{"title":"Learning from COVID-19: Revisiting Organizational Communications from the Bottom-up","authors":"Siobhan Stevenson","doi":"10.1080/01616846.2021.1906616","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2021.1906616","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT What started as a general survey regarding frontline worker experiences with their public library’s resumption of services following the spring lockdown of 2020, became a case study in a breakdown in communications between management and frontline staff at one of North America’s largest public library systems. Specifically, survey respondents described a range of feelings, perceptions and assumptions regarding management’s concerns for their personal health and safety against the library’s goal of resuming public services. Media Richness Theory (MRT) provided the ideal analytic tool with which to interpret the results of this survey, while theoretically reinforcing respondents’ recommendations for amelioration, and reinstating the value of MRT for effective organizational communications.","PeriodicalId":45177,"journal":{"name":"Public Library Quarterly","volume":"41 1","pages":"365 - 380"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/01616846.2021.1906616","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47319138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Community Involvement in Summer Reading Programs: A Fresh Perspective","authors":"J. Matthews","doi":"10.1080/01616846.2021.1897500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2021.1897500","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Summer reading programs (SRP) have long been a staple in almost every public library. One of the primary reasons for SRPs is that they contribute to overcoming or mitigating summer reading loss or setback. Yet, the original research that led to the pronouncement of summer reading setback has been called into question. This suggests that the resources public libraries devote to SRPs might be better spent on working with other community organizations on assisting every child to become ready for kindergarten. Public libraries are encouraged to engage with other community organizations in order that summer reading programs will have a broader and greater impact.","PeriodicalId":45177,"journal":{"name":"Public Library Quarterly","volume":"41 1","pages":"1 - 16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/01616846.2021.1897500","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42806660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An Intercultural Framework for Theory and Practice in Third Place Libraries","authors":"Bob W. White, Marie D. Martel","doi":"10.1080/01616846.2021.1918968","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2021.1918968","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This article discusses how we can bring together an intercultural theoretical and practical framework to facilitate encounters between the different communities and forms of knowledge that influence the work of libraries in increasingly diverse urban environments. This approach can be mobilized to deal with systemic discrimination and to enhance social capital and the potential of libraries as third places.","PeriodicalId":45177,"journal":{"name":"Public Library Quarterly","volume":"41 1","pages":"217 - 235"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/01616846.2021.1918968","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48657975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Public Library Events: Who, What, Where, When, and Why?","authors":"Katie Teresa Kukiolczynski, Yan Quan Liu","doi":"10.1080/01616846.2021.1902184","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2021.1902184","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT An explorative survey pertaining to organization and execution of programs and events offered in public libraries across Connecticut revealed that library programs have been steadily increasing in recent years, with most libraries providing one hundred or more programs a year. The types of programs that are most popular vary throughout the library’s open hours. Children’s programming appears to be more popular during the day while adult programming is more popular in the evening. Program popularity is based on grouping and continuous support from external partners. While this study confirmed that both library space and library staff sizes are adequate for programming, a further investigation would assert that this is the case within nationwide library programming.","PeriodicalId":45177,"journal":{"name":"Public Library Quarterly","volume":"41 1","pages":"321 - 342"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/01616846.2021.1902184","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47547296","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the Feasibility of Partnerships between Public Libraries and the SNAP-Ed Program","authors":"C. Draper","doi":"10.1080/01616846.2021.1906615","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2021.1906615","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study assessed the feasibility of partnerships between public libraries and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) for delivery of direct nutrition education and adoption of nutrition and physical activity supports. Reported here are findings from interviews conducted with 14 librarians between December 2015 and February 2016. Librarians spoke of initiatives they were doing around healthy eating and active living and how they would like to do more. They also articulated overlap between their patrons and the program’s target audience. Several opportunities for and challenges to building partnerships between public libraries and the SNAP-Ed program surfaced.","PeriodicalId":45177,"journal":{"name":"Public Library Quarterly","volume":"41 1","pages":"439 - 455"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/01616846.2021.1906615","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49256826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Building