An overview of public library research activitity and developments in Northern Ireland

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to draw a network among the keywords used in public library studies in the LIS field in Korea using a social network analysis method. To achieve the purpose, this study (i) analyses the keywords used in LIS peer-reviewed journal articles on the subject of public libraries, (ii) finds the important keywords of public library studies based on network perspectives, and (iii) compares the keyword network of public library studies for the most recent five years with the keyword network of public library studies of different time periods. Through a keywords analysis of public library studies, the following research trends have been found: (a) Korean public library studies have mainly focused on management issues; (b) there has been much discussion about library cooperation between public libraries and other kinds of libraries; (c) the subjects of research related to evaluation have been diversified as a result of influence from the fields of management and business; (d) scholars became interested in special users; (e) many studies paid attention to human resources issues in public libraries; (f) there have been many studies that are focused on small libraries; and (g) considerable research has been related to lifelong education, in particular, during 2001–2009. In addition, through comparison of the keyword network of public library studies for the most recent five years and the keyword network of public library studies for different time periods, the researcher finds that (i) keywords have both similarities and differences, and (ii) socio-environmental factors influence the research trends.

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Emotional intelligent leadership

Library Management ◽

10.1108/lm-10-2012-0072 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 34 (6/7) ◽

pp. 462-485 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Anthony McKeown ◽

Jessica Bates

Keyword(s):

Emotional Intelligence ◽

Northern Ireland ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Leadership Skills ◽

Public Library ◽

Research Literature ◽

Competency Framework ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Content Type ◽

Leadership Attributes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a study concerning what emotional intelligence (EI) leadership attributes branch managers in the public library service in Northern Ireland (Libraries NI) consider to be most important.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology in the study involved a survey of all branch managers in Libraries NI – an online questionnaire containing quantitative and qualitative questions was sent to 104 branch managers. Goleman's Emotional Competence Inventory (ECI) was used to examine what attributes and skills were considered to be more important.FindingsThe study found that while EI was a new concept to the majority of respondents, they were valuing and demonstrating EI attributes and traits in their work. The top five leadership attributes were: communication; teamwork and collaboration; adaptability; integrity/trustworthiness; and organisational awareness. Likert‐scale questions showed that being able to empathise with staff was considered to be important, and open‐ended questions demonstrated that the branch managers recognised the importance of self‐awareness and that recognising emotions in staff was an important management trait.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides insight into the perceptions and practices of EI leadership within a public library setting and contributes to the research literature on the relevance of EI leadership for library management. It provides valuable comparative data for similar research undertaken elsewhere. Specific recommendations for further research into EI leadership and public libraries are also made.Practical implicationsThe paper shows how the findings can be used to improve practice. Three specific frameworks are proposed which can be applied in the workplace: an Emotional Intelligence Leadership Skills Competency Framework for Branch Managers, which lists the personal and social competencies for branch managers in public libraries; suggestions for applying EI to leadership/management and staff development; and suggestions for applying EI to customer relations.Originality/valueThis study analyses for the first time EI leadership in a public library setting in Northern Ireland, and contributes to the emergent literature on EI and library leadership. The EI Leadership Skills Competency Framework for Branch Managers that is developed from this study can be applied, tested and used within and beyond the Northern Ireland public library setting in which it was conceived.

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Increasing or decreasing reading trend: an overview of the current status of the public libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Library Management ◽

10.1108/lm-01-2020-0006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Rafi ◽

Khurshid Ahmad ◽

Zheng Jian Ming

Keyword(s):

General Education ◽

Information Needs ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Current Status ◽

Neolithic Period ◽

Content Type ◽

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ◽

The Public ◽

The Government

PurposeAs the human race moved from the Paleolithic to the current phases of the Neolithic period, the learning process developed from inscriptions on stones to clay tablets, from papyrus to papers and, ultimately, to digital technology. From ancient times to the present, public libraries have become open universities that are more democratic in the provision of educational and information services and the preservation of cultural heritage, regardless of gender and belief. This study attempts to understand reading trends and the use of citizens’ resources in public libraries in the age of technology as an open university.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this study on regular visitors, permanent library members, and information on the library inventory was collected from each public library administration through personal visits and interviews. In addition, data on regional population and literacy rates were collected from the Government of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Bureau of Statistics. The authors used descriptive statistics to analyze data for comparative studies.FindingsThe results show that daily visitors, regular library members and their use of library resources are decreasing compared to the literacy rate in each district. It was also concluded that, due to a lack of education and training in the area of information and digital literacy, the accessed database resources are not used properly. Moreover, each densely populated district relies on a single public library to meet general education and information needs.Practical implicationsThe results of this study will help the government expand the network of public libraries at the union council level with competent working staff to increase general motivation to improve reading and resource usage trends. Given the current literacy and population growth in each district, the law on the public library can also be amended and implemented to support the existing library system better and create more libraries in the public interest.Originality/valueThis study was conducted for the first time to determine the current state of public libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to help public library authorities improve their existing public library service status based on the results.

