materials featuring marginalized protagonists. The author also draws on theoretical insights from feminist aesthetician A.W. Eaton's innovative work on taste in bodies to formulate argumentation addressing the ethical dilemma presented here. Findings: Our reading tastes can, in fact, be oppressive, working to maintain unjust power relations that are often thought to be the product merely of bad beliefs. On the view advanced here, oppressive tastes function as real obstacles to collective self-governance because they systematically distort our judgments of the credibility, empathic accessibility, and fundamental worth of our fellow democratic citizens. Librarians' obligation to protect and promote democracy, therefore, provides practitioners with a crucial justification for recommending diverse books to all readers, even (and perhaps especially) those who actively disprefer them. Originality/value: The paper illustrates how contemporary work in analytic (and specifically feminist) aesthetics can furnish LIS scholars with the intellectual resources to resolve political problems in the library. The author's analysis also lays the groundwork for further consideration of alternative ideals for readers' advisory that will capitalize on the service's educative and emancipatory potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Library work is increasingly being explored from the perspective of design. Still, little work has actively explored specific aspects of design as they relate to library cataloging. The purpose of this paper is to dive deeper into the relationship between library cataloging and design by exploring a specific aspect of design – the concept of repertoire, or the use of previous experiences and bodies of knowledge during current work. Design/methodology/approach: To examine catalogers' use of repertoire, this paper employed a juxtaposition of field observations of professional library catalogers' work processes with elements of "think-aloud" protocols. Findings: The researchers identified three major types of repertory knowledge that were demonstrated by catalogers: internally embedded repertory knowledge; externally embedded repertory knowledge; and seeking out new knowledge using other sources. Additionally, certain trends were noted concerning which repertory knowledge was utilized for which particular task. Determining subject and genre headings were noted for relying quite extensively on internal repertoire such as personal knowledge and institutional knowledge, along with external sources, such as personal notes and local examples. Originality/value: This paper adds to a growing body of work calling for design approaches in libraries and related information settings, and breaks ground by applying the previously unexplored concept of repertoire to librarianship, specifically library cataloging, which offers a new perspective on cataloger's judgement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries in the twenty-first century are facing the challenges of being relevant in the face of new technologies, neoliberal cost cutting, and changing social realities. One of the fastest growing and changing social realities is associated with the trans community. We may be able to talk about the transgender tipping point; but in Spain, positive representations, access to information, and dialogue between local communities and the trans collective have traditionally been notable for its absence. In order to address these shortcomings in the public library system in Catalonia (Spain), a group of staff at the Biblioteca Nou Barris in Barcelona created the "Trans Identities and Gender" project. The project envisioned creating a collection of materials aimed at the trans and gender-variant community as well as to all those who might be interested. In addition to the collection, activities were planned to use the library as a communal meeting point between the local and the trans communities as well as a means of promoting the collection and its use. The chapter focuses on the development of the project, on the growing relationship between the library, trans authors, trans community, and general public, and how new possible futures are being forged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter analyzes major trends in rural public libraries, beginning with a discussion of changes in service offerings since the advent of the Internet. These outlets are now better able to help patrons with their employment, education, and civic engagement needs than they have been at any point in the past. However, rural public libraries still lag behind their peers in broadband speeds, technological infrastructure, and various forms of service and training offerings that use these technologies. The difference in public offerings is not only due to problems of technology, but also limited funding for staff aging and small buildings, and a lack of state and regional support to allow these libraries to achieve economies of scale. As libraries nationwide shift to focus more on public programming and digital offerings, these factors will be barriers to rural outlets keeping up with modern trends in the field. This study uses Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Digital Inclusion Survey data to analyze trends among rural public libraries. The authors returned to the original data sets from these studies to find nuance bet ween types of rural outlets, primarily dividing this information based on libraries' distances from more densely populated areas. These statistical data are supplemented through qualitative interviews with professionals in the rural library field. Key findings include: * Rural public libraries have made major strides in improving broadband quality and increasing related service offerings since the advent of the Internet in the mid-1990s. * Rural libraries still lag behind those in more populated areas in terms of technical infrastructure and training offerings, and this becomes more acute among those located farther from population centers. * As the public library field places a greater emphasis on public programs, rural libraries' small and aging buildings will likely be a barrier to them keeping up with their peers. * The lack of regional consortia and strong state libraries in some parts of the country limits rural libraries' abilities to achieve economies of scale and negatively impacts the range of services they can offer their patrons. Rural libraries have often been combined together in statistical analyses of their service offerings. This chapter shows nuance between these outlets, demonstrating that libraries that are distant and remote from population centers face more difficulties than those on the fringes of cities and suburbs. Likewise, while much