首页 | 本学科首页   官方微博 | 高级检索  
相似文献
 共查询到20条相似文献，搜索用时 15 毫秒
1.
Spatial accessibility of libraries affects their usage. It is crucial to consider spatial accessibility's impacts on equity and inclusiveness of public libraries. A method is proposed to evaluate the equity of spatial accessibility to library resources and services across population groups. Spatial accessibility is measured in two ways: the closest-based and quantity-based measurements that respectively characterize the level of accessibility to the closest one and to diverse resources according to travel distance and travel time in road networks. Two approaches are applied for equity evaluation with socioeconomic and demographic indicators of census tracts, including the minority population, non-adults, and population in poverty. The method is applied to examine the physical locations of public libraries in four major cities of the U.S with diverse population composition. Results show spatial inequity for socially disadvantaged populations in the cities of Washington DC, Baltimore, and Chicago. Inequity is more prominent for non-adults and minority populations in DC and Baltimore. The analysis helps identify the potential inequity for subpopulations and guide the decision-making in library services to improve equity and inclusion.  相似文献   

2.
Public libraries have been seen to have an important role in providing digital services to potentially excluded groups in order to help meet government targets regarding the delivery of digital services. Geographical information systems (GIS) have been used to investigate library service areas, to aid initial location decisions, and to model the implications of the opening and closure of library services. Recent studies have promoted the use of GIS-based techniques to investigate spatial variations in accessibility to public and private services in relation to socio-economic characteristics of population groups. One such technique, based on floating catchment area (FCA) approaches, has been primarily used to investigate potential inequalities in health services, access to employment and leisure opportunities, as well as planning public transport. In this study, FCA techniques are used to research variations in accessibility to public library facilities using bespoke application tools developed within a commercial GIS package. Drawing on a preliminary analysis of variations in accessibility to library services in a local authority area in south Wales, UK, a case study is presented whereby GIS-based models can be used to investigate spatial variations in digital services provision. As a result, provision gaps of such services can be identified. This study's findings help guide national government delivery programs to promote digital inclusion.  相似文献   

3.
A secondary analysis of a user survey administered in 13 public libraries examined user ratings of reference services by transaction type. Transaction type is defined dichotomously as self-generated (users transacting questions they have determined for themselves) or imposed (agent users in the library seeking information on behalf of someone else). Users with self-generated questions rated library services lower than did users with imposed questions. Both groups rated the library experience lower than their reference desk experience, and imposed queries were responsible for proportionately higher “first time” use of the reference desk. No significant difference existed between groups for ratings of finding useful information in the library, finding everything wanted in the library visit, frequency of library use, or levels of attained formal education. There were significant differences found for ratings of the reference librarian's service behaviors, user satisfaction with reference service, and frequency of reference desk use.  相似文献   

4.
Libraries play a significant role in supplying educational and cultural services. They are important public spaces that can contribute to creating social equality by providing unlimited access to information and public spaces for the community. In this research both the traditional measures (supply-to-demand ratio and straight distance) and advanced measures (population-weighted average nearest network distance and population-weighted average two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) score) are used to assess spatial inequity in the distribution of libraries throughout Hong Kong. How accessibility has been changed after the introduction of two strategies for improvement (community and mobile libraries) is also examined, as are spatial demographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with library provision. The results indicate that there is a substantial heterogeneity of library provision in Hong Kong. Community and mobile libraries have significantly improved the library provision in several areas, although spatial inequality remains. Areas with demographic and socioeconomic groups with lower accessibility to library services were further identified. Data at multiple geographical scales were used, and consistent findings were obtained, confirming the robustness of the results.  相似文献   