a Future-Ready Workforce: The Role of Public Libraries in Creating Equitable, Resilient, and Entrepreneurial Communities","authors":"Audrey Barbakoff","doi":"10.1080/01616846.2019.1688094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2019.1688094","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Communities may need new skills and supports to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce environment. Public libraries can help their communities develop economic resilience and equity in the face of multiple possible futures by undergoing a three-step process: gathering data on key trends impacting the workforce, assessing the benefits and burdens of those trends on the community, and designing services to maximize benefits and minimize burdens. Three trends are explored as an example of this process: AI and Automation; Creative Economy; and Gigs, Sharing, and Entrepreneurship.","PeriodicalId":45177,"journal":{"name":"Public Library Quarterly","volume":"40 1","pages":"167 - 181"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/01616846.2019.1688094","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46713335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Role of Public Libraries in the Evolution of Digital Bharat into Atmanirbhar Bharat","authors":"Vanita Khanchandani","doi":"10.1080/01616846.2021.1893115","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2021.1893115","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Access to information is the hallmark of democracy. The government of India is trying its best to provide free and timely information to all citizens. For bringing effectiveness and efficiency in the governance, an electronic mode of governing has been adopted. This paper endeavors to relate the digital transformation of Bharat and various information needs of citizens. The article also highlights how public libraries can help in achieving the goals of digital Bharat and end with the discussion that the government should frame the proper policy for the provision of e-government services in public libraries.","PeriodicalId":45177,"journal":{"name":"Public Library Quarterly","volume":"41 1","pages":"305 - 319"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/01616846.2021.1893115","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46781581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael Stephens, Helen Partridge, Kate Davis, Margaret Snyder
{"title":"The Strategic, Curious & Skeptical Learner : Australian Public Librarians and Professional Learning Experiences","authors":"Michael Stephens, Helen Partridge, Kate Davis, Margaret Snyder","doi":"10.1080/01616846.2021.1893114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2021.1893114","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study used narrative inquiry to investigate the experiences of Australian public librarians with professional learning and development. Twelve librarians currently working in public libraries in Australia were interviewed. The interviews revealed stories that depicted the real experiences of professional learning for the librarians. These stories are represented in this paper via two components: five critical insights; and three personas. The five critical insights include: (i) there is not enough professional learning experiences (PLE) or learning culture in their library; (ii) PLE must be sought out personally and a major portion of PLE has to happen on their own time; (iii) PLE is primarily found online, and that utilizing social media is a crucial way to find PLE opportunities; and (iv) PLE opportunities are wanted. The three personas were articulated to best typify the different experiences of the Australian public librarians: the Strategic Learner, the Curious Ad Hoc Learner, and the Skeptical Learner. The study’s findings have implications for how public libraries in Australia can support and enable a culture of professional learning and development.","PeriodicalId":45177,"journal":{"name":"Public Library Quarterly","volume":"41 1","pages":"257 - 272"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/01616846.2021.1893114","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46857088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring Public Library Identity Through Mission Statements","authors":"Melissa Fraser-Arnott","doi":"10.1080/01616846.2021.1893568","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2021.1893568","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Public libraries’ institutional identities inform library strategic planning, including marketing and branding, collection and service development, evaluation, and talent management. While each public library develops a unique identity and brand, this identity is informed by the collective institutional identity of public libraries. This study examined the mission statements of public libraries in Canada and the United States in order to identity the salient aspects of public library identity of modern public libraries. The following identity components were identified: (1) community building, (2) culture and recreation, (3) equitable access, (4) information, (5) positive impact, and (6) stewardship. These identity components are examined in relation to literature on library and librarian professional identity and history. They categories are sufficiently broad to serve as an umbrella for a wide range of public library collections, programs and services. Understanding the collective identity of public libraries allows each public library to situate their unique collections and activities within the greater library community.","PeriodicalId":45177,"journal":{"name":"Public Library Quarterly","volume":"41 1","pages":"236 - 256"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/01616846.2021.1893568","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47642882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}