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This study, centered around a survey of library directors (N = 83), examines community health programming (CHP) in Michigan's public libraries within the broader context of national CHP initiatives. Reponses indicate that while physical activity classes and food skills programs are popular, there are still challenges to overcome. These findings led us to recommendations for cultivating partnerships that can help CHP grow and flourish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The #metoo movement prompted many librarians to self-disclose accounts of sexual harassment within their workplaces. In 2022, we used the validated Sexual Experiences Questionnaire to survey people who had recently worked in public libraries in order to measure the prevalence of sexual harassment within the field. A very high percentage of respondents stated they had experienced inappropriate behaviors from coworkers, patrons, and/or board of trustees. Nearly a quarter also shared qualitative comments which revealed a lack of psychological safety for those working in public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed lending programs, or seed libraries, have increased in popularity as programs within both public and academic libraries as part of the "library of things" movement. Most of the literature on seed libraries offers program descriptions, often accompanied by how-to steps to starting a seed library, and does not provide a critical analysis of any aspect of seed libraries. This study aims to explore the intentions of librarians and libraries in starting seed lending programs and how those same programs are described in outreach and marketing efforts. The purpose of this study is to use recent literature on neutrality and activism to broaden the discourse around seed lending programs from how-to articles to a more critical examination of said programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for librarians to find ways to provide service to the youth population regarding mental health. Building on prior research about co-design and virtual reality in public libraries, the research team aimed to create a positive teen mental health experience by co-designing a virtual reality space through the library system. Eight librarians/library staff representing three participating sites were interviewed at the beginning and the end of the project. We discuss various opportunities and difficulties that emerged in this project to better understand the role and perspective of librarians and then examine implications for those who are considering implementing similar youth programs at their institutions. On the basis of the findings, we propose a recipe-based co-design model to better support librarians by allowing flexibility while clarifying which core elements need to be preserved in the co-design process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on research into staff perceptions of the goals of the public library. The current study is a replication study based on an article published in Library Quarterly in 1984. The current study considers the concept of a core "enduring" or common set of values or goals associated with the LIS profession and asks if these are consistent across a library workforce and across time. The historical dimension of this current study allowed the researchers to investigate any identifiable change and the ongoing development of staff perceptions of library goals since the original study nearly 40 years ago. Findings indicate only minor changes in perceptions and a consistency of goals across the workforce and across time. The findings inform deeper understanding of the values and goals of public libraries and library staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the value of the public library service, and library buildings in particular, in qualitative terms, with a focus on how the public library can address issues of loneliness and belonging. A qualitative narrative approach is taken to develop "library stories" and provide a deeper understanding that complements quantitative studies and library statistics. A three-stage research approach is taken: an initial literature analysis to identify issues and themes leads to a directed content analysis of some of this material to generate micro-narratives, which are complemented by an evocative autoethnography. Interrelated connections emerge concerning where our bodies belong and regarding vulnerable and marginalized users. New types of knowledges are identified. This is a novel combination of methods for library/information research, with the potential to highlight in new ways the value of library services and buildings. The study deals with UK public libraries between 2000 and 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Libraries play an increasingly significant role in responding to the needs of the local economy. They have the resources to survey the business community to determine what these needs are. Libraries can also form partnerships with government agencies and nonprofits that can help to foster a thriving economy. Programming and events can be targeted to assist segments of the population that have traditionally been underserved or have only limited access to the resources needed for business creation. Richland Library in Columbia, SC, and the Baltimore County Public Library are cited for the community partnerships they have formed and for their innovative programming in support of small business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the author discusses how public libraries can promote a vibrant local music community by citing their efforts at the New Orleans Public Library to support artists through their Crescent City Sounds streaming service. Also cited are how libraries can provide more credibility and recognition of artists to the listening public and the comment of Justin Powers of Marina Orchestra on the role of libraries in promoting the music industry.

