Canadian public libraries and search engines: barriers to visibility

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges presented by search engine visibility for public libraries. The paper outlines the results of a pilot study investigating search engine visibility in two Canadian public libraries. Design/methodology/approach The study consists of semi-structured interviews with librarians from two multi-branch Canadian public library systems, combined with quantitative data provided by each library, as well as data obtained through site-specific searches in Google and Bing. Possible barriers to visibility are identified through thematic analysis of the interviews. Findings The initial findings of this pilot study identify a complex combination of barriers to visibility on search engines, in the form of attitudes, policies, organizational structures, and technological difficulties. Research limitations/implications This paper describes a small, preliminary pilot study. More research is needed before any firm conclusions can be reached. Practical implications A review of the literature shows the increasing importance of search engine visibility for public libraries. By delving into the underlying issues which may be affecting libraries’ progress on the issue, this paper may help inform libraries’ decision-making processes and practices. Originality/value There has been little original research investigating the reasons behind libraries’ lack of visibility in search engine results pages. This paper provides insight into a previously unexplored area by exploring public libraries’ relationships with search engines.

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“…Index size was retrieved on 19 December 2019. Visibility in search engines is measured as the number of keywords, positions, and visible pages and can be used to compare competing organizations in one common area or industry [101,102]. The comparison will disclose the search market share of each compared organization [103].…”

Google Web and Image Search Visibility Data for Online Store

“…Visibility in search engines is measured as the number of keywords, position, and the number of visible pages that can be used to compare competing organizations in one common area or industry [16,17]. The comparison will disclose what the search market share is of each organization that is compared [18].…”

Knowledge sharing, visibility improvement and productivity growth: Evidence from agro-industry manufacturing firm

“…Visibility can be understood as every aspect of the work process that affects the outcome, and therefore, it should be visible and known to everyone involved in the process. Increase in visibility can be fostered by relationships [13], affective commitment [14], and policy [15]. Strong relationship is a highly desirable state to implement knowledge sharing, and it is easier to share information based on the existing trust during relationships [15].…”

“…Increase in visibility can be fostered by relationships [13], affective commitment [14], and policy [15]. Strong relationship is a highly desirable state to implement knowledge sharing, and it is easier to share information based on the existing trust during relationships [15]. Collegial relationships are also expected to create mutual openness among workforce and should ultimately increase productivity growth.…”

“…The objectives of a policy is generally aimed to improving the performance and the value of the company [3,17]. Effective policies were able to create more work efficiency and increase productivity [15]. The following hypotheses can be formulated as follow: H2c: Effective policies has a significant positive effect on visibility improvement.…”