of the advocacy surrounding rural libraries has focused on the need for improved broadband and technological infrastructure, this study moves on to study how building infrastructure, low staff funding, and a lack of mechanisms for collaboration will hinder libraries' abilities to keep up with modern changes in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study aims to investigate public library users’ perceptions of information professionals. Specifically, it focuses on exploring users’ perceptions regarding librarians’ status, work duties, performed work and educational background.Design/methodology/approach The method of questionnaire was used to enquire on the users’ perceptions of six different public libraries in the wide area of Attica, Greece. Between November 2014 and February 2015, 320 questionnaires were distributed, and, in total, 291 users participated in the study with response rate 90.9 per cent.Findings This research revealed that public library users have a positive image of the librarians’ status, duties and work performed. Users acknowledge that it is important for librarians to obtain a bachelor’s degree in library and information science (LIS) education and specialized LIS knowledge, as well as general, pedagogical and new technologies knowledge to perform their tasks. Overall, “serving of people” predominates as a task and a series of collection-oriented tasks.Research limitations/implications Perceptions of non-users of public libraries and public librarians themselves were not examined in this study. In addition, some user groups based on level of education (e.g. doctoral degree) had a low level of participation.Originality/value It is one of the few studies that examined public library users’ perceptions of information professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This chapter looks at Australian public libraries and how they have developed and delivered inclusive service to people with disabilities over the past decade or so. As digital technology impacts the public library sector the question of "how are libraries responding?" emerges, especially for the one in five Australians living with disabilities. This chapter is focused on how the public library network is delivering digitally inclusive services to people with disabilities. Methodology/approach -- The approach was to examine the international obligations, related governance, and professional standards that apply to Australian Public libraries; the current disability and digital inclusion related research from the past decade; and highlight some of the better examples of practice in Australian public library service. Findings -- This chapter is not a comprehensive examination but rather a summary scan of digital inclusion practice. However, it raises a number of questions for further investigation: research as to how these obligations are put into practice; how they can be better shared and learnt from; and more importantly how the aspiration of "inclusion for all" is being met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to describe a case study of developing a web service that will act as an intermediary between the Audio Library system for the visually impaired and the library management systems. The Audio Library is based on speech recognition and text-to-speech engines and it produces synthesized speech from various electronic materials. It has its own database with a limited number of books and textual materials. Web services described in this paper should enable access to a larger number of electronic resources provided by libraries. Design/methodology/approach -- In this paper, the author specified software architecture of a web service analyzing different approaches for search and retrieval. Findings -- Web service described in this paper is the first software solution addressing the problem of lending e-books in Serbia. It aggregates collections of different libraries in a single access point for the Audio Library system. In this way, users of the Audio Library system are provided with larger number of electronic resources. Originality/value -- Communication between the Audio Library and this web service is achieved by using standardized protocols for exchanging library data. However, those protocols did not fulfill all necessary requirements, so the authors propose some extensions to overcome those issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper aims to investigate the quality of access to translated fiction published between 2007 and 2011 in six large Canadian public libraries, answering the question about what public libraries can do to help acquaint their readers with international translated fiction. Design/methodology/approach -- The article uses the method of bibliographic data analysis based on 2,100 catalog records. Findings -- As the results demonstrate, enhanced bibliographic catalog records deliver a wealth of information about translated fiction titles and facilitate meaningful subject access to their contents. At the same time, promotional activities related to translated fiction have room for improvement. Practical implications -- Despite the fact that the study focuses on public libraries, its findings will be of interest not only to public but also academic librarians, any librarian tasked with the selection and acquisition of translated fiction, reference and readers' advisory librarians in any type of library, Library and Information Science students and anyone interested in access to translated fiction. Originality/value -- While many recent studies have turned their attention to enhanced catalog records and their role in access, discovery and collection promotion, there are no studies dealing with translated fiction specifically. The article also contributes to seeing an in-depth understanding of bibliographic records and cataloging as part and parcel of reference librarians' knowledge and skill set, which improves retrieval practices and access provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose -- The purpose of this study was to examine youth service librarians' use of collaborative collection development (CCD) behaviors and interlibrary loan (ILL) to collaborate with school librarians. Design/methodology -- A quantitative design was implemented with a self-administered survey that was placed online. Findings -- Public youth services librarians in the USA believe it is important to collaborate with school librarians. However, they are not frequently using collaborative resource sharing strategies. Public youth services librarians that have more experience, understand trends and issues in school libraries and feel they have knowledge of collaborative strategies are more likely to engage in collaborative resource sharing. Research