Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Enhancing Public Library Services: A Future Outlook On Digital Libraries In Pakistan, Muhammad Sohail Haider, Chen Ya Prof, Md. Nurul Islam, Muhammad Danyal, Muhammad Hussain

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Objective: Governments consistently aim to enhance services and establish online connections to efficiently deliver necessary information. This study aims to evaluate the future potential of digital libraries in public libraries in Pakistan by examining various projects that have introduced innovative approaches to foster the development of digital library services.

Methodology: The analysis utilized the Amos 24 version, employing the Structural Equation Model (SEM) for assessing model fit indices and validating hypotheses. Additionally, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was employed for Pearson correlation and factor analysis.

Findings: The results suggest the appropriateness of discussing three out of the …

Digital Transformation: Revitalizing Public Libraries As Inclusive Hubs For National Development, Bukunmi Paul Bello, Itunu Mary Adepegba

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Public libraries play a vital role in providing equitable access to information, resources, and digital skills development to advance socioeconomic goals. However, declining usage and widening digital divides pose adaptability challenges. This paper examines strategies for public libraries to leverage technologies and transform services to remain relevant, inclusive hubs supporting national development priorities. It analyzes the impacts of existing services like public computing and e-books while exploring barriers around funding constraints, infrastructure limitations, staffing shortages, and digital literacy gaps. These inhibit technology adoption, particularly across underserved rural communities.

Recommendations center on policies and partnerships to improve access, combined with investments …

Marketing Strategies And User Appreciation Of The Services Provided By Public Libraries, Ronald Odung, Bonniface Agungi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study established the relationship between marketing strategies and user appreciation of the services provided by Public Libraries. The findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between marketing strategies and user appreciation of the Public Library services. The use of social media, general reference service and the use of Library Website are marketing strategies that can be adopted by Public Library. Provision of conducive Library space, benchmarking, analyzing user’s behavior, Quantitative evaluation, effective use of catalog and the size of the collection were ways that Public Library staff apply to assess the level of user appreciation. the finding recommend …

User Opinion About Sps Public Library: A Study Of Google Map Reviews, Taseef Ayub, Shabir Ahmad Ganaie

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Nowadays, individuals tend to seek information about various entities through online platforms where other people share their experiences. Google Maps is one such platform that enables users to rate and review anything, including public libraries. This study aims to investigate the manner in which users of the SPS library utilize Google Maps to express their opinions about the library's services and amenities. This study utilized Google Maps as a source of data, with a data extractor being used to extract reviews. The extracted reviews were then subjected to content analysis to categorize them into different categories. Following this, a sentiment …

Perception Of Public Libraries As Substantive Knowledge Organizations, Sidharta Chatterjee, Mousumi Samanta, Sujoy Dey Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In this paper, we examine how public libraries promote development of good reading habits among the users who come to access for information. It explores how far–in this digital age, public and academic libraries are able to meet the information needs of society. By developing a theoretical model of access to and usage of information based on axioms that set forth the role of public libraries in the services of society, we attempt to examine and analyze how PLs promote adult literacy drive that have positive contribution to society. Community public library systems are thus examined and their role model …

The Changing Perceptions Of Public Libraries, Aleisha A. Stout

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In 2018, OCLC and the American Library Association revisited a 2008 survey on the perception of public libraries. Questions looked at how participants believed libraries are funded, used, and perceived. Public libraries are valued by the public, even as perceptions move away from core aspects of library services. In-person library visits and visits to library websites have declined in recent years. Strong libraries are perceived to raise property values within a community. Libraries increasingly manage social problems, such as homelessness and substance abuse. Some libraries have social workers on staff to meet patrons at the point of need. Public libraries …

Public Libraries And Knowledge Commons In A Municipality In The Free State, South Africa, Williams E. Nwagwu Prof., Margaret M. Matobako Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of the study is to examine the emergence of Commons in the public libraries in the Free State in South Africa using the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework. The study examined the roles of the libraries and communities, the linkage of the new library with open access to knowledge, level of awareness of both users, and the community and administrators. Also, the study examined the role of library users and their communities in the maintenance of the new library. The study adopted a qualitative research design to study 16 community leaders and 17 library staff using an interview …

Staff Development Programmes And Service Delivery In Public Libraries In Nigeria., Ifeoma Nwaigbo, Basil Onyeoziri Edom Ph.D