5.
Large scale open-source library automation systems can increase efficiencies in bibliographic production. The implementation of such a system, Evergreen, was examined in order to ascertain whether it facilitated detection and use of library collections in Indiana public libraries. Three hundred forty-nine participants recruited from nine public libraries completed user surveys. Additionally, library server data about interlibrary loan (ILL) statistics were collected from participating libraries on a monthly basis. The self-reported user survey included questions about patron history at local public libraries, use of the previous Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs), and use of the Evergreen OPAC for finding and accessing multiple library collections since library users could directly request interlibrary loans via the Evergreen OPAC. The findings indicate that the implementation of the Indiana Evergreen system received moderately positive ratings from the participants; the positive evaluation was primarily related to the use of the ILL function. The ILL service satisfied the participants' needs and motivated them to use the Evergreen OPAC. Benefits for Evergreen users were confirmed.  相似文献   

6.
Public libraries play a vital role in providing information, education, and cultural activities to local populations. Digitization and the Internet have changed the traditional functions of public libraries and caused them to become more community-centered and offer more diverse services. Agent-based geographical modeling is a method for simulating complex urban environments using heuristic and approximated algorithms. The agent model for public libraries developed for this study demonstrates the possibilities for analyzing accessibility, exploring demographic data of potential users, finding underserved areas, and searching for the best locations or relocation sites for libraries. This model has been implemented and tested using the entire public library network of Slovenia. Results suggest that agent-based geographical modeling is a promising method for research in the field of library and information science.  相似文献   

7.
ABSTRACT. Underappreciated data concerning libraries' holdings and circulation over the past century and a half offer insights into the behavior of libraries and their users. Book circulation per public library user indicates an outcome of users' demand for books and libraries' supply of books. From 1856 to 1978, library users borrowed from U.S. public libraries about 15 books per user per year. From 1978 to 2004, about 25% of book circulation shifted to audio‐visual circulation. Over about a century and a half, library book circulation per user shows no strong, long‐run trend either up or down. This outcome suggests that libraries have adapted to maintain the stability of their operation and that library borrowing practices are well‐embedded in popular life.  相似文献   

8.
[目的/意义] 距离是影响用户到访公共图书馆的重要因素。公共图书馆可达性是衡量一个城市公共图书馆布局合理性和科学性、全覆盖和均等化的考量。[方法/过程] 以可达性理论为基础，探讨对公共图书馆服务区域测定的不同方法，辨析空间可达性概念与指标。利用ArcGIS，以苏州工业园区为实例，对公共图书馆总分馆网络空间可达性和服务区域进行实测，测评直线距离和实际路径距离、泰森多边形框定服务区域和公共服务保障圈。[结果/结论] 测评结果为城市空间中公共图书馆总分馆网络精细化布局提供策略参考。公共图书馆总分馆网络空间布局综合运用容积方法和覆盖方法，提出在地理空间中的人口因素，并结合不同地区的地理敏感度，不断优化公共图书馆网络布局。  相似文献   

9.
《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(60):87-110
Summary

This paper introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) user services in libraries. It presents the concept and functions of GIS and compares the use of GIS with library map collections. GIS project in libraries are reviewed. Different kinds of GIS user services are examined. The article looks into the challenges in adding GIS to user services in libraries. User access to GIS in libraries is discussed. It argues that simplified user interfaces and multiple levels of usage are important to improve user access to GIS.  相似文献   

10.
For public libraries to achieve effective strategic planning, they must know who uses the public library and who does not use it. This study examines the characteristics of users and non-users of the public libraries using socio-demographic data from the Current Population Survey, a nationally representative survey of over 50,000 households conducted during October 13–19, 2002, and library services data from the Public Libraries Survey 2002. The study finds 34 variables to be significant. These variables including factors that have not often been studied, such as distance from the library, age/school attendance status, use of other types of library, and public library expenditure per state capita. It is also worth noting that disadvantaged groups, including ethnic minorities, recent immigrants, and people with disabilities, were less likely to use public libraries. This was true even after other factors such as education and income were held constant. The study provides a national-level assessment of the under-served populations. It also offers triangulation to other existing research, particularly qualitative information behavior studies of specific groups.  相似文献   