limitations -- The study was limited to 265 public librarians serving youth in the USA. This study does not present the perspectives of school libraries. Social implications -- CCD and ILL between public and school libraries are overlooked practices for building relationships between public and school librarians that should be explored. Presenting the benefits of these strategies during training programs may increase the resources that youth can access, thus having an overall impact on the quality of life in communities. Collaborating will also help communities understand the value of libraries as institutions for promoting lifelong learning. Originality/value -- The results provide evidence that public youth service librarians in the USA believe in the importance of collaborative relationships with school librarians. However, they do not frequently use ILL or engage in CCD behaviors with school librarians. Using ILL and CCD are two strategies that may be used to build stronger relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to examine a range of issues and methods in relation to measuring the impact of volunteer labour on the design and delivery of all types of library services. With the increasing use of volunteers to deliver library and information services in all sectors, managers need to assess their effectiveness and evaluate the impact of their use in relation to operational service design and delivery, and on the development of the profession and professional practice as a whole. Presented here is an initial scoping study, outlining a range of issues, methods and challenges for more detailed future investigation. Design/methodology/approach -- A number of methodological challenges and perspectives are identifiable. Contemporary libraries exhibit increasing similarities with Third Sector organisations, namely a complex stakeholder community, and increasing use of volunteers to supplement or replace services delivered by professional staff. Therefore, a starting point for the research is a systematic review and analysis of the methodologies developed by the Third Sector Research Centre, and those studies in the ESRC contemporary Developing Impact Evaluation strand. As a rich picture is required, both quantitative and qualitative approaches are necessary, with the overall study adopting a mixed methods approach. Findings -- This paper reports the findings of the preliminary documentary analysis, literature review and scoping aspects of a large-scale study. Originality/value -- Research undertaken to date (June 2014) has failed to identify any published systematic review and examination of these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to determine the types of collaborative activities public youth services and school librarians in rural locations engage in and to ascertain whether there are methods that youth service librarians believe can be employed to improve collaborative activities with public school librarians. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed method design was implemented with an online self-administered survey. The survey contained open and closed-ended questions. Findings – The findings indicate that many public librarians serving youth in rural locations find it important to collaborate with school librarians. Yet, they struggle to build strong collaborative relationships. Factors such as time, a lack of school librarian administrative support, and a lack of understanding about the roles of school librarians and public librarians, are collaborative barriers. Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to a purposive sample of 80 public librarians serving youth in rural areas in the United States. Practical implications – Librarianship training programs can help school librarians and youth services librarians learn how to form collaborative partnerships through mentorship programs, requiring pre-service school and youth services librarians to collaborate on projects, and educating them about the similarities in their goals. School and public librarians can also benefit from training to teach them how to build community partnerships. Originality/value – The results provide evidence that public librarians serving youth in rural areas favor building stronger collaborative relationships with school librarians. Building these relationships can improve the quality of education for youth in these locations. This article also includes proposed strategies for improving these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the emergence of digital services in the public library domain via an extensive study of the websites of all Scottish public library services. Design/methodology/approach – In a four-month period all 32 of Scotland's public library authority websites were visited by a researcher. The goal of the researcher was to record the options available from the library homepages in the following way: role of library in providing page content: content provider or access provider; was the page providing a digital service; what was the audience for the page: adult, child, or not specified; description of page content; and any noted usability issues. Each site was only visited to three levels below that of the initial homepage. Findings – The study found a good standard of innovation in digital services around LMS functions, offering users the ability to keep in control of their borrowing and reserving. In addition there was a consistent set of electronic reference resources subscribed to by multiple libraries, offering high-quality information both within the library and for library members from their home or workplace. Problems were found with regards to guidance on the usage of these resources, as well as confusion and inconsistency in terminology usage across different library services. Research limitations/implications – The paper only examines Scottish public library sites, and thus can only claim to be representative of that country. It also can only represent the sites at the time they were examined. Practical implications – The paper should be of interest to public and other librarians interested in patterns across websites in their sector. Originality/value – This is the first national study of Scottish public library websites and its findings should be of value as a result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an overview of current research on the use of e-books and e-book readers as they gain popularity in libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a literature review and a case study of a public library which has a Kindle lending program. An e-book case study is examined, highlighting a mid-sized public library which implemented a Kindle e-book lending program. The article includes a