scholarly journals Getting Ready for Play! Toy Collections in Public Libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Carly Bastiansen ◽  
Jennifer Wharton
Keyword(s):  
Early Literacy ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Literacy Services

Looking for a lively way to enhance early literacy services at your library? Hoping to increase circulation, community engagement, and fun in the children’s section? Consider adding circulating toys, games, puppets, and puzzles to your children’s collection.

Library services and early literacy approaches in public libraries for deaf and hard of hearing children

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Bobbie Bushman
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Phonological Awareness ◽  
Early Literacy ◽  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Reading Skills ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Grounded Theory Research ◽  
Hearing Children ◽  
Theory Research

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Children's librarians are challenged to provide inclusive programming in today's public libraries. There is a current trend in public libraries to provide special needs programming for children. This dissertation focuses on library programming for deaf and hard of hearing (D/HoH) children who visit U.S. public libraries. The American Library Association (ALA) states that hearing children need to know six pre-reading skills to be ready to read; however, some of these pre-reading skills focus on singing or rhyming which is difficult for D/HoH children. Grounded theory is "a systematic, inductive, and comparative approach for conducting inquire for the purpose of constructing theory" (Bryant and Charmaz 2007). This grounded theory research studies the programs, services, and story times that are implemented and modified for D/HoH children in U.S. public libraries. This study began with sending out a recruitment script and questionnaire found in Appendix A and B, respectively, which reached nearly 500 medium to large sized U.S. public libraries. Fifteen participants volunteered to be interviewed, and eleven were interviewed. Interviews were analyzed using open and axial coding, which is typical in grounded theory. Preliminary data and a review of literature on literacy acquisition for D/HoH children suggested that D/HoH children do not progress in four of the pre-reading skills outlined in the ALA's early literacy program, Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR), in the same way that hearing children do. Phonological awareness is largely not utilized by D/HoH children in learning to read. D/HoH children are also likely to build vocabulary, develop print motivation, and approach narrative skills differently than hearing children. This grounded theory research developed the model of successful library services and modifications to D/HoH children to explain which services, early literacy instruction, staff training and programs public libraries provide to children who are D/HoH. This research project also inquires about what kinds of modifications are made to serve D/HoH children, and what the impetus was for providing library services to deaf children. The first stage of the model highlights staff attitude as being warm and welcoming, taking initiative, and not seeing D/HoH as a disability. The second stage described the impetus for providing services as encountering a D/HoH patron in the library, knowing a disabled person in a librarian's personal life, or by encountering a nearby agency that serves D/HoH. In the third stage, librarians made accommodations by being inclusive in programming, providing ASL programming, or facilitating visual phonics instruction in place of phonological awareness instruction. In the fourth and final stage, this model reported outcomes such as educating both hearing and D/HoH individuals and building a sense of community.

Community engagement, cultural competence and two Australian public libraries and Indigenous communities

IFLA Journal ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 288-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Blackburn
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Competence ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Sustainable Community ◽  
Science Framework ◽  
Definition Of

Two examples of community engagement in Australian public libraries, drawn from the author’s experience, are analysed using Sung and Hepworth’s (2013) community engagement model for public libraries and Overall’s (2009) definition of cultural competence in a library and information science framework. The examples are examined for the community engagement characteristics identified by Sung and Hepworth; each is also considered for cultural competence, using the domains which Overall posits are the sites where this competence occurs or is developed. A virtuous circle of community engagement is extrapolated from the second example. ‘Hierarchical equivalence’ between organizations, a group’s proportional presence in a population and the nature of each group’s aims, are suggested as further factors in sustainable community engagement. That culture is an asset on which communities draw to engage with libraries and the broader community, and that communities will respond to engagement approaches if they offer the possibility of meeting community aspirations, is evident in both examples.

scholarly journals 'Quick Reads' May Promote Literacy without Stigma: Findings from Eight UK Public Libraries

