Library Management

Publisher:: Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Publication date:: 2021-02-01

ISBN:: 0143-5124

Issue Number

Latest documents

Work–life balance of librarians at the Kenneth Dike library in Nigeria. Implications for the provision of library services
Purpose: This study examined the interceding influence of work–life balance (WLB) among library staff at the Kenneth Dike Library and its implication for the provision of information. The research sought to respond to the following questions: the effect of demographic variables on the WLB of librarians and their perceptions of WLB within the intimate environment. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a positivist research paradigm because the nature of the research revealed a single social reality which can be measured quantitatively, using a reliable instrument such as a questionnaire. The total sampling technique was used to zero in on the staff of the library, in which the entire library population was included in the study. Findings: The findings suggest that male librarians enjoy a better WLB than their female counterparts. Also, the results indicate that librarians, irrespective of their marital status, focused on job-related activities minding their marital status and therefore, marital status could influence the WLB of librarians. Similarly, priority is not being given to their work, to the detriment of caring for the family. Research limitations/implications: The study suggests that age causes the WLB to change, the implication being that an ageing workforce has an impact on adaptation, output and innovation. Originality/value: This paper sheds light on the WLB among librarians at the Kenneth Dike Library (KDL); therefore, information acquired from this study is imaginative and valuable to understand better how information professionals react to official and personal engagement.
Free and for all? A comparative study of programs with user fees in North American and Danish public libraries
Purpose: As a research topic within the field of LIS, programs in public libraries are underexplored, and the question of user fees for programs has not previously been addressed. Design/methodology/approach: This article compares data collected from two individually conducted studies of public library programs in North America and Denmark to enrich our understanding of user fees in relation to programs. Findings: The comparative analysis shows both similarities and deviations regarding the levying of fees for library programs. While paying a fee to attend a program is rather normal in Denmark, it is more of a fringe idea in North America. Research limitations/implications: By exploring a previously understudied facet of contemporary public librarianship, this article opens up new avenues for inquiry regarding how the relative accessibility and availability of programs relate to theoretical discussions about programs as public library services. Practical implications: This article provides library managers with needed information about how to conceptualize the roles of programs as public library services. Social implications: As programming surges to the fore in contemporary public librarianship, the levying of user fees has social implications in terms of social equity and the public library ethos of free and equal access for all. Originality/value: This article is the first study of user fees for public library programs, as well as among the first cross-national comparisons of programming as a dimension of public librarianship.
Recruitment and retention strategies of LIS students and professionals from underrepresented groups in the United States
Purpose: The American Library Association has worked for decades to increase its diversity of individuals from underrepresented groups; however, existing diversity programs in the United States yield just enough new library and information science professionals to replace those retiring or leaving the profession prematurely. Design/methodology/approach: This paper involved performing a review of the literature to assess recruitment and retention strategies of individuals from underrepresented groups within the LIS profession. Findings: This article examines the problems with existing diversity initiatives within the profession and suggests how the field can recruit both students and employees from underrepresented groups. This article offers new ways to recruit students and employees (e.g. how to create job postings and interview questions) and speaks about strategies for retaining LIS students and employees from underrepresented groups (e.g. formal and informal mentoring networks). Finally, this article offers some suggestions to create a more inclusive environment for LIS students and professionals alike. Originality/value: This paper offers practical suggestions to increase representation of individuals from underrepresented groups that LIS programs and libraries alike can implement. Suggestions for how to create an inclusive work environment are also presented.
Bulgarian authors’ open access awareness and preferences