follow-up discussion as to how libraries are including digital content in their collections, and changing the way they do business to accommodate the new technologies that people are increasingly asking for. The paper also gives tools for librarians looking to start their own e-book lending program, and provide additional information on what resources are currently available. Findings – One conclusion can be made. E-books will not be going away any time soon. The Kindle lending program at the library has been extremely successful and well received by patrons Research limitations/implications – Because of this very small case study approach, the research results may not be generalizable. Originality/value – This research trend is new, and has not had much study. It gives a wide variety of opportunity for pilot studies, and subsequent ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide information on how public libraries and information services in Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) are perceived, by examining adult users, with a view of improving service delivery and enhancing the effective management of public library services. Design/methodology/approach – Survey methodology using questionnaires was adopted to solicit required information from 112 respondent adult users and data were analyzed using SPSS version 14. Findings – The paper shows that KNLS library services and information resources are very positively perceived by most respondents. KNLS libraries are: comparatively better off than universities and other public libraries; are predominantly focused on print documents (books) as preferred sources; readers' mostly begin their search for information on a particular topic; general reading and research purposes and information resources equip users with appropriate knowledge. Research limitations/implications – The study focused on adult users in internet-serviced libraries within the KNLS and thus may not be used to generalize about users of all public libraries in Kenya. Practical implications – This paper attempts to provide KNLS public libraries with fundamental information about adult users' perspectives of services and information resources. Though the services and information resources are positively perceived, the library management has room to improve and maintain current levels of perception. Originality/value – The paper is of value because understanding of users' perceptions is vital for services and information resource improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to present findings from research in the Croatian public libraries on organizational aspects of digitization projects. Design/methodology/approach – This research article is based on research done in 152 public libraries in Croatia invited by e-mail to participate in the web survey, which was chosen as the most appropriate tool for investigating geographically dispersed libraries. Findings – Findings from the survey indicate a modest number of public libraries engaged in digitization projects. These results can be attributed to unfavorable conditions for initiation of digitization projects. Almost half of public libraries plan to launch digitization projects as soon as necessary conditions for digitization become favorable. Digital content available in the surveyed public libraries already received a positive feedback from users. Instead of mass digitization, public libraries chose systematic digitization of selected library collections. To improve the quality of digitization of library material public libraries need better financial support, additional training of library staff and better infrastructure. The findings indicate that public libraries in Croatia are strongly dedicated to development of digital collections as soon as necessary conditions for launch of their digitization projects are met. Originality/value – The article contributes to the growing body of knowledge about organizational aspects of digital collection development and digitization in public libraries as well as about the benefits digital collections can provide for libraries in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a small scale study concerning the library usage and information needs of long-established national minorities in eastern Croatia, particularly in relation to information and reading materials in their native languages. It mentions that the data were gathered using quantitative methodology and analysed using descriptive statistics and variant analysis. It shows that respondents need diverse information and reading material in their native language wherein they used public libraries less often than some other information sources including newspapers, internet, and local Serbian cultural associations. Moreover, the study could encourage systematic collection and analysis of information by librarians in Croatia about their local community minorities.

Purpose – This paper aims to determine the adequacy of the public library system with respect to the total population as well as the viable population of different regions of Tehran city, the capital of Iran, especially pertaining to book collections in accordance with the IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted through a questionnaire distributed to librarians of the public libraries under study. The other resources of data used for this study are annual reports and official records of the libraries at the provincial and national level. Findings – The findings reveal the ratio of book collections with respect to the viable population of different regions of Tehran. Only one of 22 regions has a book collection as per IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines. Originality/value – This paper highlights how public libraries in Tehran are providing access to information resources and whether the book collections of the libraries are adequate as per international standards. It also suggests certain improvements for the existing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight limits to the dominant model of social inclusion under which UK public libraries operate, to analyse how and to what extent processes of socio-cultural exclusion emerge in the subject representation and discoverability of "non-dominant" resources in public library OPACs, and to consider folksonomy as a solution to any issues raised. Design/methodology/approach – The paper first develops a critique of the dominant model of "inclusion" within UK public libraries, drawing on feminist and critical theories of identity. It then considers how this critique overlaps with and offers fresh insights into major debates within subject indexing, and develops a theoretical rationale for considering the potential of folksonomy to intervene in