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Research activities in public libraries-findings from fieldwork: Facts and methods

Library and Information Research ◽

10.29173/lirg350 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 22 (71) ◽

pp. 15-23

Author(s):

Deborah Goodall

Keyword(s):

Public Libraries ◽

Comparative Method ◽

Public Library ◽

Research Capacity ◽

Service Development ◽

Research Activity ◽

The Public ◽

Research Activities ◽

Library Research ◽

The Social

Reports current research activities in public library services drawing from a series of interviews with 20 chief librarians. Findings reinforce earlier perceptions and findings about public library research activities. Of particular concern is the fact that research activity and method is largely confined to'simpler' issues of operational service development and does not extend to 'harder' research addressing the social and economic impact of the service. To assess trustworthiness and make best use of the data the interview transcripts are analysed using three techniques: initial data analysis by coding down, dilemma analysis, and intensive analysis carried out using the constant comparative method. Concludes that the restricted research capacity within the public library sector may endanger the realisation of its strategic potential.

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Research in public libraries: finding a way forward.

Library and Information Research ◽

10.29173/lirg396 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 20 (65) ◽

pp. 13-17

Author(s):

Ray Prytherch ◽

John Pulse

Keyword(s):

Present State ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Library Research ◽

The Future

To review the present state of public library research, to debate what research is needed in the future and what structures to support it might be required.

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Numeracy Programming at Major Canadian Urban Libraries: An Exploratory Study

Partnership The Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research ◽

10.21083/partnership.v15i1.4668 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Budac ◽

Céline Gareau-Brennan ◽

David Mucz ◽

Michael McNally ◽

Dinesh Rathi

Keyword(s):

Exploratory Study ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Critical Gap ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Program Content ◽

Urban Libraries ◽

The Government ◽

Government Of Canada ◽

Age Range

The Government of Canada identifies numeracy as a foundational skill for work, learning, and life. Libraries have historically been champions of literacy; however, the role of libraries in developing numeracy skills is understudied. Specifically, there is a critical gap in studying numeracy programs offered by public libraries. This exploratory study examines the state of numeracy programming at five major urban public libraries in Canada (Calgary Public Library, Edmonton Public Library, Bibliothèques de Montréal, Ottawa Public Library, and Toronto Public Library) to understand the types and varieties of numeracy programs that they offer. The frequency of programs, the intended age range, and the program content are the main foci of this paper. The researchers examined 1166 program listings by scraping programming information from the five libraries’ websites. The data was collected for the second week of December 2015 and relied on programming descriptions from libraries' websites. Results showed that a total of 65 programs (5.6% of total programs) covered numeracy related skills. Overall, the options to learn about numeracy concepts were very limited at all of the libraries in the sample. Calgary offered the highest number of children-focused numeracy programs, while Toronto offered the greatest number of adult-focused numeracy programs. “Math/mathematics” was the most common term used to describe numeracy-related programs. This exploratory study underscores the need for greater investigation of numeracy programming in public libraries.

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Collection development and management within public libraries in Delhi

Library Management ◽

10.1108/lm-11-2013-0104 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (1/2) ◽

pp. 99-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Prabhjeet Kaur ◽

Paramjeet Kaur Walia

Keyword(s):

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Physical Region ◽

International Standards ◽

Collection Development ◽

Content Type ◽

The Public ◽

The Government ◽

The Masses ◽

Development And Management

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to find out about the collection development and management in the public libraries governed by the government or its agencies in Delhi and compare them with the international standards for public libraries. Design/methodology/approach – In all, Delhi has three chains of public libraries namely Delhi Public Library (DPL), like Hardayal Municipal Public Library (HMPL) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) public libraries. The librarian/heads of selected branches were approached with a structured questionnaire aimed at collecting information on the collection development and managements in these libraries and selected branches. The data were then analysed and interpreted. Findings – It was found that with the advent of ICT and its impact on the society, it is evident that the public libraries are not making the desired effort to reach out to the public and make it more appealing to the users. The main problem with the library remains to be the lack of membership. A few initiatives have been taken, but still there were not many digital services being provided by these public libraries in the present day digital environment. Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to the public libraries within the physical region of Delhi only. Practical implications – The evaluation sheds light on the existing scenario of public libraries in Delhi and may contribute in their future development. Social implications – With the acceptance of the international standards as suggested in the study, the public libraries in Delhi would be better able to provide information resources and services to the masses. The better learned masses make the society more advanced. An information rich society would thus lead to an overall growth and development of the state. Originality/value – There have been many studies in the past on DPL but none have intended to cover other public libraries chains like HMPL and NDMC public libraries which are governed by the government or its agencies and are established with aim of imparting information to the population of Delhi. Also, a similar the comparison with international standards was never done earlier.