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the findings of a survey of Bulgarian faculty about the extent to which their research is openly available, awareness of the European Union Competitiveness Council open access goal, support for the goal and preferences for achieving it. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted a survey of 584 faculty at six universities in Bulgaria using the Qualtrics online survey software. There were 222 effectively surveyed respondents. Findings: Bulgarian researchers are aware of arguments in favor of open access and believe that it benefits researchers in their discipline. Only a little more than a third of Bulgarian faculty are familiar with the E.U. goal of open access to all publicly-funded research by 2020. Once the goal is explained, they support it. Authors may not understand the intricacies of green and gold open access, but they are willing to meet the E.U. goal by either publishing in open access journals (the gold method) or depositing articles in open access repositories (the green method). Research limitations/implications: The results are useful to countries and funding agencies interested in achieving open access to state funded research. Originality/value: To date, there has been no research that seeks to determine the degree to which researchers are aware of the E.U. Competitiveness Council’s goal or that seeks to determine faculty preferences for achieving that goal. This paper explores methods available for achieving open access to the results of publicly funded research in Bulgaria.
Toward becoming an inclusive library. Integrating Sustainable Development Goal 5 in the library agenda
Purpose: The library's role in promoting and supporting the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is beyond borders. It has the capacity to be a powerful driving force in leading exemplary programs that will transform society in many dimensions. This paper will share the value of libraries in integrating SDG's into their work and how it can positively advocate for change toward attaining an inclusive, open and tolerant society. Design/methodology/approach: This survey research and program evaluation are designed to solicit opinions from participants of two library programs focusing on gender equality at Nazarbayev University. Data collection was prepared, gathered and analyzed using Qualtrics. Findings: Participants believed that gender-related programs of the library are positive ways on how to stimulate a gender-balanced society. The programs increased awareness on gender equality among the academic community and promoted the welfare and rights of marginalized sectors. Finally, these programs addressed various stigmas, thus empowering vulnerable groups to stand up to discrimination. Practical implications: Libraries are safe spaces that advocate social inclusivity. Social implications: It proves that a library can hold programs in support of SDGs, particularly on gender equality. Originality/value: This paper shares academic library initiatives in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, in support of SDGs.
Does postgraduate degree make any difference in job performance of information professionals?
Purpose: Since 2005, various public and private sector institutions have been offering a postgraduate degree in Library and Information Management (LIM) in Pakistan and a good number of professionals working in different sectors have got MPhil degree. However, locally, no study has been conducted to measure the impact of higher education on the job performance of information professionals (IPs) in any aspect. The purpose of this paper is to measure job performance of MPhil degree (18 years of education) holder IPs. Design/methodology/approach: It is a quantitative study based on the theoretical framework of job performance comprised of its four constructs, i.e. task performance, contextual performance, counterproductive work behaviors (CWB) and adaptive performance. An adopted self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from professionals who have graduated from any LIM schools of the Punjab province with at least one-year work experience after completion of MPhil degrees. For the purpose of the present study, demographic information like age, job experience and library context was also asked about to explore their impact on job performance. Findings: Findings revealed that MPhil degree has a significant positive impact on the job performance of IPs. The professionals reported a significant positive change in their CWB regarding experience after getting a degree. Furthermore, results revealed that professionals were capable of technical skills but needed training regarding time management, teamwork and improving emotional intelligence. Originality/value: This is the first study reported from Pakistan on the subject. The results of the study may help the LIM schools to review their MPhil programs for the desired results. It may also help organizations to encourage their personnel for higher education.
Does size matter? In-library study of two Canadian public library branches
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to summarize a library use study of the central and community branches of a Canadian public library. An exit survey documented the in-branch activities of users as a part of a library strategic planning process. Survey results were used in combination with branch statistics, postal code circulation statistics, neighbourhood demographics and other data sources to document the in-library use of the two facilities. Design/methodology/approach: Questionnaires were administered to library users 15 years of age or older at the exits of the central and community branches. The survey collected data on their activities and services used during their current visit. Additional sources such as branch-level statistics, furniture tally sheets, photographs, Canada Census data and circulation analysis by patron postal code and lending branch were used during the analysis stage. Findings: Both branches are heavily used but in different ways. Branch circulation and gate count per square foot of floor space were high relative to other Canadian libraries. Patron visits to the community branch were short in duration, in line with previous public library studies. User visit duration and in-library activities within the main branch somewhat resembled those of the central branch of a larger library system but likely for different reasons. Research