11.
[目的/意义]研究影响视障者访问公共图书馆网站的因素,并针对网站信息无障碍的设计提出具体建议和优秀范例,为图书馆网站更好地服务视障者提供借鉴。[方法/过程]首先,采用内容分析法和调查问卷法,从文献中整理出本研究参考的17项无障碍设计原则;其次,选择百度排名靠前的5家国内公共图书馆,邀请5位视障者利用读屏软件访问其网站并完成一系列任务,获知结果和总体评价;再次,参照LibQUAL+TM模式,针对17项设计原则设计调查问卷,让视障者对5家公共图书馆网站的各项服务进行评分。[结果/结论]通过对视障者的评价及评分进行综合分析,发现5家国内公共图书馆网站提供的信息服务离读者认为理想的服务水平还有差距,并从网站资源与网站操作两方面探讨影响视障者访问网站的因素,同时列举出国外优秀公共图书馆网站范例。最后,针对国内公共图书馆网站信息无障碍的设计提出加强网站首页的营销功能等10项具体建议。  相似文献   

12.
Abstract

The article reports the results of a visual survey of library Web sites conducted over a seven-month period in 2000. Included in the survey were 100 ARL libraries in public and private universities in the United States. The author sought information about the libraries' policies regarding access to services and resources for unaffiliated users-library users who are not students, faculty, or staff of a library's parent institution. The author focused on four areas: entrance to the building, circulation policies, interlibrary loan service, and the use of proprietary databases. The author also looked for mention of services to unaffiliated users in library mission statements and the costs for use of services or resources. As expected, the variation among library Web sites was great, in terms of the amount of information provided, the level of access to services and resources, and the cost for access. No attempt was made to confirm the information by direct correspondence with staff at the libraries, in part because the intent was to determine only what one could learn from a library's Web site.  相似文献   

13.
ABSTRACT

Outreach services provided by rural public libraries are crucial to fulfilling their mission to provide information access to the widest array of user groups. Particular socioeconomic and geographic factors in rural areas present challenges of access to information resources, yet there exists only a limited amount of published scholarly work examining outreach services provided specifically by rural public libraries. This case study of outreach services to elder users offers contextual evidence for the centrality of social equity and access to the larger work of rural public libraries. Primary data were collected through four semi-structured focus group meetings conducted with elder users of the agency’s outreach services as well as through narrative interviews with six agency staff members. Principal findings showed that elder users had particular information needs related to entertainment and intellectual stimulation, challenges of transportation, and a limited access to technology and internet service. WCPL outreach services were found to positively impact the lives and general well-being of elder users by providing vital social and community connections and serving as a key link for elder users to an institution understood to be central to the life of the community in general.  相似文献   

14.
This article reports on the results of a study that examined public library website adherence to senior-friendly website guidelines. A total of 104 public library websites (N = 104) were analyzed. Compliance with Internet design accessibility principles recommended for older adult Internet users was analyzed, and the findings suggest that current public library website practices may be problematic. As a result, public library websites offering resources and services may present potential accessibility challenges to older adults. Recommendations relevant to public libraries for enhancing library websites and online content are presented.  相似文献   

15.
ABSTRACT

Digital libraries and collections are a growing facet of today's traditional library. Digital library technologies have become increasingly more sophisticated in the effort to provide more and better access to the collections they contain. The evaluation of the usability of these technologies has not kept pace with technological developments, however, and the end-user has in some cases been left behind. This research study evaluates the usability of digital collections created using the CONTENTdm Digital Collection Management System, a software system used by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Specifically, this study addresses the following questions: Does CONTENTdm meet users' needs? Is the interface sufficiently intuitive for them to use it? Is the experience of exploring digital collections using CONTENTdm satisfying to users? Employing usability testing techniques with actual-end users, this study attempts to assess the efficacy of the CONTENTdm public interface as well as user attitudes toward it. Ten participants from three user groups—faculty, library science graduate students, and the general public—performed eleven tasks designed to test the key functions of CONTENTdm-created collections and then answered a series of questions about their experiences. Key findings from this study indicate that while the included digital collections are useful and desirable to end-users, the interface generated by CONTENTdm can be confusing even for those who have considerable experience using the Internet. Results from this study may be used to improve this software system and add to the literature surrounding the usability of digital libraries in general.  相似文献   

