Digital Commons Network^™

Open House In The Ivory Tower: Public Programming At An Academic Library, Rochelle Smith, Ben Hunter

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

Public programming, a frequently used outreach tool for public libraries, is far less common in academic libraries. This article examines the University of Idaho Library’s efforts to attract both university and community members with public programming, delving into detail for three specific grant-funded discussion series: one on Jewish literature, one on graphic novels, and one on jazz. Strategies for location selection, advertising, scheduling and funding are all discussed with commentary on what worked well, what didn’t, and how public programming fits into the mission of an academic library.

Old Maids, Policeman, And Social Rejects: Mass Media Representations And Public Perceptions Of Librarians, Maura Seale

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract This paper investigates the relationships between mass media representations of librarians and users’ perceptions and consequent use of librarians and libraries by asking three questions: 1. How are librarians depicted by the mass media? 2. How does the public perceive librarians and how might these views relate to mass media representations? 3. What are the potential effects of these representations and perceptions? Representations of librarians by the mass media generally fall into one of five somewhat discrete categories. Public perceptions of librarians are somewhat different; although librarians are often described in positive terms, there is nearly no awareness as …