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The governance and management of public library services in Nigeria

Library Management ◽

10.1108/lm-08-2017-0075 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (6-7) ◽

pp. 389-401

Author(s):

Abdulsalam Abiodun Salman ◽

Janneke Mostert ◽

Tinashe Mugwisi

Keyword(s):

Service Delivery ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Current Status ◽

Library Directors ◽

Content Type ◽

Library Administration ◽

Library Users ◽

Public Library Users ◽

Academic Qualifications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the managerial and governance issues that impact on service delivery in public libraries in Nigeria. Within many countries this seems to be a challenge often resulting in an ineffective service delivery resulting in underutilisation thereof. This study was conducted among administrators and managers of public libraries in Nigeria to establish the current status quo concerning governance and management issues impacting on service delivery. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study using interviews was used to illicit data from three permanent secretaries, six public library directors, and six heads of rural community libraries, purposively selected for the study. Findings The findings show that variables such as relevant academic qualifications, years of experience, and designation of the administrators and managers of public libraries affect service delivery. A huge dependency on government bodies for decision making and funding was established. Impediments to good management of the libraries were found to be inadequate funding; lack of involvement of stakeholders in public library administration; and inappropriate public library legislation. Practical implications The study recommends the promulgation of a public library-specific act in order to regulate the administration and management of this public unit, involve stakeholders in public library administration, as well as the provision of alternative forms of funding in order to alleviate the dependence on governmental budgets. Originality/value With very little research available on these issues in Nigeria, this paper will create awareness among all stakeholders of specific governance and managerial issues impacting on effective service delivery to public library users so that it can be addressed.

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The relationship between culture and public library use: non-Western students in Scotland

10.47989/irisic2035 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rachel Salzano ◽

◽

Hazel Hall ◽

Gemma Webster ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

International Students ◽

Migrant Workers ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Public Library ◽

Cultural Backgrounds ◽

Western Countries ◽

Library Research ◽

Library Use ◽

Library Resources ◽

New Community

Introduction: Individuals’ cultural backgrounds influence their use of societal resources, including those offered in public libraries. Well-established in library research are explorations of the benefits of public library use to new-comer communities, including migrant workers, immigrants, forced migrants, and international students. However, to date no research has been completed on why these communities use particular resources. Methods: The project outlined in this poster concerns international students from non-Western countries in Scotland. Using a mixed methods approach, the study presented will explore why international students from non-Western countries use specific public library resources, and the cultural factors that influence this use. Analyses: Findings will derive from thematic analysis of participant responses in interview and questionnaire data. Conclusion: An understanding of the perceived value of certain resources can assist in the effective tailoring of resources to serve new community members.

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Budget harmonization and challenges: understanding the competence of professionals in the budget process for structural and policy reforms in public libraries

Performance Measurement and Metrics ◽

10.1108/pmm-09-2019-0048 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 65-79 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Muhammad Rafi ◽

Khurshid Ahmad ◽

Salman Bin Naeem ◽

Zheng Jianming

Keyword(s):

Public Libraries ◽

Employee Performance ◽

Public Library ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Primary Data ◽

Budget Process ◽

Content Type ◽

The Past ◽

The Government ◽

Library Professionals

PurposeIn the past, the field of public libraries proved to be a neglected area of government in terms of allocating handsome budgets for adequate services and developing infrastructure. The aim of this research is (1) to understand the level of library professionals and associated challenges in the preparation and implementation of the budget in public libraries and (2) to analyze the annual grand and regular library budget allocated to public libraries.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature search was carried out from work published in the past – the quantitative study based on a structured research questionnaire followed by the five-point Likert scale. The primary data were collected by distributing printed questionnaires among the library professionals serving in the directorate of public libraries and its suboffices. The secondary data “Budget Grand” for seven years (2009–2015) and the regular budget for two years (2015–2016) were collected from seven public libraries, and data on the district population and literacy rate were obtained from the provincial bureau of statistics. The authors used the one-way ANOVA on primary data to determine the average difference between samples and descriptive statistics on secondary data.FindingsSurvey results show that budgeting is a useful tool for predicting the future, controlling resources and improving employee performance and departmental levels. The findings disclosed that the annual budget review includes guidelines for implementation without adequate discussion and guidance for overcoming challenges. In addition to increasing print and database resources, currency fluctuations, unfair resource allocation and budgeting processes proved to be a potential obstacle to the execution of the library budget. Moreover, library material usage and regular membership are decreasing compared to literacy rates in each district of the province. It also turned out that the limited resources in a library compared to the population and the insufficient budget for operation, maintenance and other library processes posed another challenge for the administration.Practical implicationsThe results, which are based on the primary data of experts and the secondary data on the library budget, can help the directorate of public libraries to push ahead with budgetary reforms and overcome challenges.Social implicationsThis article outlines some basic steps for librarians, publishers and sellers to cope with changes caused by currency fluctuations and falling budget pressures. Given the regional population, literacy gaps and the current state of libraries, the results could also cause the government to expand the public library network across the province.Originality/valueThe study builds upon the qualitative method using a questionnaire and on the secondary data for an in-depth understanding of the whole budgetary process. This comprehensive coverage of the budgeting process provides professionals with useful information in preparing a balanced budget for public libraries.

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