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Stephanie Jane Hall
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Adult Literacy ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Basic Skills ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Adult Readers ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Literacy Services

A review of: McLoughlin, Carla, and Anne Morris. "UK Public Libraries: Roles in Adult Literacy Provision." Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 36.1 (March 2004): 37-46. Objective – To examine the role of public libraries in the provision of adult literacy services, with a detailed look at both the successes and concerns of the libraries under study; to provide recommendations for best practice in establishing or reviewing adult literacy services. Design – A series of case studies using written reports and semi-structured interviews. Setting – Eight public libraries in the UK involved in literacy service provision or reader development services. Subjects – Eight senior staff members in charge of library literacy programming. Method – A written report of literacy service initiatives was solicited from each participating library. A single interview was conducted with a staff member in charge of literacy service at each of the eight participating libraries. Fact-checking telephone interviews were conducted at three locations where adult literacy programs were in early stages. More in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted at the five libraries with better established programs. Each type of interview consisted of a set of scripted questions supplemented by individualized questions based on the written reports. Main results – There are four key areas of results to be summarized from this study: Adult Literacy Collections – The authors observed three main approaches to branding literacy collections: ?Emphasis on reading for pleasure (with collections entitled ‘Quick Reads’ or ‘First Choice’); ?Emphasis on reading for skills development; ?Discreet labelling enabling stock recognition without advertising that the reader is borrowing literacy materials. The authors conclude that the ‘Quick Reads’ approach was the most successful in highlighting the collection without stigmatizing it and in promoting the pleasure of reading. The importance of maintaining relevant, attractive books was highlighted, with collections targeting both entry level readers and emergent readers. Approaches for Supporting Adult Literacy – The libraries used reader development extensively as a strategy to support adult literacy efforts. Staff tied literacy offerings to other programs or services of interest (for example, promoting adult literacy services alongside audio-visual collections and Internet access). Adult learners were also targeted for library tours, reading groups, and assistance with book selection for the literacy collection. Some of the libraries hired new staff from outside the library profession, choosing candidates with prior experience in basic skills development or community work. Methods of Attracting Adults with Poor Literacy -- Partnership was identified as a key strategy for the libraries studied. Partnerships were formed with numerous agencies, including the probationary service, a community centre (where the library’s ‘reader in residence’ was installed), a college, and a Peugeot factory. Networking with other literacy service providers and coalitions was also an important strategy, particularly as a way to increase the library’s profile as a literacy service provider. Perhaps the simplest strategy for attracting adults with poor literacy was to identify areas of the library districts where literacy skills were lowest and then to target literacy service to those regions. Sustainability and Mainstreaming -- Early planning for sustainability was crucial. Incorporating funding for literacy staffing and collections into the core budget and annual library plan was also an important step. While some libraries hired new staff, and one library staffed the literacy project with volunteers, using existing staff for adult literacy work proved to be more efficient and sustainable. Instilling a sense of ownership in the project for both staff and users of the literacy services by involving them in the development and promotion of literacy service and collections was another strategy employed to ensure longevity of the service. Conclusions – The most successful form of library literacy service provision was found to be the reader development approach (promoting reading for enjoyment and building reading activities around existing interests). The libraries studied showed an understanding of the wide range of reading levels and interests among adult learners. Potential barriers for libraries in the provision of adult literacy service “include restrictive funding criteria, limited staff capacity, and a bidding culture that remains unsympathetic to public library circumstances” (44). The authors make five recommendations for best practices in adult literacy service provision: Eclectic adult literacy collections: Collections should be fresh and appealing and should incorporate engaging non-fiction. Standardized criteria for adult literacy stock: Standardized criteria should be developed by a basic skills agency, preferably at a national level. Equality for adult readers: Approach adult readers as people who read for enjoyment or who are ‘getting back to reading’, rather than as those needing to ‘improve’ their reading. Maximum access: Ensure a diverse and well-stocked collection of books that is easy for adult learners to locate. Community profiling: Optimize service delivery by profiling your community’s literacy levels.

