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1.
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   

2.
This article presents an overview of the methods, findings, and the general implications of the 2007 Public Libraries and the Internet study. This annual study has chronicled public libraries' provision of Internet access to patrons and a range of related issues since the early 1990s. The 2007 study focused on the provision and maintenance of Internet access and services, infrastructure issues, community impacts of the technology, training, library technology funding, and e-government roles of public libraries. This article details these findings, exploring how the 2007 data compare to previous studies. It also considers the implications of these comparisons in terms of the levels of service that libraries are able to provide, the challenges that libraries face in providing these services, and the ways in which communities and governments rely on public libraries to guarantee public Internet access.  相似文献   

3.
Taking Control     
《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(72):113-122
Abstract

Libraries are at a crossroad. Down one road are the traditions long accepted by libraries as the proper way to run a library. The other way leads the libraries into the challenges and chaos of the Internet. There are innovative attempts to use the potential of the Internet to redirect traditional patterns of access to information and services.  相似文献   

4.
Abstract

The role information plays in socio-economic development can not be over-emphasized. People need different types of information in their day-to-day life and their information seeking behaviour also differs from person to person. In India, 70 percent of the population lives in rural areas. The access the rural population has to information sources is very limited. Libraries, in addition to other sources, form a major source of information. However, the libraries in rural areas, as observed from earlier studies, are traditional in nature and not well equipped to effectively cater to the information needs of the rural people. Non-existence of library legislation in various states of India is one of the factors which adversely affected the development of a library system. This present study examines the status of rural libraries in four states of India, the information needs of the people in the study area, and their information seeking behaviour. The study also examines the role of the latest IT techniques in improving the present status of rural libraries.

This study concludes that the libraries existing presently in rural areas are in a poor state of affairs. Lack of adequate resources, financial and human, is identified as the major reason for the present status of rural libraries. As far as information needs, a majority of respondents look for information relating to development schemes, employment opportunities, education, health, etc. Mass media including newspaper, TV, and radio are the major sources of information, followed by relatives/friends, and government officials. This study suggests the transformation of existing libraries or establishing a new set up of dynamic information centres with the help of the latest IT to effectively cater to the information needs of the rural people.  相似文献   

5.
ABSTRACT

Information centers are increasingly being confronted with the challenges of shifting information environments. The development of a digital information society has dictated that libraries devise strategies to capture, describe, and provide access to these digital documents in addition to physical formats. This is nowhere more apparent than in the field of government information. With a public access mandate and a distribution model that has forever been destabilized by the development of low barrier Web publishing technologies, libraries providing access to government information face more challenges than ever. This article looks at the possibility of using topic modeling to increase access to the growing number of poorly described digital texts distributed to libraries and archives. The article provides a basic overview of what topic modeling is and its potential applications in libraries, describes some popular tools and potential workflows, and illustrates how the author tested a potential workflow.  相似文献   

6.
《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(57):111-125
Abstract

Librarians have long relied on printed directories and ephemera stored in vertical files to provide access to national political information. The Internet seems an ideal medium for evanescent political information because it allows for continuous updating of information directly by political organizations, enables the creation of large collections of diverse materials, frees librarians from the labor of ordering and updating materials, and permits remote access. There follows a list of political Internet resources that have proved to be valuable for reference in academic and public libraries.  相似文献   

7.
Since 1994, 14 reliable national studies have provided longitudinal data revealing and analyzing trends in the public access computing, Internet access, and technology assistance and training that public libraries make available to the communities they serve. This article provides an overview of selected data from the 2012 study; examines major issues that have emerged from the data in the most recent studies; identifies key trends and changes in Internet-enabled services and resources provided by public libraries to their communities over the course of the 18 years of conducting the national surveys; and discusses selected future issues and challenges regarding public library Internet-enabled services.  相似文献   

8.
《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(93):137-149
Abstract

The information age has changed libraries of all types and sizes in ways that no one could have predicted. For a rural library, though, changes have been fast and furious and have made a dramatic impact on the very nature of the library and the services the library offers. Rural libraries went from a gathering place for community activities to fully wired information centers in a matter of a few years. The article addresses what these changes mean for reference services-one of the most basic functions of a public library. While people are consuming more information than ever, will the rural library be able to keep up with this demand even with the Internet? The article explores reference services in rural public libraries, using examples from libraries in central and northern Illinois, giving consideration to the nature of reference services, how they have changed over time, and how this compares to small libraries in a metropolitan setting.  相似文献   

