Libraries as learning environments: the example of “Libraries for Everyone”
| Published date | 14 January 2019 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-09-2017-0092 |
| Pages | 74-87 |
| Date | 14 January 2019 |
| Author | Umut Al,Güleda Dogan,Irem Soydal,Zehra Taskin |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
Libraries as learning
environments: the example of
“Libraries for Everyone”
Umut Al, Güleda Dogan, Irem Soydal and Zehra Taskin
Department of Information Management, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
Abstract
Purpose –In this paper, the Libraries for Everyone Project and the studies carried out within the scope of the
project are presented; the role of libraries as learning environments is discussed; and the data obtained from
the library usage research/survey are shared. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach –The research includes the findings of a questionnaire study that was
applied in May, 2017 to 4,566 respondents from 147 libraries participating in the project. The population is
represented with a 99% confidence level and a sampling error of 0.02. The sample size wasdecided based on
the number of registered members in the libraries.
Findings –Municipal libraries have potential to be used as learning environments.
Originality/value –The usage survey reported in the study is the most comprehensive usage study on
municipal libraries so far in terms of the number of participants. The Libraries for Everyone Project is the
most extensive project implemented at municipal libraries in Turkey.
Keywords User studies, Librariesas learning environments, Librariesfor Everyone, Library usage survey,
Municipal libraries in Turkey, Usage ofmunicipal libraries
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Libraries are organizations that play a crucial role in the transformation of societies into
information societies. Whereas there are many different types of libraries that serve
different user groups, the most important goal of libraries is to address the informational
needs of individuals. When considered within a system approach, some factors come to the
foreground as regards the solution of the problem posed by the barriers before the
individuals in accessing information. Such factors as the internalization of the library as an
important institution by decision makers, the employment of well-trained library staff and
the elimination of the hardships that libraries encounter in accessing budgetary and
information resources can be thought as system entries that will enable users overcome
their problems in accessing information. Apart from these, the perception of the library as
an institution by the society is extremely important.
In a study on public libraries in Turkey (Al and Akıllı, 2016, p. 298), it was found that as
of the end of 2013, the proportion of users registered to public libraries was 1.3 percent in
total population. In the same study, Turkey was found to be in the lowest (worst) position
among 19 European countries in terms of the proportion of registered users in the entire
population (Al and Akıllı, 2016, p. 307). Undoubtedly, these findings are the results of
various factors. Nevertheless, focusing on what can be done toward improvement, instead
of reviving negativity and planning activities that can transform libraries into centers of
attraction for the community will be a more appropriate approach.
Revealing the actual needs of the society is a primary necessity to transform libraries
into centers of attraction. What do individuals expect from libraries and what problems can
libraries help them solve? In this regard, comprehensive needs analysis studies are thought
Library Management
Vol. 40 No. 1/2, 2019
pp. 74-87
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-09-2017-0092
Received 12 September 2017
Revised 27 December 2017
Accepted 13 January 2018
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
The authors would like to thank Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for contributing to the study and
also to Dr Sinan Akıllıfor his careful reading of this paper and for his invaluable suggestions.
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LM
40,1/2
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