Connecting with Community: The Importance of Community Engagement in Rural Public Library Systems

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Howard ◽  
Heather Reid
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Rural Population ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Population Rurale ◽  
Primary Focus

Urban public library systems have been the primary focus of study for community engagement and community-led approaches. Nova Scotia is largely rural and sparsely populated, with a dwindling and aging rural population. This presentation examines how community engagement can connect Nova Scotia’s rural public libraries with their communities. Les systèmes de bibliothèques publiques urbaines ont été le principal objet d’investigation pour l'étude de l'engagement communautaire et des approches à visée communautaire. La Nouvelle-Écosse est essentiellement rurale et peu peuplée, avec une population rurale en déclin et vieillissante. Cet article examine comment l'engagement communautaire peut établir la connexion entre les bibliothèques publiques rurales de la Nouvelle-Écosse et leurs communautés.

scholarly journals Creating Literacy Fairs: How Collaboration Helps Early Literacy Goals

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Janina Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Early Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Community Partnerships ◽  
Youth Services

Early literacy, outreach, and community partnerships are three constant initiatives of many public libraries. And the Youth Services department of the Pueblo City-County (CO) Library District (PCCLD) is no exception.

Transformation strategies in community engagement

IFLA Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zawiyah Baba ◽  
A. Abrizah
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Community Wellbeing ◽  
Outreach Services ◽  
Rural Libraries ◽  
Asset Based Community Development ◽  
Science Community ◽  
Community Access

This paper examines initiatives developed in Malaysian libraries to enhance library roles in promoting knowledge and technology exchange as well as community wellbeing. It explores how libraries in Malaysia are transforming society through community engagement and highlights initiatives undertaken by libraries that promote community access to collections, services, and events. The success of the initiatives is demonstrated in seven transformation strategy themes, namely; (i) embedded services; (ii) bridges and web technology; (iii) strategic and institutional partnering; (iv) rural libraries; (v) community libraries; (vi) asset-based community development; and (vii) international librarianship. While it is often cited that public libraries are those that serve the community at large, this paper provides the perspective from other types of library viewpoints, emphasizing that such community outreach services should not be limited to public libraries. The library science community at large, and especially academic libraries, must play a role in community engagement.

scholarly journals Conceptualizing Practical Aspects of Public Library Initiatives Provides a Useful Model for Future Research

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Sara Sharun
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
News Program ◽  
Library Staff

A Review of: Sung, H. Y., Hepworth, M., & Ragsdell, G. (2013). Investigating essential elements of community engagement in public libraries: An exploratory qualitative study. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 45(3), 206-218. doi: 10.1177/0961000612448205 Objective – To examine characteristics of a community engagement (CE) initiative in a public library in order to identify and describe essential elements of CE and develop a model for CE in public libraries. Design – Case study. Setting – A public library in a mid-sized city in England, United Kingdom. Subjects – An unspecified number of community members, library staff, and external agency staff participating in a community news program. Methods – There were 12 semi-structured interviews conducted with library staff, community members, and participants from 12 community news agencies operating under the umbrella of a larger community news organization. The authors directly observed an unknown number of undescribed program meetings and events. They also performed document analysis on unspecified government policies, media reports, and program publications to corroborate the information gathered from their interviews and observations. Main Results – The data were analyzed in an inductive manner using ATLAS qualitative data analysis software. Results are described in a qualitative manner and do not correspond directly to the individual methods used. The coding of data from interviews and observations (which are not analyzed separately) resulted in the identification of seven themes related to community engagement in libraries: belonging, commitment, communication, flexibility, genuineness, relevance, and sustainability. Conclusion – The “essential elements” model that was developed from this case study can be applied by other public libraries in their processes and practices, and can contribute to the creation of a more genuinely community-driven approach to service.

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