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]

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many public libraries offered virtual storytimes (VSTs). Who proposed, authorized, and developed these programs? What impact did they have in the short term and long term? To find out, we created a survey on the decision and evaluation processes behind VST. We received 415 responses from children's librarians throughout the United States. Our findings indicate that children's librarians exercised keen administrative and management skills in launching VSTs and the programs prioritized children's socioemotional development and learning. However, assessment of the programs is somewhat lacking as libraries tended to focus on outputs like the number of views rather than more meaningful indicators of program value for the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Librarians are on the front lines of today's partisan and civic conflicts, fueled by fragmentation in ways different groups of citizens know the world, the shattering of common agreement about what it means to be an American, and loss of human connections across different epistemic communities. In this article, I argue that concepts of public work and its expression in "citizen professionalism" and the idea of nonviolent civic politics developed through decades of educational public work in the black freedom movement are profound resources for library professionals to use in addressing such conflicts. The article describes the little-known movement of Jeanes Teachers, who organized black communities to build thousands of Rosenwald libraries and schools and created interracial alliances in the American South. They had deep belief in the potential of everyone, black and white. Their pedagogical, political, and relational skills and constructive nonviolent philosophy have many lessons for librarians today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Out-of-school time (OST) science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming has positive impacts for youth, and the importance of engineering design activities and principles within STEM programming is well-supported by research. Including subject matter experts (SMEs) in these programs enriches the experience of youth participants. Public libraries are widely accessible to the public, and their role in the OST arena is expanding. Library staff can boost the quality of STEM learning experiences by partnering with SMEs. Purpose: Subject matter experts (SME) contribute more than just their expertise. Between 2018 and 2019, a group of diverse professional engineers and librarians co-facilitated engineering activities at six U.S. libraries serving traditionally underserved populations. This study investigates the alignment in active learning preferences between youth, library staff, and professional engineer volunteers. Method: The study's design implemented the Framework for the Observation and Categorization of Instructional Strategies (FOCIS), which identifies seven different types of learning activities: collaborating, competing, performing, discovering, making, teaching, and caretaking. The FOCIS helped researchers evaluate the learning activity preferences of youth participants, engineers, and librarians. Results: The analysis showed that the learning activity preferences of youth and engineers were much more closely aligned than those of librarians. Conclusions: Alignment between youth-program participants and SME program facilitators has the potential to enrich the program experience and foster active engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigated job demands and requirements in the American Library Association (ALA) job website. The states with the highest number of library and information science (LIS) job openings were California, Texas, Illinois, New York, and Washington. Academic libraries had the highest number of job openings, followed by Public libraries and Government libraries, respectively. The most sought-after LIS job categories were Administration/Management, Special Collections/Archives, Subject Specialist/Liaison, Information Literacy and Instruction, and Collection Development/Acquisitions. A significant majority of libraryrelated jobs required a Master's degree. These findings benefit LIS researchers, educators, professionals, and job seekers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Makerspaces are now a common feature in many public libraries in the United States. However, there has been little research into how these spaces function for adults with disabilities. In this study, qualitative data were collected from patrons with disabilities and public librarians through online focus groups, interviews, and an online survey to address this gap in knowledge. Findings speak to the needs of a significant subset of public library patrons, describe current practices in public library makerspaces, and suggest areas for implementing more inclusive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates caregivers' perceptions of the benefits of library visits in relation to preschool children's learning and development. Reasons and benefits for attending libraries and storytimes, which were reported in previous research, are synthesized. Caregivers in Taiwan who visited public libraries in August 2019 (before COVID-19) with their newborn to 8-year-old children were asked one open-ended question in the context of a library user satisfaction survey. In total, 405 responses were gathered and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three main benefits were identified related to education, socialization, and enjoyment, in line with prior studies; however, participants expressed their reasons with depth and clarity. The findings show that caregivers have positive perceptions toward public libraries and value public libraries for supporting preschool children's learning and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries with multilingual communities should provide adequate access to multilingual resources to meet the needs of community members. Few previous studies have addressed online access to multilingual collections of public libraries that serve multilingual communities. This article highlights challenges in supporting multilingual users on public library websites that have multilingual users by asking what factors are involved, how the problems will eventually be solved, and what features will be needed in website design and indexing to enhance multilingual support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the civic role of libraries in the United States and how they can empower citizens and bring communities together. It highlights the importance of libraries in renewing civic life, building collective knowledge, fostering understanding and empathy, and nurturing partnerships. The article also explores how libraries have redefined their missions and extended their reach into the realm of civic life. It includes case studies and theoretical considerations to inspire readers to imagine new possibilities for libraries to strengthen the civic health and culture of their communities. [Extracted from the article]