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between staff development programmes and service delivery in Imo State Public Library, Owerri. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses. A census study technique was adopted to cover the entire population of 42 library staff. A correlation research design was adopted for study, while rating scale was used as data collection instrument. The data collected were analyzed using Pearson (r) statistics to answer the research questions. The hypotheses were tested using t-test statistics of simple linear correlation at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there is a positive …

Assessment Of Collection Development Practices For User Satisfaction In Public Libraries In Enugu State, Abaobi David Agbo Dr, Nkechi Idoko Dr, Elizabeth Titilope Babarinde Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The main purpose of this study was to examine the collection development practices for user satisfaction in public libraries in Enugu State. The study adopted descriptive research design as suitable for the study with180 sampled size comprising 120 users and 60 professional and non- professional staff. Questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. Consequently, several collection development practices determine the extent user satisfaction is achieved in public libraries in Enugu State. These include community analysis, collection development policy, acquisition, selection, weeding, censorship and evaluation. Other factors that affect user satisfaction which is peculiar to users include user effort, user …

An Assessment Of Reading Habits And Use Of Public Library Resources By Rural Women Of Sivasagar District: A Survey, Parishmita Hazarika

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The public library is a local information hub that makes all types of knowledge and information freely available to its users. Its doors are open to all members of the community for full and unrestricted access to its resources and services, regardless of caste, sex, or religion. Public libraries today play an important role in the life of the community. The purpose of this study is to evaluate rural women's reading habits and use of public library resources and services. The study focused on, the purpose of library visits, the frequency of library visits by public library users, the amount …

Multicultural Perspective In Public Library Services, Sutan Aulia Akbar, Taufik Asmiyanto

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article discusses the service of public libraries with multicultural perspective. This study aims to identify the role of public libraries in providing services to multicultural communities. The literature study method is used in seeing various views related to the topic by reviewing national and international journal articles in the last five years (2016-2020). The results show that public libraries play a role in fulfilling the information needs of multicultural communities, especially in supporting the adaptation process to a new environment while maintaining their original identity and culture. The development of special services is a fulfillment solution through the provision …

The Effect Of Librarians’ Happiness Program On The Quality Services Of Iranian Public Libraries From The Perspective Of The Users, Leili Seifi, Maryam Hassanzadeh, Mitra Rastgoumoghadam

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of librarians' happiness programs on the service quality from the perspective of Iranian public library users. To this end, 25 active users’ two libraries were randomly placed in the control and experimental groups. The result showed that although the theoretical part of the research could not achieve significant predicted results, the beginning and planning of applied and operational research fosters creativity and innovation in this social institution such as public libraries. Achieving this requires the provision of preliminaries, including the creation of authoritative scientific texts in the field of public …

Gender Equality And Eradication Of Adult Illiteracy Of Public Library Initiative In Delhi, Kanwer Pal Singh, Projes Roy Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The concept of literacy plays the most significant role in healthy and all round development of a nation. This study enunciates the public library initiatives for gender equality and eradication of adult illiteracy in Delhi. This study covers almost all public libraries in Delhi operate by the government, private body and NGOs. It vividly addresses the reading habits, collection strength and services provided to the adult users on and their participation to eradicate themselves through the public libraries. The study focused the gender equality among the adult library users.

Digitalisation Of Library Services As A Magnifying Factor In Improving Public Library Services In Limpopo, Itumeleng Aaron Khanya, Maoka Dikotla Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Background: Many public libraries embraced digitalisation while some are hesitant to embrace it.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to examine digitalisation of library services as a magnifying factor in improving public library services in Limpopo.

Method: The study used a quantitative research approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire comprising both open and closed questions.

Results: Findings revealed that ICT infrastructure in Limpopo public libraries is underdeveloped and inadequate. Given this, the majority of public librarians are unable to utilise ICTs to render library and information services resulting in limited access to those services. It is recommended …

Utilization Of District Central Libraries And Their Services: A Case Study Of Southern Districts Of Tamilnadu State, India, Pounraj P, Ravichandran M

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Public libraries are the reservoirs of human civilizations. They shoulder the great responsibility of colleting, organizing, storing and disseminating the human knowledge over the generations. The present study aims at exploring how the users of district central libraries of southern districts of Tamil Nadu State, India are using the libraries in general and library services, in particular. Survey method was employed. Random sampling technique was used to draw 150 participants. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. 149 responded. The study reveals that : about two third of them (96, 64.4%) are male users ; About half of them (74, …

The Public Libraries Perspective In Pakistan: A Study On Empirical Problems, Mohammad Hussain, Dr. Haroon Idress

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Purpose: This study examined the problems faced by the public of Pakistan. It also analyzed the demographic information of the libraries and further reviewed the designation, qualifications, and professional experience of the heads/in-charge of public libraries.

