Role of Public Libraries in Providing Community Information Services

Chatterjee, Sidharta; Samanta, Mousumi; Dey, Sujoy

doi:10.2139/ssrn.3535051

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…In addition to the availability of information resources, the teaching of information literacy skills require the availability of supporting ICT infrastructure and funds to support the development of library infrastructure and other resources including books, journals, magazines and multimedia resources. Due to the availability of information resources in electronic formats, the use of ICTs to facilitate information provision in public libraries necessitate its users to be information literate to cope up with such changes (Chatterjee et al, 2020). A study by Sonja & Zdravka (2010) reveal that there is a direct relationship between countries with well-developed information and library infrastructures, together with the efficient provisioning of information resources and appropriate information literacy programs.…”

Section: Review Of Related Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

The role of Tanzania library services board in enhancing information literacy skills among the public in Tanzania

Wema

2022

Information Development

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This study aimed to examine the role of Tanzania Library Services Board (TLSB) in organizing, teaching and facilitating information literacy to users in the public library. Specifically the study examined the available facilities and resources available in public libraries that would facilitate the teaching of information literacy; established what users were taught during information literacy courses and identified barriers in implementing information literacy courses in public libraries. It also sought to gather views from the users on the roles of TLSB in organizing, teaching and facilitating information literacy courses in public libraries. The study was carried out in 7 regional libraries working under the administration of the National Central library in Dar es salaam. Data was collected through questionnaires, which were conveniently distributed among 58 library users who were found in the reading areas and other service points in the selected libraries. Face to face semi-structured interviews were carried out among purposely selected 11 librarians who were providing services at different points in the libraries. Results of the study indicated that TLSB was involved in organizing and teaching information literacy courses to users who visited the library either in groups or as individuals. Users were taught how to search for electronic resources, utilizing special collections, borrowing and returning library books and using the library OPAC. Challenges facing TLSB in offering information literacy courses included lack of expert trainers; limited number of facilities such as computers, some users did not want to attend training and lack of motivation among library staff to participate in teaching information literacy courses. The study recommended that TLSB should collaborate with other institutions by facilitating the teaching of information literacy courses to users in various libraries in the country.

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Section: Review Of Related Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

The role of Tanzania library services board in enhancing information literacy skills among the public in Tanzania

Wema

2022

Information Development

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“…Publicly funded libraries offer a variety of health, educational, social, and economic services that influence wellbeing [3,8,9]. In addition to bridging cultural gaps as social entities with epistemic value, libraries offer a means to empower users through learning [10,11]. They provide free and easy access to information, promote digital literacy skill improvement, support employment seeking and, in these ways, can support individuals [8,10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition to bridging cultural gaps as social entities with epistemic value, libraries offer a means to empower users through learning [10,11]. They provide free and easy access to information, promote digital literacy skill improvement, support employment seeking and, in these ways, can support individuals [8,10]. Through their role in improving universal access to information, libraries contribute to overall knowledge, digital, and health literacy, in turn increasing employment levels, skillsets, health promotion, and social involvement, all of which contribute to improved wellbeing [12,13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public libraries to promote public health and wellbeing: a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults

Karki,

El Asmar,

Sasco

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

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Background Libraries in the UK have evolved from traditional book-lending institutions into dynamic community hubs, This study aims to explore the potential of libraries to act as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults, drawing on insights from both library users and library staff in England. Design A mixed-method, cross-sectional study using online survey and interviews with community-dwelling adults and library staff. Methods We collected data using a 14-item electronic survey and interviews with library users and staff to gauge perceptions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to identify key trends and emergent themes. Results We included 605 respondents from the survey and interviewed 12 library users and staff. Libraries remain popular and are considered a ‘safe place by members of the community, regardless of their frequency of service usage irrespective of whether they are frequent users of services. However, a lack of awareness among library users about community-facing services could act as a hurdle to improving community health and wellbeing. Targeted engagement with residents is needed to increase awareness of libraries’ services, including community interventions to help tackle loneliness and inequalities in digital and health literacy. Library staff often did not feel involved in important decision-making. Various barriers, drivers and practical recommendations were identified to leverage libraries as hubs to promote community health and wellbeing. Conclusion Libraries already offer a variety of resources that directly or indirectly support the health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults and young people. However, public awareness of these services is limited. As we navigate post-pandemic recovery, libraries can serve as platforms for community engagement, fostering resilience, mental health support and reducing social isolation. Recognising libraries’ untapped potential can lead to healthier communities and improved wellbeing.

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“…Publicly funded libraries offer a variety of health, educational, social, and economic services that in uence wellbeing (8,9). In addition to bridging cultural gaps as social entities with epistemic value, libraries offer a means to empower users through learning (10). They provide free and easy access to information, promote digital literacy skill improvement, support employment seeking and, in these ways, can support individuals (8, 10).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public Libraries to Promote Public Health and Wellbeing: A cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults

Karki,

Asmar,

Sasco

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Purpose of research To explore the potential of libraries as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing. Design Cross-sectional online survey and interview-based study with community-dwelling adults and library staff. Methods We analysed data from 605 respondents using a 14-item electronic survey and conducted interviews with 12 library users and staff to gauge perceptions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to identify key trends and emergent themes. Results Libraries remain popular and are considered a'safe place' by members of the community, irrespective of whether they are frequent users of services. Library users' lack of awareness of community-facing services could act as a hurdle to improving community health and wellbeing. Targeted engagement with residents is needed to increase awareness of libraries' services, including community interventions to help tackle loneliness and inequalities in digital and health literacy. Library staff often did not feel involved in important decision-making. Various barriers, drivers and practical recommendations were identified to leverage libraries as hubs to promote community health and wellbeing. Conclusion Libraries already offer a variety of resources that either directly or indirectly support the health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults and young people, but public awareness of these services is limited. As we navigate postpandemic recovery, libraries can serve as platforms for community engagement, fostering resilience, mental health support, and reducing social isolation. Recognising libraries' untapped potential can lead to healthier communities and improved wellbeing.

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Role of Public Libraries in Providing Community Information Services

Cited by 6 publications

References 25 publications

The role of Tanzania library services board in enhancing information literacy skills among the public in Tanzania

The role of Tanzania library services board in enhancing information literacy skills among the public in Tanzania

Public libraries to promote public health and wellbeing: a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults

Public Libraries to Promote Public Health and Wellbeing: A cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults

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