In 2021, the assessment-data management librarian at Lehman College Library decided to conduct a privacy audit of the Library's public computers and networks. This audit comprised one of the Library's two annual formal assessments of resources and services. The American Library Association's (ALA) Library Privacy Checklist for Public Access Computers and Networks was selected to review 17 key items related to protecting user privacy and confidentiality. Faculty and staff from Circulation, Library Technology, and Online Learning identified 10 indicators needing work. Suggestions are provided for collaboratively resolving these issues and future steps are described to continuously maximize the online security of the campus community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC), a statewide library consortium serving 40 public colleges and universities in Florida, implemented a new integrated library system for all libraries in 2020–2021. The scope and scale of the project were highly complex, requiring robust communication strategies and mechanisms for success. FLVC worked with its member libraries and other stakeholders to create an organizational framework for the project. After the completion of the project, FLVC surveyed project participants to assess the effectiveness of the organizational framework. Overall results were strongly positive, while some areas for improvement were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries are an invaluable institution in the United States, and the digital revolution has posed many challenges for them. With the American Library Association's updated "Library Bill of Rights" and public library services increasingly moving online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the protection of patron privacy in public libraries is an important and timely topic of study. However, there is a lack of empirical data regarding privacy practices and the challenges that public libraries face. To fill this gap, we conducted an online survey that was sent to more than 12,500 public librarians across the country to study the state of patron privacy practices and challenges in public libraries. This study is the first of its kind on this topic. Our results show that patron privacy protections vary drastically depending on the library's size and service area. This study provides essential knowledge for administrators and policy makers in public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing public and professional perception that libraries promote learning and community, mounting evidence suggests that public and school libraries are often unwelcoming places for youth who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Using data from eight focus groups with 50 BIPOC youths ages 12–18, we discovered varying degrees of belonging in public and school libraries. We also found that behavioral norms, policies, and frameworks of social belonging in libraries result in many BIPOC youths rejecting or being excluded from library spaces. These frameworks and policies are enforced through a system of surveillance and policing that many youths accept as necessary to create quiet library spaces. This combination of social and institutional practices sets the stage for persistent marginalization of many BIPOC youths and teaches them to accept and replicate social inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite inequitable access to telemedicine video visits for those lacking home-based broadband and the ability of public libraries to address this gap, the adoption of telemedicine in public libraries has been slow. The purpose of this research is to describe the implementation experience of five libraries and library programs that were among the earliest adopters of telemedicine in public libraries. This research was guided by the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance implementation framework. A variety of models have been implemented, but the most successful models include partnership with health providers or a health system. Dissemination of early adopters' experiences can aid other libraries in learning from their example, enabling more rapid uptake of this important programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author presents a first-hand account of a self-identified problem employee. She focuses on her role as a new manager in a large public library. She identifies problem behaviors and the negative attitudes behind them. She lists a number of causes for becoming a problem employee. She looks at the failures of her supervisor and the library system, including the lack of communication, clear direction, and concrete feedback. She examines the shortcomings of her library school management course in preparing her to lead. She identifies self-doubt as another culprit. She confesses that she did not see herself as management material and lacked role models. She acknowledges that her early academic success made her resistant to seek help or to modify her work behaviors. She explains how her role as a problem employee was allowed to persist for several years. Finally, the author shows how she changed from being a problem employee to a productive member of the library staff. She offers both personal and generic suggestions for solving the problem of having problem employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Technology use is widespread in the lives of children and families, and parents and caregivers express concern about children's safety and development in relation to technology use. Children's librarians have a unique role to play in guiding the technology use of children and families, yet little is known about how public library programs facilitate children's digital literacy. This study sought to uncover librarians' purposes for using technology in programs with young children as well as the supporting factors and barriers they encountered in attempting to do so. Findings reveal 10 purposes for integrating technology into public library storytime programs and 15 factors across four dimensions that facilitate and/or inhibit its inclusion. If librarians are to embrace the media mentor role with confidence and the necessary knowledge and skills required of the task, much greater attention should be devoted to the responsibility and more support in the way of professional development and resources is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an assessment coordinator with a non-library educational background, the author discusses her perspectives on how an academic library builds