more inclusive subject-indexing design. A user-based critical interpretive methodology which understands OPACs as texts open to multiple interpretations is developed, and a comparative reading of standard OPACs and LibraryThing folksonomy is undertaken to evaluate the discoverability and subject representation of LGBTQ and ethnic minority resources. Findings – LibraryThing folksonomy offers benefits over LCSH subject indexing in the discoverability and representation of LGBTQ resources. However, the folksonomy is dominated by US taggers, and this impacts on the tagging of ethnic minority resources. Folksonomy, like traditional indexing, is found to contain its own biases in worldview and subject representation. Originality/value – The importance of subject indexing in developing inclusive library services is highlighted and a new method for evaluating OPACs is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Conversational agents are natural language interaction interfaces designed to simulate conversation with a real person. This paper seeks to investigate current development and applications of these systems worldwide, while focusing on their availability in Canadian libraries. It aims to argue that it is both timely and conceivable for Canadian libraries to consider adopting conversational agents to enhance - not replace - face-to-face human interaction. Potential users include library web site tour guides, automated virtual reference and readers' advisory librarians, and virtual story-tellers. To provide background and justification for this argument, the paper seeks to review agents from classic implementations to state-of-the-art prototypes: how they interact with users, produce language, and control conversational behaviors. Design/methodology/approach - The web sites of the 20 largest Canadian libraries were surveyed to assess the extent to which specific language-related technologies are offered in Canada, including conversational agents. An exemplified taxonomy of four pragmatic purposes that conversational agents currently serve outside libraries - educational, informational, assistive, and socially interactive - is proposed and translated into library settings. Findings - As of early 2010, artificially intelligent conversational systems have been found to be virtually non-existent in Canadian libraries, while other innovative technologies proliferate (e.g. social media tools). These findings motivate the need for a broader awareness and discussion within the LIS community of these systems' applicability and potential for library purposes. Originality/value - This paper is intended for reflective information professionals who seek a greater understanding of the issues related to adopting conversational agents in libraries, as this topic is scarcely covered in the LIS literature. The pros and cons are discussed, and insights offered into perceptions of intelligence (artificial or not) as well as the fundamentally social nature of human-computer interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to look at the development of the National Library of Uganda since its establishment in 2003 and what factors have influenced this development. Design/methodology/approach – Ugandan parliamentary records and government papers have been used to trace the path of library development in Uganda from the 1920s to 2002 when the National Library bill was discussed and subsequently passed in Parliament. Detailed analysis is made of the National Library Act, 2003 and the establishment and development of the institution since then. Various sources on library services in Africa, and Uganda in particular, have also been consulted. The writer also draws on personal experience gained from working for the institution. Findings – Many national libraries in Africa for historical reasons, convenience and because of limited resources play the dual role of legal deposit centres and public library services. The National Library of Uganda's role is slightly different in that it was established to collect and manage the country's documented heritage but its responsibility towards public library services is that of an overseer and not a direct implementer. This dual mandate needs to be understood properly, managed and balanced if the institution is to have a positive impact on the public that it serves. Originality/value – This case can be used by library and information science students and researchers to compare roles and responsibilities of national libraries in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the current state of digitization and digital collection development in public libraries in Croatia. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on an online survey of public libraries in Croatia on digital collection development and digitization. In total, 165 public libraries were invited to participate in the survey, and Web survey was chosen as the most appropriate tool for surveying geographically dispersed libraries. Findings – The findings indicate that public libraries in Croatia have taken steps towards enlargement of digital content in their holdings by digitizing their existing library collections. Although the number of digital collections in public libraries in Croatia is still rather small, it is expected that it will increase in the near future. It is also encouraging that public libraries started digitization projects on their own, thus gaining the necessary experience and skills that would help them and other libraries in future digitization projects. Still, they need additional education about digital collection development and process of library material digitization. Originality/value – The paper article contributes to the growing body of knowledge about digital collections development and digitization in public libraries, as well as about benefits digital collections can provide for libraries in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to introduce how the Taipei Public Library established an intelligent library that offers automated service equipped with radio frequency identification (RFJD) and a self-checkout system. The study concludes with suggestions offered for the reference of the Taipei Public Library and other public libraries in setting up similar automated libraries in the future. Design/methodology/approach-The study examines the functions of the Ximen Intelligent Library as provided to 106 patrons who are under observation. Afterwards, a questionnaire is distributed to obtain the personal information of these patrons and the specific nature of their patronage of the library. Items of observation and investigation include their use of the library's facilities and the return of library material to a return box located outside the library; patrons