limitations/implications: The study was exploratory. Data were collected during two coinciding days of library operation, a Thursday and a Saturday, and may not be representative of the underlying population. The study was limited in scope as it was a community service project for undergraduate university students. Practical implications: Branch library use surveys, in combination with library statistics and demographics, can provide useful insights concerning in-library patron behaviour when the use of ethnographic techniques is not feasible. Originality/value: The study explored differences and similarities in user behaviour in two types of library facilities, a central and a community branch. Few published studies make such a direct comparison. The study explored the perceived benefits received by patrons from public library use and incorporated branch statistics, circulation analysis and Census data.
The whys and hows of academic library space assessment: a case study
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to advocate for change in academic library space assessment and use philosophy in favor of a more user-centered approach emphasizing space designed for and by users themselves. This goal is achieved by analyzing the implementation of a recent space assessment project at the University of Northern Colorado Libraries to investigate specific patterns of library space utilization. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents a case study for which data were collected through a multi-method approach, including flip chart and whiteboard questions, brief semi-structured “tabling” interviews, and more in-depth “roving” interviews. Findings: The current library literature on space assessment does not encompass broader, more holistic approaches to how library space is used by students, faculty, staff and community users. The findings from this study highlight the diversity of ways patrons may use an academic library, many of which are related to academic work. However, visitors also come to the library for other purposes, such as socializing or attending an event. It is imperative that the space be adequately equipped to meet varied visitor needs and to create a welcoming environment for all patrons. Originality/value: The paper has several implications for planning and managing the operations of medium-sized academic libraries. It contributes to the larger conversation in higher education about the importance of user research for enhancing visitor experience through data-informed decision-making. Furthermore, the project it details is not an isolated assessment effort but part of the library’s ongoing space assessment work.
Contingent appointments in academic libraries: management challenges and opportunities
Purpose: Academia’s overwhelming reliance on non-tenure track, or contingent, faculty is a well-known fact. While the status and working conditions of contingent classroom faculty have been well studied and documented, the corresponding trend in academic libraries has not been explored as deeply. As this paper reviews the limited LIS literature on the subject, the purpose of this paper is to provide administrators and managers with a deeper understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of contingent appointments. It also offers strategies for fostering a workplace culture that recognizes contingent librarians’ contributions and promotes their professional growth. Design/methodology/approach: An overview of scholarly and professional literature on contingent librarianship, this paper is based on published research studies and academic articles; given the prominence of anecdotal and personal writing on the subject, columns and first-person essays from trade publications, as well as library-related blogs and job search sites, are also included. Findings: Contingent librarians have been a steady presence in academic libraries for the last few decades. The trend is continuing. There are specific practices that can be applied to effectively manage contingent librarians. Originality/value: The paper offers academic library administrators and managers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the issues related to contingent appointments.
A leader’s approaches to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing in an information organization
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to look at organizational culture and knowledge sharing, and to explore how a leader fosters a culture of knowledge sharing in an information organization. Design/methodology/approach: The literature survey is used. It indicates that little is known about how to foster a culture of knowledge sharing from a leadership perspective in an information organization. Findings: This study finds that the main approaches that a leader need to use to foster a culture of knowledge sharing are to set the mission, short-term, middle-term and long-term goals and objectives of fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, master as many leadership styles as possible, adjust and choose a leadership style that is appropriate to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing in a given situation, lead by example, develop messaging, make a communication plan, reward and recognize knowledge-sharing behaviors and make knowledge management fun. Research limitations/implications: The limitation is that this study is solely focused on the literature survey and opinions. Practical implications: This paper provides a useful overview of the approaches used to foster a culture of knowledge sharing in an information organization. Originality/value: The views, approaches and suggestions will be useful and valuable to improve the success of knowledge sharing in information organizations in the digital age.