and promotes a culture of assessment since joining a public research library in 2018. She also presents key insights gained while working on strategic plans and assessment plans. This column may be beneficial to library leadership and administrators regarding practical aspects to consider while fostering a culture of assessment in their organization. This column may be also useful for individuals who desire to broaden their position in library assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes survey data from 900-plus U.S. respondents to identify and explain COVID-19 pandemic-induced changes in different work tasks for library workers. Results show negligible change in overall hours for academic library workers and an almost two-hour decrease in overall hours for public library workers. Analysis by task type shows decreased work hours for most tasks, although professional development and administration/management showed increased hours across library types. In contrast, qualitative responses reveal that workers feel they are working more hours because the pandemic has broken down boundaries between work and non-work tasks, surfacing ongoing issues of labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates how academic and public library makerspaces transitioned to online maker programming during COVID-19. Using a collective case study methodology based on interviews with library staff, the findings describe three resources that supported the online transition—existing knowledge, technology infrastructure and staff with technology expertise, and interorganizational collaboration—while navigating challenges related to logistics, lack of staff and training, substitution for the benefits of experiential learning, facilitation of online interactions, online marketing and program assessment, and social issues. The findings illustrate how online maker programming has expanded through changes in approaches. This article illustrates an increased level of accessibility, new skills for future maker programming, and changes in perceptions about online learning and making, as three central outcomes. These findings lay the groundwork for future research developing robust design guidelines for online maker programming beyond the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflation is a perennial societal issue in the U.S., especially for third sector agencies like public libraries. This study finds three approaches that can be used to measure inflation in public library data. These approaches are distinguished by their degree of abstraction. They are (1) specific, (2) middle-range, and (3) general. Each approach is used for particular situations for certain tasks and knowledge. This study explains and illustrates the approaches by applying them to actual datasets. These strategies serve as important tools for those interested in examining inflation in the context of public libraries in the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present LinearResponse.jl , an efficient, versatile public library written in julia to compute the linear response of self-gravitating (three-dimensional spherically symmetric) stellar spheres and (two-dimensional axisymmetric razor-thin) discs. LinearResponse.jl can scan the whole complex frequency plane, probing unstable, neutral and (weakly) damped modes. Given a potential model and a distribution function, this numerical toolbox estimates the modal frequencies as well as the shapes of individual modes. The libraries are validated against a combination of previous results for the spherical isochrone model and Mestel discs, and new simulations for the spherical Plummer model. Beyond linear response theory, the realm of applications of LinearResponse.jl also extends to the kinetic theory of self-gravitating systems through a modular interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the debate on the usefulness of public libraries. Through a literature review, we document the shift in their core mission as they transition from codex curators to community builders. This reflects a change in service logic, moving away from the mobilization of technical capabilities in a low interactivity context and toward the mobilization of human capabilities in a high interactivity context. Public libraries now stand as social innovators in that their activities modify interaction patterns among individuals. As a consequence, they stand as key players in the knowledge economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public libraries in the United States have experienced increases in opioid-related substance use in their communities and on their premises. This includes fatal and non-fatal overdose events. Some libraries have adopted response measures in their branches to deter substance use or prevent overdose. A small number of libraries around the nation have decided to stock the opioid antagonist naloxone (Narcan) for staff to administer to patrons who experience overdose. This response measure has generated extensive media attention. Although Ohio ranks fourth in age-adjusted drug mortality rate in the United States, there has been no investigation of whether Ohio libraries are observing opioid-related transactions, consumption, and/or overdose events, or which measures they have adopted in response to these activities. We conducted a multimethod survey with Ohio public library directors to identify the response measures they have adopted. We present descriptive findings from the quantitative and qualitative items in our survey. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional 54-item multimethod survey of public library system directors (one per system) in Ohio. Directors of each of Ohio's public library systems were invited to participate via email. Results: Of 251 library systems, 56 responded (22.3% response rate), with 34 respondents (60.7%) indicating awareness of opioid-related transactions, consumption, and/or overdose on their premises. Most (n = 43, 76.8%) did not stock naloxone in their buildings. Over half (n = 34, 60.7%) reported implementing one or more non-naloxone response measures. These measures focus on improving security for staff and patrons, deterring opioid-related transactions (purchases and exchanges) and consumption, and providing educational events on substance use. Nearly half (n = 25, 47.2%) partner with community organizations to provide opioid response measures. A similar proportion reported adequate funding to respond to opioid-related substance use (n = 23, 45.1%), and most (n = 38, 74.5%) reported adequate support from their boards and communities. Few respondents have implemented evaluations of their response measures. Conclusions: Ohio public libraries are responding to evidence of opioid-related transactions, consumption, and/or overdose on their premises with a range of measures that focus on substance use