Research Methodology: The census-based survey was conducted, and data was collected from the 119 public libraries through the structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version-23) and both descriptive and inferential stats were applied to analyze the data and interpret the results.

Key Findings: The heads of 91 libraries were LIS professionals, while 28 libraries were run by …

How Iranian Cultural Center’S Public Libraries Use Of Information Technologies For Developing Services, Hossein Ghalavand, Reyhaneh Karimi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The goal of this study is describe how public libraries in Iranian cultural centers use of information technologies to developing its services. In this research paper, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data in 80 public libraries. Descriptive statistics method and Excel 2007 was used to analyzed data. In this study, libraries used of exit information technology in acceptable range but use of non-printed resources such as electronic and digital are weakness and only 12.5 percent of libraries contain this material. Librarian’s skills are suitable for used of IT in public and technical services but users need to necessary …

Investigating The Influential Factors On Mobile Learning To Public Libraries Of Iran Based On Frame Model, Afsaneh Sarvi Mrs, Hassan Behzadi Dr, Azam Sanatjoo Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The main purpose of this research is to determine the views of referred individuals to public libraries of Iran about mobile learning on the basis of FRAME model. This study is an applied research conducted in the form of survey method. The population of study was 180 individuals specified based on the method of determining the size of samples from unknown populations using clustersampling method from referred individuals to 21 public libraries of Mashhad city.Data were collected using researcher made questionnaire of mobile learning based on FRAME model. The validity of questionnaire was approved using expert ideas and the stability …

Evaluative Study Of Public Library Infrastructure For Adult Literacy Initiative In Delhi, Kanwer Pal Singh, Projes Roy Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The concept of literacy plays the most significant role in healthy and all round development of a nation. This study articulates the public library infrastructure for adult literacy initiative in Delhi. This study covers almost all public libraries in Delhi operate by the government, private body and NGOs. It vividly addresses the reading habits, collection strength and service facilities offered to the adult users.

The Management Of The Internet Connectivity In The South African Public Libraries, Lesiba Steve Ledwaba

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Free public internet access remains an anchor and a critical component of the role public libraries play especially in South Africa. This paper reports on a study that was undertaken to determine how internet access in South African public libraries is managed. The paper was guided by research questions on; the awareness of regulatory policies governing internet access in public libraries; the budget allocation to public libraries to fulfil their mandate; the level of ICT support in public libraries and the accessibility of internet in public libraries. The paper employed a survey design in which an interview was used to …

Applying Ifla Standards To Compile National Standards: Standardization Activities In Iran, Mohammad Karim Saberi, Fatemeh Pazooki

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is a leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. One of the objectives assumed by IFLA as an independent, international, nongovernmental, and nonprofit organization is promotion of high-level standards for presentation of library and information services. Over the past fifty years, IFLA has codified a wide range of standards at all fields of library and information services. Translating IFLA standards, different countries of the world make use of these standards in order to present enhanced library and information services. Even though, in Iran, …

Impact Of Public Libraries With Reference To Public Library At Tenkasi, Dr.P.Balasubramanian Subramanian Bala Subramanian, K Poolpandian

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study deals with impact of public library at Tenkasi. It will have a strategic role in knowledge-intensive industries like digital media. They will also be mainstays of community-based cultural planning and development. The amount of information available will grow, and much of it will be of questionable value and accuracy. Public libraries will play an increasingly significant role in the literacies of the twenty-first century that enable people to select, assess and use the information that will best meet their needs public libraries are increasingly seeing themselves as playing an important role in community development.