include those aged 12 years old and above. Findings-In comparing the aspects of human resources, capital investment, and library hours, between a public reading room and an intelligent library, it is obvious that the intelligent library has many more advantages. A major difficulty for the patrons of the library is their unfamiliarity in operating the automated circulation system, compounded by the fact that very few patrons call the service line for help when they encounter difficulties. Moreover, patrons cannot always locate on the shelves the books they intend to borrow, even though the catalogue indicates that they are on the shelves. Originality/value-The paper offers helpful information on understanding this type of library, including its patrons, their behaviour in the library, and how it operates. The results of this study can serve as a reference for improving current intelligent library services for librarians at the Taipei Public Library and at other public libraries that plan to set up RFID intelligent libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to offer some considerations for the implementation of hub-based collaborative repositories. The current situation of Korean public libraries is to be examined, centering upon the issue of storage space, and possible solutions are to be presented. Design/methodology/approach - A corroborative analysis is done to determine the seriousness of the problem and the plausibility of the assertion by looking only at the National Library of Korea and public libraries. Findings - By the end of 2005 Korean public libraries as a whole had reached 92 percent capacity, which suggests that there is an immediate need to secure additional storage space. Library collection size increased at a rate of 11.5 percent over a period of ten years (1996-2005). Even if a more moderate rate of 7 percent is applied to projections for 2015 storage space we will exceeded by 38.9 percent and the ratio of shortage in storage space to storage limit is expected to amount to 82.1 percent. Originality/value - This paper proposes the establishment of collaborative repositories, borrowing the principle of selection and concentration. The model for hub-based collaborative repositories is provided and the roles of the repository network are outlined. This will effectively increase the circulation turnover rate while reducing a user's opportunity costs. In the meantime, the National Library will be contributing to the country's decentralization and balanced national development and also increasing its own value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to point out that past models of information ownership may not carry over to the age of digital information. The fact that public ownership of information (for example, by means of national and public library collections) created social benefits in the past does not mean that a greater degree of private sector involvement in information provision in the knowledge society of today is synonymous with an abandonment of past ideals of social information provision. Design/methodology/approach – A brief review of recent issues in digital preservation and national electronic heritage management, with an examination of the public–private sector characteristics of each issue. Findings – Private companies and philanthropic endeavours focussing on the business of digital information provision have done some things – which in the past we have associated with the public domain – remarkably well. It is probably fair to say that this has occurred against the pattern of expectation of the library profession. Research limitations/implications – The premise of this paper is that LIS research aimed at predicting future patterns of problem solving in information work should avoid the narrow use of patterns of public–private relationships inherited from a previous, print-based information order. Practical implications – This paper suggests practical ways in which the library and information profession can improve digital library services by looking to form creative partnerships with private sector problem solvers. Originality/value – This paper argues that the LIS profession should not take a doctrinaire approach to commercial company involvement in "our" information world. Librarians should facilitate collaboration between all parties, both public and private, to create original solutions to contemporary information provision problems. In this way we can help create pragmatic, non-doctrinaire solutions that really do work for the citizens of our contemporary information society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – To discuss the nature of public library websites and what they communicate about the values of the sector. Design/methodology/approach – The article examines a range of Scottish public library websites to determine domain and quality of information resources provided. Findings – That many public libraries in Scotland have a virtual identity problem brought about by being part of larger websites for their parent bodies. It is argued that this identity problem is to the detriment of the service, and that models of good practice should be urgently considered by public librarians. Practical implications – The article should be of interest to librarians considering how best to present their websites and the potential challenges in doing so as part of a larger umbrella organisation. Originality/value – This is the first article to examine all sites from Scottish public libraries in terms of their origins and content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – It is proposed that public libraries have a duty to collect material from alternative publishers (in both fiction and non-fiction and in all media) to better reflect the diversity of their communities. This paper aims to investigate the links between alternative publishing and public libraries in Scotland. Design/methodology/approach – Two surveys (based on the 1979 Alternative Acquisitions Project) were carried out of alternative publishers and public libraries in Scotland. Questions were based on those in the 1979 survey, except where updated to accommodate new technologies. A literature review was also carried out to contextualise survey findings. Findings – While alternative publishers and public libraries were aware of each other, alternative publishers faced many hurdles in getting their material in public libraries. For their part, public libraries were constrained by budgets but wanted to extend support for alternative publishing. Originality/value – This paper re-uses a previously tried and tested methodology to create a comparable and up to date study of an area of publishing often overlooked. Alternative publishing is revealed as a flourishing area, despite trends towards fewer and larger publishing outlets. Public libraries are seen as having a vital role to play in giving an outlet to alternative publishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to show the main action areas to which public libraries are devoting their efforts and resources at the onset of the twenty-first century, despite their own particularities and needs. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is based on a comparative analysis on a sample of so-called "strategic" and "long-term" plans from US public libraries covering from 1998 through 2010. Of all identified priorities, those appearing in at least 40 per cent of the plans were used for the analysis. Thus, the paper narrowed the list of priorities down to the five most repeated ones in the sample of plans, and their peculiarities are set forth here. Findings – The paper finds that, although the method used is a simple one and the results are limited to the set of libraries whose plans have been analysed, there are coincidences with some predictions in some papers on the role public libraries should play in the twenty-first century. Originality/value – In the long term, this type of research permits comparison of trends among libraries from different countries and the monitoring of how they evolve with time. It can also be useful to library managers as a benchmark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is to review some considerations about a small scale research study conducted in a small town in Northern Italy between December 2003 and April 2004, that gathered quantitative and qualitative data about adolescents aged 11 to 19 who answered 20 questions on their experiences, expectations and perspectives on library use and services. Design/methodology/approach — A quantitative-qualitative research method based on triangulation of data acquired was devised to increase reliability and validity of the survey. Findings — Teenagers have proved to be a demanding and challenging public, with clear ideas regarding innovation of services and implementation of resources. They believe that libraries are important place to find up-to-date information, and to discuss with peers. Research limitations/implications — The group participating in the survey was about 50 per cent on the total targeted population. Results show that surveys about library services can be of value in order to tailor services to actual and unexpressed heeds of a target users' group. Practical implications — The survey has provided grounds for discussions within different categories of stakeholders such as administrators, carers, educators, and librarians. The results show that maintenance and implementation of services should be founded both on theoretical principles and evidence based practice. Originality/value — There are still few examples of small scale research studies on teens' experiences, expectations, and perspectives about library services and this paper shows that it is a valuable and rewarding challenge to embark in a target-oriented survey to explore users' needs and satisfaction on services offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to describe the development and implementation of a new service, (zoek&boek), that provides the Dutch public with a resource that allows them to search and request items from regional, provincial and national catalogues should their request be unavailable from their local library. The new digital system is able to handle both the logistic and cost considerations involved. By checking holdings and availability of the requested item, a rota is drawn up listing the libraries that can supply the item, whilst also considering the maximum cost a customer is prepared to pay for their request. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive approach is provided. Findings – The article finds that Zoek&boek will be implemented during 2006 and available for public use from the autumn. A number of issues relevant to establishing a cultural shift in attitudes to resource sharing are discussed and the article looks at the resulting increased efficiency of such a collaborative approach, as well as the hurdles to be overcome in order to achieve the final implementation. In this project, a layered network was established consisting of a national organisation and national, provincial and local players. Key considerations of the initiative were national vs provincial and local requirements, multi-system integration using standards, resource sharing policies, ease of use for customers, authentication policies, logistical and cost implications, and the requirement for a stable and versatile system. Originality/value – Of particular importance to public librarians internationally. This service goes well beyond what is available in most countries in giving direct access to regional and national resources for the individual citizen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the provision of audiovisual materials in UK public libraries and their economic value. Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire survey of all the public library authorities in the UK was used to investigate current provision of audiovisual material, expected future provision, and the amounts spent on and generated by audiovisual collections. Data collected, together with those available from other reputable sources, were then used to estimate the cost benefit or value of audiovisual provision. Findings - The provision of audiovisual material in UK public libraries is widespread and varied. While audiovisual collections provide economic value and generate income from charging for loans, there are significant costs inherent in providing such services. Concerns are raised about the constant developments in media formats and the ability to make adequate provision. A cost benefit of 1:1.34 using the PVB (present value benefits) based on maximum loan charges was found, meaning that the UK gets £1.34 direct benefit from every £1.00 spent on the audiovisual service. Research limitations/implications - There are different methods used by economists to estimate value of public services, all having limitations. The method used in this research is no exception. The cost-benefit ratio found is based on maximum loan charges. However, this figure would be higher if the PYB had been based on purchase costs or lower if the PVB had been based on mean loan charges. Further, the figures do not include indirect benefits or option benefits, so are likely to be underestimates of the true cost benefit of the audiovisual service. Practical implications - This research is likely to be of interest to public library managers and funding bodies needing evidence for the value of audiovisual