Local studies collections online: an investigation in Irish public libraries

Abstract

Barry, L., Tedd, L.A. (2008). Local studies collections online: an investigation in Irish public libraries. Program: electronic library and information systems, 42(2), 163-186.Purpose: To investigate how public libraries in Ireland are using their websites to present local studies collections online. Methodology: All the websites of public libraries in Ireland were evaluated against a checklist of 50 criteria by one of the authors. An analytic description was provided of the four highest-ranking websites and semi-structured interviews were held with staff in these library authorities. Findings: Several interesting trends in Irish local studies and their online presentation were identified. Overall the websites were well-presented and had a strong sense of branding. Users of these websites typically come from the Irish diaspora in Europe, the US and Australia. Library 2.0 ?tools? had been adopted by three of the four authorities investigated, adding value to their websites. Recommendations for future developments are included. Originality/Value: This research should add to the relatively sparse literature available on local authority local studies websites.Peer reviewe

Digitisation of local heritage: Local studies collections and digitisation in public libraries

“…Others have commented on the potential of digtisation of local studies collections to improve the overall value of the library service (Barry and Tedd, 2008; Chowdhury et al, 2006). These librarians were particularly enthusiastic about the value of digitised resources, accessible through their website, in enhancing their ‘shop window’, promoting a positive and up-to-date image of the service, and encouraging visits to the local studies pages on the council website.…”

“…The website analysis used website evaluation criteria based on previously developed criteria from Barry and Tedd (2008) and was informed by other literature regarding libraries and the Web (Reid 2003). Because the focus of Barry and Tedd’s study was relatively similar to the focus of this study, their evaluative criteria used were deemed to be relevant and acceptable and were adapted for this smaller-scale study.…”

“…Whilst only a few studies have examined digitisation of local studies collections, those that have been conducted demonstrate the potential for the local studies service in the digital age and how the Internet is being used to disseminate public library and local studies information, and also share content with other collections or organisations, creating a network of connections and improving the overall value of the library service (Barry and Tedd, 2008; Chowdhury et al, 2006; Reid, 2003). For example, Barry and Tedd (2008) studied the ways in which public libraries in Ireland were beginning to digitise their local studies collections, and the effect of the current emphasis from the Government on digitisation policy within all libraries, not just public library local studies collections. Sveum (2009) suggests that projects involving digitisation, and in the context of his research, wikis, could be a good opportunity for local studies librarians to utilise and share their expert knowledge with a wider audience.…”

Evaluation of selected library associations' web sites

“…A unified framework of commonly used web site success factors emerged from the analysis and included a total of nine factors, including information quality, ease of use, responsiveness, security/privacy, visual appearance, trust, interactivity, personalisation and fulfilment. Barry (2008) evaluated the web sites of Irish public libraries using 50 criteria. An analytic description was provided of the four highest-ranking web sites and semi-structured interviews were held with staff in these library authorities.…”

An Alternative to Existing Library Websites : Evaluation of Nine Start Pages using Criteria Extracted from Library Literature

“…Netvibes has a public page component, which encourages sharing and community (Barry & Tedd, 2008). This is the greatest advantage that it has over iGoogle, as a library could create a site and share it with customers (Liu, 2008).…”