prevention and deterrence. Most Ohio library systems do not stock naloxone. Respondents indicated they prefer to call 911 and let first responders handle overdose events. The majority of respondents indicated their library systems have political capacity to respond to evidence of opioid-related substance use on their premises, but have limited operational and functional capacity. Findings suggest the need to revisit assumptions that public libraries are willing to stock naloxone to respond to overdose events, and that libraries have the resources to respond robustly to opioid-related transactions, consumption, and/or overdose on their premises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research investigates the response of public libraries to the COVID crisis in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). Group interviews were conducted involving 36 librarians from the 9 provinces of the Region, using the ethnographic methodology of “deep hanging out”. Results show the resilience of public libraries during the crisis; the importance of libraries as social infrastructure beyond the services they provide, highlighting how the digital divide has affected the demand for the libraries’ services; the need to implement librarian communication and digitization skills, as well as a lack of consistent support from the Region were noted. The first section of the paper provides framework over cultural institutions and the COVID crisis. The second introduces the methodology for the sample choice and for conducting the interviews. The third section presents findings from the interviews. The fourth section presents conclusive remarks and policy indications for the support of public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Service coordinators (SCs) play a vital role in assisting families in accessing and navigating the system of Early Intervention services that provide vital support to young children with disabilities and/or developmental delays (YCwD/DD). The study reports findings of focus group interviews with 14 SCs in three states in the United States that were subsequently coded and analyzed using a thematic analysis framework. SCs identified many ways that libraries support YCwD/DD through provisions of materials, services, spaces, and collaborative partnerships with community agencies. However, they pointed to additional measures libraries could take to better serve YCwD/DD and their families. Libraries might consider implementing changes to aspects of their policies and collaborative relationships in order to improve their responsiveness to the needs of YCwD/DD and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Record levels of materials challenges have affected libraries in both Canada and the United States in recent years, but despite the apparent swell in censorship efforts, the large majority of challenges go unreported. This study aims to identify factors contributing to the low rate of challenge reporting through a participation survey distributed to over 500 Canadian public libraries. Results indicate low awareness reporting mechanisms is likely the largest obstacle to greater participation, but obstacles related to library policy, including delegation and challenge policy structure, also exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The public library serves as the point of convergence and the vector for information. However, the role of public libraries in promoting and contributing to the SDGs has been largely overlooked. This paper examines the strategic role public libraries can play in promoting SDGs and proffers key strategies for public libraries in promoting sustainable development. It is concluded in the paper that the public library that serves as the knowledge repository of the public owes the duty to ensure the dissemination of relevant information to educate, inform and mobilize the public toward collaborative efforts to save the growing cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the role of public libraries in promoting community resilience and sustainability during times of crisis. It fills a research gap by investigating the relationship between library services, community engagement, and long-term resilience within the context of disaster recovery. Through a comprehensive analysis of literature and a case study of Kaohsiung Public Library in Taiwan, the study establishes a robust association between libraries and community resilience. The study emphasizes the importance of public libraries as agents of community resilience and advocates for a comprehensive approach to address community needs during crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All libraries, especially public libraries, must continue to play a leading role in closing the digital divide. Through this article, the authors present a brief history of libraries and the digital divide, how libraries address the digital divide through digital equity, ways the U.S. government has addressed the digital divide, insights shared from serving on the New Jersey Broadband Access Commission, strategies that public libraries can implement to bring about digital inclusion, the need for libraries to address the technology needs of youth, the importance of public-private partnerships and examples of initiatives and the resources created that address digital equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries are seeking ways to ensure their collections are representative of the populations they serve as demographics continue to change. The diversity audit that took place at Liberty Public Library (LPL) included a random sampling of more than a quarter of the books in its children's collection to determine how well the library represented its patrons. One goal of this study was to evaluate the diversity present in the LPL children's collection and to improve gaps that were identified. The work addresses the lack of research on how smaller libraries can successfully tailor diversity audits to meet their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study investigated how clubs hosted in public libraries can affect the ways in which attendees of these clubs perceive and use libraries. Interviews were conducted with 15 library club attendees. Participants tended to be using library services more often – and in different ways – due to their attendance of library clubs. Interviewees believed that the library had become more relaxed over time, and that the purpose of public libraries went beyond a focus on books. These findings suggest that library clubs might lead to attendees expanding their ideas of the role libraries can play in their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the transition of public libraries to administrative corporations through the lens of stakeholder theory. It positions public libraries as pivotal institutions harboring extensive