provision. Originality/value - This is the first attempt to put a monetary value on audiovisual provision in the UK. It also provides insights into current and future audiovisual provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article seeks to propose a new vision for public libraries in the digital age. Design/methodology/approach: This conceptual paper is based on an understanding of the recent developments in ICT, internet and digital libraries; and also on the authors' personal experience in research and development in library and information science: especially in relation to public libraries and digital libraries. Findings: The study argues that currently there are no proper mechanisms for capturing, preserving and disseminating community knowledge, and proposes that public libraries in the digital age should take a new role whereby they should act not only as a gateway to knowledge, but also as a platform facilitating the creation of, and access to, local community knowledge. Proposes a model for PL2.0 where public libraries can take on this new role to build a network of community knowledge. Research limitations/implications: The paper proposes a conceptual model for the second generation of public libraries, and further studies are required to test and implement the model. Practical implications: The paper proposes that the new role of public libraries will be to shift from solely providing access to knowledge to acting as a platform for the storage and dissemination of local community knowledge within the global context created by twenty-first century digital technologies. Originality/value: The proposed model will bring in a cultural change by giving a new role to public libraries in preserving and disseminating community knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the legal implications presented by the Google Library Project of Google Inc., an Internet search engine, which entails the digitization of book collections of five public libraries worldwide. It focuses on the knowledge access and the effect of digitization on the availability of books that was available only in analog form and in public libraries. It also provides an analysis on the process of digitizing hard copy books and the intellectual property issues confronting an online commercial library.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of public digital services on urban/suburban residents, to uncover the current usage of public digital services and levels of satisfaction with the digital resources/content in urban digital libraries (networked computers with specific information infrastructure designed free for public use). Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach is used as a main stream in the research framework as the method of inquiry. Qualitative one-to-one interviews include surveying users who use public library websites, observing the users, consulting librarians about the users, and interviewing the users. Findings – Provides demographic patterns of the patrons' interaction with the digital services public libraries provide, and the satisfaction and compliances the residents have regarding information access through the digital technology in urban/suburban Connecticut. Practical implications – Because of the small number of participants, this study has limitations in being generalized to an understanding of overall patterns of urban residents using digital resources in public settings in the USA or elsewhere, however, it could be a good pilot study for a nation-wide survey with the methods tested. Originality/value – This study helps fulfill the scant empirical attention given to the impact access to public digital information or use of digital library services on the urban/suburban residents, offers new data that help public library administrators enhance the impact, efficiency and value of the public digital library services to improve the digital learning environments for life-long education at all levels in a broad community of urban/suburban users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To explore the effectiveness of large-scale consortia for disseminating local heritage via the web. To describe the creation of a large geographically based cultural heritage consortium in the South East of England and management lessons resulting from a major web site digitisation project. To encourage the improved sharing of experience amongst similar projects in the future. Design/methodology/approach - A selective literature review seeking lessons on sustainable cultural heritage collaboration is presented. The composition of a consortium set-up with public lottery funding to build a cross-domain collaborative public web site containing cultural heritage materials from many local authorities and local partners is described. Practical experiences from the first three years of collaboration are presented in a manner loosely based on the European Union Digitisation Policies Benchmarking Model. Findings - Staff in local government libraries, archives and museums have, until recently, lacked experience in major web site publishing and even in the basic digifisation of locally held heritage materials. Local governments in England have traditionally co-operated within the library or museum sectors, but not across the whole domain. New communication methods and a formally structured consortium have so far enabled the collaborative publication of a major web site allowing cross-searching of partner materials as well as access to individual sites. More importantly, staff have begun to understand how to proceed in a sustainable way to support the future development of more sophisticated digital primary and learning resources that are preserved for the future and yet accessible to many more people. Practical implications - The paper notes the importance of shared values, common objectives and a practical approach to collaborative service delivery. It also highlights the challenges in situations where operational staff have multiple responsibilities and project staff may be available only while external short-term funding lasts. It is suggested that encouraging the documentation of operational experiences and sharing skills through a large-scale formal consortium can support sustainable development. Originality/value - The consortium described hopes to form a major part of the future framework for digital cultural heritage services in the South East of England. This paper offers a rare, reflective contribution from experienced, operational service practitioners who have completed a three-five year digitisation programme offering free public access to materials that serve to support and disseminate local and regional identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]