Building up or breaking down barriers? The role of the public library in adult basic skills education

Train, Briony

doi:10.1108/00242530310493806

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Since their origin public libraries have been widely identified as dynamic places, treasuries of books and of memory, and an ideal place for knowledge sharing (Scrogham, 2006). Public libraries have a unique role and position in their communities for reading, learning, as well as for book and information provision (Train, 2003;Ashcroft et al, 2007). The "shy" profile that characterises many public libraries must change and become dynamic with a vision for the future (Kent, 2002), while the traditional role of library and information specialists must evolve and adjust to the new information environment (Teng and Hawamdeh, 2002).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Strategic planning for municipal libraries in Greece

Κωσταγιόλας

Korkidi²

2008

New Library World

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to explore issues related to the development of long-term planning for the municipal/public libraries in Greece. In Greece, municipal libraries constitute the largest category of public libraries. Although over the last decade efforts have been made to enhance their services, municipal/public libraries appear to be still in search of a purpose and are at a crossroad. Design/methodology/approach -An empirical qualitative research study was conducted in order to examine the efforts made so far to develop long-term plans and to study the attitudes and views of Greek municipal libraries' heads concerning the development of long term plans. The empirical research was carried out early in the second half of 2007, utilizing a specifically developed questionnaire distributed to 194 municipal library representatives, 100 of which agreed to participate in the study. Findings -A number of current issues facing Greek municipal libraries are studied along with an overview of the strategic plans already developed. The perceptions of 100 municipal library directors in regard to developing strategic plans are recorded and the results overall suggest the need for formal long-term planning in the municipal/public libraries in Greece. Originality/value -This paper contributes to the discussion on the development of long-term planning aimed at municipal libraries in Greece. It is one of the very few studies providing empirical evidence based on the views of municipal/public library directors in Greece.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Strategic planning for municipal libraries in Greece

Κωσταγιόλας

Korkidi²

2008

New Library World

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“…Libraries are also being encouraged to form partnerships with the basic skills education sector to reach adult literacy learners within local communities [39]. Notably, it is now generally recognized that literacy must go beyond basic reading, with libraries encouraged to promote "document literacy" or "information literacy" [3, p. 176], a goal shared with educational bodies.…”

Section: Collaborative Practicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital Library Collaboration: A Service-Oriented Perspective

Buchanan

Gibb

Simmons

et al. 2012

The Library Quarterly

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Collaboration in the digital domain offers an opportunity to provide enhanced digital services and extended reach to the community. This article adopts a serviceoriented perspective through which it considers environmental drivers for digital library collaboration; discusses emergent collaborative partnerships across UK educational institutions, social services, health services, private industry, and cultural sectors; considers associated challenges; and identifies best practices. Existing and potential synergistic relationships are explored across the broader cultural sectorin particular, with the respective processes of libraries, museums, archives, arts and broadcasting organizations comprehensively identified and mapped (commonality), and the relationship to service-oriented architecture highlighted. The degree of digital service collaboration is also explored through an indicative review of Scottish public library websites, encompassing thirty-two regional library networks and including the National Library. Collaboration is found to be evident but limited in the digital domain, with strategic and architectural recommendations made.

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“…Accessibility was seen to be an issue, with only 43 per cent of library authorities having reviewed accessibility of resources for adults with basic skills needs. A qualitative evaluation of the Vital Link project gathered data from interviews with basic skills tutors and library staff (Train, 2003). This research found that it might be that libraries are still not reaching the needs of all basic skills learners, as some of this group may be uncomfortable about their needs and the library environment itself.…”

Section: Formal and Informal Learningmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This research found that it might be that libraries are still not reaching the needs of all basic skills learners, as some of this group may be uncomfortable about their needs and the library environment itself. Train (2003) recommended that consulting the users themselves might break down such barriers. Train (2003) also recognised the importance of partnership working, and recommended that cross‐sectoral training for staff would help share knowledge and practice, and raise awareness of partners' working practices.…”

Section: Formal and Informal Learningmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Public libraries and adult learners

2007

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of three “grey” areas which emerged from a study on adult learning provision both within and outside public libraries in England – formal and informal learning, promotion and attracting learners, and evaluation and feedback.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises a literature review, interviews with the regional agencies of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), and interviews with a purposive select sample of public library services in England.FindingsThe public libraries sampled demonstrated their expertise in reaching out to a range of different social groups and their willingness to work with a variety of partners to provide the wide range of courses and services needed. Good reciprocal partnership relationships have been established. The need for more sophisticated market research and promotion is identified. Evaluation and feedback are subject to various interpretations and form an area surrounded by difficulties.Research limitations/implicationsThe study undertaken for the MLA is the first phase of a project on public libraries and adult learners.Practical implicationsExamples of reciprocal arrangements and their implications are provided. The impact on library staff roles of the grey area between informal and formal learning is identified with different expectations for staff by different library authorities. The variety of methods used to promote adult learning services could be more sophisticated and specifically targeted in some communities. Highlights the conflict between obtaining robust feedback and the effect this may have on tentative learners by changing a relaxed informal atmosphere.Originality/valueThe paper draws on a study undertaken for the MLA that selectively reviews adult learning provision within and outside public libraries in England and identifies key strengths in public libraries for adult learners.

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Building up or breaking down barriers? The role of the public library in adult basic skills education

Cited by 6 publications

References 3 publications

Strategic planning for municipal libraries in Greece

Strategic planning for municipal libraries in Greece

Digital Library Collaboration: A Service-Oriented Perspective

Public libraries and adult learners

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