16.
文章以美国城市公共图书馆协会146家图书馆为调查对象,借助无障碍评估工具WAVE对这些馆的网站主页进行测评,逐一开展网站访查和内容分析,统计为残障用户提供服务的情况。调查发现,美国城市公共图书馆网站达到《康复法案》Section 508中规定的信息无障碍标准的比例只有15%,“缺少表单标签”“链接图像缺少替代文本”等是常见错误;55%的图书馆网站主页有残障用户服务信息。我国公共图书馆应重视信息无障碍建设,遵循信息无障碍标准,定期进行审查与维护,借助信息无障碍技术提供残障服务。  相似文献   

17.
《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(91-92):39-51
Summary

The evolution of electronic sources has had a significant impact on reference collections in libraries, and public library reference collections are no exception.

Evaluating, selecting, and organizing sources to meet the needs of public library users has always been a fundamental role of public librarians. However, now they have the added responsibility of evaluating electronic resources and deciding whether the electronic sources will supplement or replace traditional paper reference sources. Issues of authority, accessibility, cost, comfort, and user education must be carefully weighed during this evaluative process.  相似文献   

18.
This article brings together results from a number of separate studies carried out in 2004 and 2005 analysing the results of user surveys in UK academic libraries. Results from four LibQUAL?+?? surveys and six surveys based on a template available from the Society of College, National and University Libraries are compared. Several common themes emerging from the analyses are examined, including differences in response rates and library behaviour between the various user groups, and the relative importance of a range of library services. Discrepancies between the responses of library staff and their users in areas such as the provision of information resources are noted. Associations between campus libraries and subject disciplines are likely to influence interpretation of survey results within institutions. There are similarities in the overall picture of user behaviour provided by both survey instruments. The implications for service development and delivery are discussed and a pilot benchmarking study reported.  相似文献   

19.
In a world characterized by the use of rapidly advancing technology, public libraries are championing the rights of the individual to equitable public access to information provided over the Internet. But beyond general connectivity, libraries are also facilitating citizens' access to networked community information (CI) by actively linking users with relevant sites, by hosting pages for other service providers, and by participating in community networking initiatives. For individuals, the availability of networked CI means that they can access it at anytime and from any place, including the home, office, and public library. This article reviews recent trends in the networked CI literature, including public library involvement, and then discusses a major study underway for which multiple methods are being used to collect data from users, librarians, and service providers in three states. Particular attention is given to explaining the use of theory specification to apply Dervin's sense-making framework in an online environment.  相似文献   

20.
Academic library home pages are not only access points to the resources and services of a library, they are virtual representations of the library itself. The content placed on the page, where it is placed, and the amount of space allotted are all choices that send a message about the character of the library, the resources a user should start with, and the library's attitude toward its users. This study explores the messages being sent by the content selection and design of the home pages of 49 of the 50 largest academic libraries in the United States. By looking at the area allocated to different content types and the number and location of different content types, the researchers discovered that design elements and promotion/public relations receive a large amount of page space. The researchers also identified the prominently positioned multi-search box as the apparent de facto standard access point to library resources. Many sites are clearly designed to direct users to specific, presumably important resources. Other sites are more obscure in their site structure and design, increasing the options and visual clutter for users without providing much guidance.  相似文献   

设为首页 | 免责声明 | 关于勤云 | 加入收藏

Copyright©北京勤云科技发展有限公司  京ICP备09084417号