collections vital for fostering educational and cultural growth. Focusing on the Kaohsiung Public Library in Taiwan as a case study, this research highlights successful tactics adopted during its shift toward administrative corporatization. Such a transformation aligns with the strategic objectives of governments, stakeholders, and communities at large. By applying stakeholder theory, the study investigates the broader societal contributions of administratively corporatized public libraries, their role in advancing public library services amidst organizational changes, and their capacity to augment the distinctiveness of urban landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Codesigning public library spaces is often limited to consulting with end-users rather than giving them a role as actual co-designers. This article advocates for more genuine codesign of public library spaces and critically examines the prevalent challenges in achieving true codesign in public library developments. The article introduces a two-year Australian Research Council Linkage research project, ‘Designing for Communities with Communities’. The project aims to provide public library staff with a set of codesign tools they can adapt for their own particular projects. Using comparative case studies, the project will also identify the challenges of integrating codesign into the development of public library spaces, and key factors in the effectiveness of projects that seek their communities’ inputs and engagement. This article introduces the theory of participatory and codesign, and sets out the basic conceptual framework for the project. It also reports on its initial stages, including preliminary interviews with key protagonists and preliminary user surveys about existing spaces. Moreover, the article discusses the design of the case studies’ community workshops, where most of the actual codesigning will take place, with an extensive discussion and analysis of the activities that could be included in these workshops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article describes the evolution of academic public health library services from standalone academic public health libraries in 2004 to centralized services by 2021. Methods: Five public health libraries serving public health graduate programs (SPH) at public and private institutions were visited in 2006-07. Visits comprised tours, semi-structured interviews with librarians and local health department staff, and collecting of contemporary print documents. We compiled and compared visit notes across libraries. In 2022, we reviewed online materials announcing library closure or transition for timing and how services were to be subsequently provided. Results: Libraries and SPH were co-located and most librarians maintained public health expertise though they did not have faculty appointments in their SPHs. Specialized statistical and geographic information systems (GIS) software and data were provided in partnership, often with other system libraries. Only two libraries had strong connections to health departments--one with direct service agreements and another engaged in public health training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores why China's rural information projects tend to be inefficient by identifying the dynamic mechanisms driving the construction and development of China's Rural Book House Project (RBHP). A qualitative survey was used to collect data from 35 participants in the RBHP and to analyze the data through the lens of activity theory. Two dynamic mechanisms were found, namely power coordination and benefit protection, with the former characterized by compulsion, self-interest, and inefficient punitive measures and the latter by the participants' differing objectives when pursuing benefits. The interaction of these mechanisms drove the RBHP forward. The findings of the study suggest the development process of the RBHP and other similar projects need to be reanalyzed from an integrative, dynamic and connected perspective. By way of concluding, insights concerning the measures the Chinese government could take to resolve the issues confronted in rural information service development as well as the need for information professionals to take a critical stance toward their community practice are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A devastating fire destroyed the University of Cape Town (UCT) Jagger Library in April 2021, housing UCT Libraries Special Collections and its African Studies print collections. It triggered an outpouring of grief and concern about irrecoverable archival loss of material that carried the designation "African Studies." This article challenges this perception of the disaster and its significance for African Studies. Moving away from a negative emphasis on loss, it takes a sensitised position that recognises the possibilities for a reconceptualisation of archives, loss and African Studies presented by the fire. It critically reconsiders the relationships between archives, loss and African Studies by taking seriously how archives are permanently marked by the absence of losses that precede and coincide with their production and remain in a state of decay. Building upon a symposium raising these issues, the questions that guide this article and the eponymously titled Special Issue are: What happens when we take the notion of loss seriously as a path for thinking through archives and their relationship to African Studies as a field? How might we read points of connection and disjuncture between the management of archival loss on the continent and the historical losses that structure African Studies? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2012, the manuscript collections of Timbuktu were feared to be at risk of destruction after rebel groups overtook the city. Rumours of the burning of the library and the destruction of thousands of manuscripts catapulted this archive into a discourse of "heritage in peril." While the rumours were greatly exaggerated, they propelled the archives into new digitisation initiatives led by international organisations to preserve the archive from future loss. What this recent episode obscures, however, is the long history of loss, destruction and remaking that is constitutive of the nature of this archive. This contribution reflects on the integral makeup of this loss for the archive, underscoring its different modes – from the physical anatomy of the manuscripts themselves to colonial plunder, and independence-era archival reconstitution. At the same time, it highlights the generative aspects of loss in the Timbuktu archive, through an exploration of copying as a long-preferred mode of preservation and knowledge production, as well as the problematics of digitisation as the current chosen mode of preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]