Libraries Versus Users? How and How Not to Deter Library Users

Coker, Susanne

doi:10.1108/eum0000000000844

Cited by 3 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…From this point of view, it is possible to explain the positive relationship between the large-sized libraries' implementation of a takeaway loan scheme and organizational attractiveness. In this case, digital tools and ICTs are exploited to overcome the limitations imposed by Covid-19 (Ashiq et al, 2022), giving a sense of normality to the exchange between users and libraries and adding to the users' experience through positive emotions and sensations (Coker, 1993).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Thriving in the post-Covid-19 era: a new normality for libraries' service offering

Palumbo

2022

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PurposeSocial distancing and physical closure triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic put the libraries' viability under stress. Although the spread of the pandemic enacted a new normality for library management, little is known about the ingredients that are needed in the recipe for increased libraries' attractiveness. The article addresses the current gap in the scientific knowledge, unveiling what libraries can do to thrive in the post-Covid-19 era.Design/methodology/approachSecondary data were collected from the census study accomplished in 2020 by the Italian Institute of Statistics on a large sample (n = 3,531) of libraries operating across Italy. Three regression models were run to obtain evidence of the factors affecting the capability of small-, medium- and large-sized libraries to attract users amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.FindingsDigitization did not significantly add to the attractiveness of libraries. Users appreciated the enrichment of loan services: more specifically, enabling people to access loan services online boosted the libraries' attractiveness. Furthermore, virtual reading groups, online laboratories and social networking improved the libraries' ability to attract users. Medium-sized libraries involved in literacy promotion reported a larger number of users.Practical implicationsLibraries should reframe their encounter with the audience sticking to a cyber-physical perspective, exploiting digital tools to establish a continuous exchange with users and engage them in a service experience which is aimed at individual and collective empowerment.Originality/valueThe article advances the understanding of the new normality heralded by the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, it illuminates avenues for further development to shed light on the libraries' ability to thrive in the post-pandemic era.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In this case, digital tools and ICTs are exploited to overcome the limitations imposed by Covid-19 (Ashiq et al. , 2022), giving a sense of normality to the exchange between users and libraries and adding to the users' experience through positive emotions and sensations (Coker, 1993).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thriving in the post-Covid-19 era: a new normality for libraries' service offering

Palumbo

2022

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“…A literature review found that negative perceptions prevail and their work is misunderstood (Vassilakaki;Moniarou-Papaconstantinou, 2014). Particularly, the emotional factor attached to the personal relationship with (potential) users is of relevance (Consonni, 2010;Coker, 1993;). Overall, the use of the library is directly related with the images and perceptions that individuals and library funders hold of libraries, library services and the librarian profession (Green, 1994;Coker, 1993).…”

Section: Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Particularly, the emotional factor attached to the personal relationship with (potential) users is of relevance (Consonni, 2010;Coker, 1993;). Overall, the use of the library is directly related with the images and perceptions that individuals and library funders hold of libraries, library services and the librarian profession (Green, 1994;Coker, 1993). Coker states that it is not only negative images and perceptions that need to be overcome but also barriers caused by lack of awareness of the "library world" and unrealistic expectations.…”

Section: Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The public library as seen by the non-users

Fernández-Ardèvol

Ferrán-Ferrer²,

Nieto-Arroyo³

et al. 2018

EPI

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Library anxiety among university students

McPherson¹

2015

IFLA Journal

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Library anxiety has been identified as a contributory factor to poor academic performance among students, and libraries are being challenged to give serious consideration to this phenomenon in order to develop strategies for reducing the problem. This study sought to determine if there were any indicators of the presence of library anxiety among a sample of 150 undergraduates in the faculty of Humanities and Education at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus and some of the factors contributing to this condition. The findings indicated the presence of library anxiety of short-term duration among the students due to both personal and institutional factors. Some personal factors included a lack of the relevant information literacy skills, absence of previous library experience, ignorance of the capability and extent of the library information retrieval systems and confusion when trying to find their way around the library. Institutional factors included the relatively large size of the library, the layout and organization of floors and collection, unavailability of computers and lack of appropriate signage. Recommendations were made to help alleviate the problems that appear to have triggered library anxiety.

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Libraries Versus Users? How and How Not to Deter Library Users

Cited by 3 publications

References 7 publications

Thriving in the post-Covid-19 era: a new normality for libraries' service offering

Thriving in the post-Covid-19 era: a new normality for libraries' service offering

The public library as seen by the non-users

Library anxiety among university students

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