9.
The provision of public Internet access and related networked services by public libraries is affected by a number of information policy issues. This article analyzes the policy dimensions of Internet connectivity in public libraries in light of the data and findings from a national survey of public libraries conducted by the authors of this article. After providing a summary of the study methodology and findings, this article examines key policy issues that include the nature of sufficient bandwidth and broadband, the perpetuation of the digital divide of Internet access in libraries, the role of libraries as e-government access points, the complexities of funding Internet access, the impacts and contradictions of filtering, and the chilling effect of homeland security legislation in public libraries. This article concludes with a discussion of how examining these policy issues can lead to a better understanding of public libraries and the Internet access they offer within the context of public policy.  相似文献   

10.
This study examines the availability and use of information technology in public libraries in Kuwait. Specific areas addressed are (1) hardware/software, (2) patterns of connectivity such as LANs, Internet, etc., (3) training and development activities in support of information technology, and (4) future projections regarding the use of information technology. The study provides policy-makers and information professionals with previously unavailable baseline data concerning the use of computers and access to telecommunications networks in public libraries in Kuwait. A questionnaire sent to all public libraries (N=25) yielded a 92% response. Interviews with libraries' administrators and authorities were also undertaken to gather additional data. The results of the study reveal that many information technology inequalities exist among the libraries. Only eight libraries make use of computers and 15 are without any type of IT-related technology. The study shows that few libraries have connectivity, limited use of applications, and the implementation of an automated library system are slow moving. Factors impeding the development of information technology are planning, funding, human resources, and building structure. Recommendations are made with the intention to encourage the public library sector and information professionals in Kuwait to take a proactive position in overcoming the forces that hinder the development of IT.  相似文献   

11.
《Public Library Quarterly》2013,32(1-2):27-42
SUMMARY

This article explores a number of variables which can contribute to the quality of public access computing and Internet services that public libraries provide their communities. Through this exploration, the article offers several insights and implications for the development and implementation of high quality public access computing and Internet services which increasingly technology-savvy users expect from service providers. A key focus of the article is determining the extent to which some public libraries can reasonably provide high levels of network-based services given staff, budgetary, and other constraints and challenges.  相似文献   

12.
Background: Hospital pharmacists need access to high‐quality information in order to constantly update their knowledge and improve their skills. In their modern role, they are expected to address three types of challenges: scientific, organizational and administrative, thus having an increased need for adequate information and library services. Objectives: This study investigates the information‐seeking behaviour of public hospital pharmacists providing evidence from Greece that could be used to encourage the development of effective information hospital services and study the links between the information seeking behaviour of hospital pharmacists and their modern scientific and professional role. Method: An empirical research was conducted between January and February 2010 with the development and distribution of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was filled in and returned by 88 public hospital pharmacists from a total of 286 working in all Greek public hospitals, providing a response rate of 31%. Results: The hospital pharmacists in Greece are in search of scientific information and, more particularly, pharmaceutical information (e.g., drug indications, storage, dosage and prices). The Internet and the National Organization of Medicines are their main information sources, while the lack of time and organized information are the main obstacles they have to face when seeking information. Conclusions: The modern professional role of hospital pharmacists as invaluable contributors to efficient and safer healthcare services may be further supported through the development of specialized libraries and information services within Greek public hospitals.  相似文献   

13.
The continuing desktop computing revolution, major re‐design and re‐implementation by a number of vendors of integrated library systems, widespread public acceptance and use of the Internet/World‐Wide Web, and the increasing use of the Internet to deliver digital content and access to electronic resources, have all combined to create the need for libraries in the United States to enhance and replace existing systems, networks, and other technologies and to implement new technologies. Libraries planning new network‐centric services face the prospect of overall technology enhancement to optimise service delivery; technology support and staff training and development become critical for successful implementation. This paper reviews the issues that libraries will have to address as they move to the ‘next‐generation’ systems.  相似文献   

14.
Abstract

Fee-based information services in libraries will face many challenges in continuing to offer value-added, cost-effective services to customers during the opening decade of the new millennium. Some of the challenges are similar to those faced by other library units, but others are unique. Many of these are related to the proliferation of electronic resources and to the “do-it-yourself” approach customers have toward them. Other issues that must be addressed include shifts in client expectations; the demand for new types of information services and products; unresolved intellectual property issues; evolving means of providing access, delivery, and distribution; the need to form innovative partnerships; and the increasing globalization of the customer base.  相似文献   

