Public library as a place and breeding ground of social capital: A case of Singang Library

Abstract

This paper aims at exploring the perceived outcomes and societal value of public libraries, particularly from the perspective of Singang Library, Taiwan. Survey questionnaires were distributed to Singang Library users, and 387 valid responses were analyzed. The result shows that Singang Library users benefit from library services in 22 areas of daily life, which were collapsed through factor analysis into four major outcome types: daily life information, cultural activities, work related, and reading and learning. For analysis of how users use the library as a meeting place, this study shows that Singang Library is used as five different types of meeting place: square, a place for meeting diverse people, public sphere, joint activities and meta-meeting place. Singang Library as a meeting place contributes to breed bridging social capital among users' network, especially when the library is used as a low intensive meeting place. There are also bonding social capital characteristics among users who visit with their families. This paper also describes the relationship among library use frequency, perceived outcomes, library as a meeting place, and social capital, and the result indicates that the four variables are positively correlated.

Retooling the public library as social infrastructure: a Dutch illustration

“…Vårheim et al (2019, p. 96) demonstrate that library studies are often theoretically based, with only half of the publications providing empirical evidence. Surveys are a popular research method, questioning either patrons (Aabø et al, 2010;Chen & Ke, 2017) or professionals (Audunson & Evjen, 2017;Barniskis, 2016;Lenstra, 2017). Observing activities occurring in the library is also a common method, often in combination with patron interviews and/or policy analysis (e.g., Aabø & Audunson, 2012;Aptekar, 2019;Given & Leckie, 2003;Peterson, 2017).…”

“…In other words, they are neglected at precisely the moment when they are most necessary. Libraries not only serve as repositories of newspapers, magazines and books facilitating the free exchange and formation of public opinion (Vårheim et al, 2019), but increasingly also as spaces of an encounter across cultural, ethnic, generational and social lines (Aabø et al, 2010;Audunson, 2005;Chen & Ke, 2017;Corble, 2019;EBLIDA, 2020;Engström & Eckerdal, 2017;Hodgetts et al, 2008;Peterson, 2017Peterson, , 2021Robinson, 2020;Smith, 2012;Williamson, 2020), providing access to networks, cultural capital and interpersonal care (Aabø & Audunson, 2012;Griffis & Johnson, 2014;Johnson, 2010;Leorke & Wyatt, 2019;Vårheim, 2014). Hence, Klinenberg (2018b, emphasis added) concludes: 'If we have any chance of rebuilding a better society, social infrastructure like the library is precisely what we need.…”

Social inclusion and social capital of the Shanghai Library as a community place for self-improvement

“…Despite the large body of literature on the connections between social capital, social inclusion and public libraries, there has been very limited research carried out in Asia examining the same topic. According to a study carried out by Chen and Ke (2017), it was found that the SHL was particularly popular as a meeting space amongst families in the local community. Based on the findings, the authors concluded that the SHL had the potential to build social capital within the community, by building trusts amongst patrons via organising different recreational programmes that families could participate together, according to their varying needs and interests.…”

“…Many public libraries' mission statements include phrases such as "building strong communities", or "contributing to the well-being of communities", amongst their major goals (Varheim, 2011, p. 5). Scholars and researchers also argue that public libraries contribute to social capital by providing a space for those to come together, and expand their social networks through meeting other library patrons (Aabø et al, 2010;Chen and Ke, 2017;Griffis and Johnson, 2014;Johnson, 2012;Lo et al, 2017;Lo, Cho and Chiu, 2017;Lo et al, 2018;Patemen and Williment, 2013). Social inclusion and social capital in the context of public libraries would mean serving as a platform for building a social network, thereby allowing people of different social classes, age groups or income levels to interact in the community with their family members and friends (Chen and Ke, 2017;Griffis and Johnson, 2014;Johnson, 2012;Marshall, 2009).…”

“…Scholars and researchers also argue that public libraries contribute to social capital by providing a space for those to come together, and expand their social networks through meeting other library patrons (Aabø et al, 2010;Chen and Ke, 2017;Griffis and Johnson, 2014;Johnson, 2012;Lo et al, 2017;Lo, Cho and Chiu, 2017;Lo et al, 2018;Patemen and Williment, 2013). Social inclusion and social capital in the context of public libraries would mean serving as a platform for building a social network, thereby allowing people of different social classes, age groups or income levels to interact in the community with their family members and friends (Chen and Ke, 2017;Griffis and Johnson, 2014;Johnson, 2012;Marshall, 2009). In addition to functioning as community centres or public spaces for reading, and self-learning, public libraries also carry a long history and tradition of providing specialised services for the socially "disadvantaged" or "excluded" individuals in the community.…”