Public Libraries And Access To Information In Plateau State, Nigeria, Olufunmilayo I. Fati, Idris Yelwa

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

For successful post-2015 development agenda, rural communities and individuals need to be given access to, made to understand and encouraged to use and share accurate and relevant information to solve problems and make better decisions, thereby promoting sustainable development. In the recent times, there have been various campaigns and advocacy for access to information especially for rural dwellers and hitherto, a lot of rural inhabitants are not being reached. The study reviews the responsibilities of libraries in ensuring that rural inhabitants have access to relevant information. It also reveals the status quo at the Plateau State Library Board (PLSLB) as …

A Survey On The Social Status Of The Library And Information Science Profession (Case Study: Librarians Of Public Libraries Of Guilan Province, Iran), Ali Akbar Khasseh, Mona Azimi, Hamid Ghazizadeh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of this research is to investigate the social status of Library and Information Science from the point of view of librarians of public libraries in Guilan province, Iran. This research is an applied research and has been conducted through a survey method. The statistical population of the study consisted of 199 librarians working in public libraries of Guilan province, Iran. Using Morgan's table, 127 subjects were selected as sample size and 124 of them responded to the questionnaire. In order to assess the validity of the questionnaire, professors' and library managers' opinions were used and for reliability purposes, …

Users’ Perception Of The Quality Of Public Library Services In The Greater Accra Region Of Ghana: An Application Of The Libqual+ Model., Frederic Naazi-Ale Baada, Patrick Baayel, Stephen Bekoe, Sadat Banbil

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study seeks to assess user perception of the quality of public library services in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana using the LibQUAL+ model. Based on a quantitative approach, the study surveyed 180 patrons of public libraries in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana using convenience sampling technique. Data was analyzed using interpretative techniques. The results showed that patrons were dissatisfied with the quality and depth of equipment and facilities (conducive environment for learning, internet connectivity and computers) and current library materials (print and electronic). A major concern was the absence of internet connectivity and digital collections. Among other …

The Role Of Iran Public Libraries In Development And Promoting Of Tourism Services, Leili Seifi, Raziyeh Kazemi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

People get to know and recognize the culture of nations with a help of tourism. At the same time, the revenue generated by the tourism industry is highly significant. Public libraries are knowledge-based organizations that could be effective in providing tourist attractions through their resources and services. This systematic review of tourism studies within the library sciences is an effort to identify the role of libraries in development of tourism services and identify the research gap for future studies. To this end, the related studies were searched and identified in 10 national and international databases (1999 to 2019), out of …

Provision Of Reference And Information Services In Public Libraries To Physically Challenged Persons In Nigeria: Challenges And Prospects, Ogagaoghene Uzezi Idhalama

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This paper examines the provision of reference and information services to the physically challenged persons in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. The article demystifies the conceptual framework of information services and physically challenged persons, the information needs of the physically challenged as a concept was succinctly analyzed and the attention or relegation received by this group of library users discussed. The public library for instance is there to provide its services to all classes of users irrespective of age, sex, colour and disability. This paper is therefore timely as it ascertained how all libraries can help to meet up with …

Patron Behavioural Challenges: A Focus On Violence In Public Libraries Within Gweru, Zimbabwe, Mthokozisi Masumbika Ncube

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In Zimbabwe, the constitution indicates the freedom of expression, at the same time noting the need for individuals to respective individual rights, including non-violent behaviours towards others in the process of one’s expression. In addition, different legislative acts have been instituted to prevent and alleviate violence within communities. For instance, public libraries are governed by the National Library Documentation Services that stipulates conduct of library staff members and patrons. Since several public libraries are managed by local authorities, there are also bylaws that indicate the kind of behaviour that individual stakeholders are supposed to conform to. In addition, libraries have …

The Role Of Academic Libraries In Creating Oral History Collection, Leili Seifi, Raziye Kazemi, Shahnaz Khademizadeh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study aims at reviewing the role and place of academic libraries in creating oral history collections with the aim of its preservation and application in these libraries. The research methodology is systematic review. To this end, the related studies were searched and identified from 10 international databases in 1983 to 2019. Out of which 23 most related ones were used for present study. For validation purpose, other experts than research team were used. The research findings indicated that academic libraries could stabilize their role and place in creating collections based on oral history through its identification, preservation, promotion and …

A Comparison Of The Conditions Of Iran Public Libraries With The Ifla Standards, Mohammad Karim Saberi, Fatemeh Pazooki

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study aimed to compare the conditions of the public libraries in Iran with the standards of IFLA. Iran is a country in the southwest of Asia. With 1,648,669 square kilometers, it is the 18th country in the world and has a population of 79,926,270. There are more than 3000 public libraries in Iran. Under Iran’s law, the Iran public libraries Foundation, which is a non-governmental entity, is responsible for the task of establishing, constructing, equipping, developing, managing, and monitoring the public libraries across the country. In this study, the five indicators of resources, Stack space, the space of the …