Purpose -This paper is the result of exploratory research forming part of ongoing study into the value and relevance of market orientation as a strategic option for library managers. The aim of the study is to define the concept of market orientation relative to the library sector. Design/methodology/approach -A series of focus groups and field interviews were carried out in order to validate the established constructs of market orientation prevalent in the management literature. Focus groups were used to gather data from librarians working at different levels in two different sectors, health and arts. Interviews were carried out with library service managers in two other sectors, academic and public. Senior library policy makers were also interviewed. The object was to gain an indication of the breadth of opinion across sectors. The data were coded and analysed using a taxonomic map developed during the study. Findings -Market orientation is a concept that library professionals see as being valuable. Library managers define market orientation in the same way as the concept is defined in the management literature. Their understanding of the concept is developing. Research implications/limitations -There are implications for further research. Methods used to measure market orientation in other domains are likely to be relevant for libraries. Practical implications -Fostering an organisational culture that supports market orientation has implications for service management and development. Originality/value -Research in market orientation in libraries is limited. This study provides the basis for research development into market orientation and its value for libraries.

Aims and objectives : The study evaluates the Community Outreach Library Service at Wirral Hospital National Health Service Trust (WHNT). It considers the information seeking behaviour and information needs of primary care staff, and service effectiveness in meeting those needs. Methods : A literature review established the current context and areas of best practice. The investigative case study used postal questionnaires to 250 primary care staff and an interview with the Community Outreach Librarian. Findings : Themes emerged from the literature regarding information seeking behaviour, information needs, and meeting user needs through effective service delivery. Outreach services have value in terms of improving information skills and providing services at point of need. Time is a major constraint for both users and service providers. Conclusions : Investment is needed from appropriate funding sources to support the provision and marketing of outreach library services. Librarians benefit from sharing best practice. The continued evaluation of outreach library services is recommended.

Reflective writing: a management skill. AbstractPurpose: This study analyses students' reflective writing in terms of identifiable outcomes and explores students' thoughts on reflection and reflective writing as a process.Methodology: A mixed methods approach was taken with a qualitative analysis of 116 written reflections from MA Librarianship studying management over an eight month period. A quantitative statistical analysis assessed the relationships between reflective writing and a number of possible outcomes identified from the literature.Findings: A significant relationship was found between 7 of 8 outcomes tested; (1) academic learning, (2) the need for self development, (3) actual self development, (4) critical review, (5) awareness of ones' own mental functions, (6) decision making and (7) empowerment and emancipation. There was some evidence of a relationship between non-academic learning and reflective writing, but it was not significant. A number of themes emerged from the reflective writings regarding reflection itself, with students seeing reflection as a positive activity, with benefits for the individual, groups and in the workplace, and identifying reflection as a skill that can be practiced and developed.Research limitations: The reflection took place as an academic exercise and as such that is likely to have impacted on the nature of reflective content.Practical implications: Reflection and reflective writing as a management skill has potential benefits for personal and professional development and improving work based practice.Originality: This study differs from the previous literature in presenting statistical evidence to confirm the relationships between reflective writing and a range of potential outcomes. Research paper.

Legitimising bibliotherapy: from problematisation to irreversibility? PurposeTo explore how a self-help bibliotherapy scheme became national policy, focusing on its legitimisation via policy agendas and institutional discourses.Design/methodology/approach A mixed methodological approach was used to gather data, incorporating semi-structured interviews, documents and descriptive statistics. Actor-Network Theory (ANT) was used as a critical lens to frame analysis. FindingsThe study concludes that that while the scheme is presented as evidence based by the focal actors in the scheme, in practice, the bibliotherapy scheme is introduced in response to a number of pressing institutional requisite agendas. Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the research include the absent voice of the patient, and future research should aim to present a more patient-centred account to compliment this policy-focused work. Originality/valueLittle in-depth work has been conducted on the strategy behind the introduction of bibliotherapy schemes in the UK or elsewhere, and this paper presents an in-depth theoretical analysis of the first nationalised bibliotherapy scheme in the world.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the needs of the Polish community (established and newly arrived Poles) and how those needs are met by the public library service.Design/methodology/approachA case study method was used in partnership with Sheffield City Libraries. The methodology included interviews with library professionals and interviews and questionnaires targeted at members of the Polish community.FindingsThe Polish community are generally satisfied with the service they receive from libraries. The needs of sections of the Polish community are different dependent on their time in the country. Main concerns were with regard to the collection and their desire for good quality Polish materials including works by Polish authors (not just translations into Polish).Research limitations/implicationsThis study is a single case study giving a snapshot of the library services to Polish users.Practical implicationsThis study highlighted the need for increased community engagement with this particular ethic group. There is a need for collection development for this group of users. This can be facilitated by co‐operation with other libraries that are engaging in best practice and also specialist services such as the Polish Library in London.Originality/valueThis study is of practical value to public libraries meeting the needs of the Polish Community that is a growing and transient user group. There is little other literature that considers the needs of Poles newly arrived in this country.