15.
This study investigated 18 libraries in two public library systems in Oklahoma to find out how they are addressing health literacy and facilitating access to consumer health information; how library staff members view their roles and responsibilities relative to health information and health literacy; what challenges libraries face; and what strategies are being used. Staff members recognized several challenges to providing health information and to developing programs, including staff and patron difficulties with reference interviews, and patron lack of awareness of library resources. Staff members often had only a partial understanding of health literacy, and were unaware of system strategies to address health literacy or provision of health information.  相似文献   

16.
Abstract

Health care professionals often request information delivered stat. Patient treatment is urgent. Any hospital library, large or small, that uses Internet document delivery (IDD) systems can place information in the hands of the health professional faster. Libraries that use Internet document delivery technologies can provide health care professionals with information more quickly. Ultimately, it could reduce the length of a hospital stay and reduce health care costs. However, hospital libraries are faced with significant barriers that prevent them from utilizing electronic document delivery systems. docMD successfully overcame barriers and allowed small and/or rural hospital libraries to take advantage of the benefits of electronic document delivery that larger libraries have enjoyed for over a decade. It provides health professionals affiliated with smaller hospitals an equal opportunity to access professional literature quickly in order to make quicker, well-informed patient care decisions. The docMD pilot project investigated, eliminated the barriers and provided IDD services to eleven small and rural hospital libraries using a centralized document mediation center. This paper provides background information, describes the creation of the docMD service delivery model and discusses possible future project outcomes.  相似文献   

17.
This is an exploratory study of public library services in Singapore for young people (defined as those people between thirteen to nineteen years of age) who are wheelchair bound. The research was carried out originally in 2000, but the study still informs policy makers in the Singapore system. Three main research questions are explored:
  • What are the information needs of wheelchair-bound young people?

  • What are their perceptions of libraries and library services?

  • What are the problems they face in using library facilities and services?

The study involves eleven wheelchair-bound people between the ages of twelve and twenty who were selected by means of a purposive sample.

Findings indicate that most participants enjoyed reading books but did not read newspapers. The computer was used primarily as a recreational tool, and the convenience of the Internet appealed to them. There were, however, problems in using computer equipment in the libraries. School libraries were generally inaccessible. There were also problems in using public library services and facilities as well as being in public places. Their use of public libraries was infrequent. They were unaware of the full range of library facilities and services.

The study concluded that there was a need and demand for library services by wheelchair-bound young people. Their information needs and reading habits were no different from those of any young person. Current library promotions were inadequate in stimulating or sustaining their awareness and interest. Transportation was the main obstacle in getting to libraries. The problems faced in using libraries were mainly related to architectural and physical access to library facilities and services.  相似文献   

18.
The explosion of availability of information on the Internet requires that libraries evolve into value-added information providers, rather than mere curators of collections. Modern libraries need to stay relevant to a diverse, technologically savvy patron base and to facilitate and add value to the research community, while facing significant resource constraints. To face these challenges, libraries need to embrace digital technologies and library management systems (LMS) in order to work smart and achieve more with less. While LMS systems have been around for decades, libraries can explore the new frontier by embracing open source solutions, like open source software (OSS) library systems, which are free to acquire. They need to collaborate with computer experts and become technologically savvy to harness the full power of OSS solutions to meet the specific needs of the library and patron base. This article provides an overview of the availability, benefits, and drawbacks of various LMS systems and OSS variants, drawing from experiences in the present Indian context.  相似文献   

19.
Like all public libraries, rural public libraries in the Appalachian region can play a significant role in the economic development of their communities. Economic development in rural communities potentially benefit from many of the same resources and services all enjoy at public libraries, including free and public Internet access, space, education, question answering, and materials on many business-related subjects. This article reports survey findings of current activities that rural public libraries perform in one state, namely the state of Tennessee, as a case study to apply the lessons and insights to other parts of the United States. The discussion includes assessment of activities and some recommendations to streamline and stimulate all public libraries in conducting this assistance efficiently.  相似文献   

20.
ABSTRACT

In the 1990s, electronic reserves services rapidly developed in academic libraries following the emergence of the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web, as an information delivery tool. Because similar technologies are used to develop and access digital libraries and electronic reserves, the implications for the evaluation of electronic reserves go beyond traditional service satisfaction levels. User responses to electronic reserves are an indicator of the acceptance and technical challenges of digital libraries. As we examine user reactions, inferences can be made on such topics as user technical skills, institutional networking infrastructure and the electronic communication process in instruction. These inferences give us greater insights into the future use, satisfaction level and technical demands in the use of digital libraries.  相似文献   

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