Settling in: how newcomers use a public library
| Pages | 583-596 |
| Date | 12 November 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-01-2018-0001 |
| Published date | 12 November 2018 |
| Author | John Shepherd,Larissa Petrillo,Allan Wilson |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
Settling in: how newcomers use a
public library
John Shepherd
School of Business, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, Canada
Larissa Petrillo
Faculty of Arts, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, Canada, and
Allan Wilson
University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to describe how recent immigrants and refugees to Canada
(“newcomers”) use the facilities of a large, urban public library. As the library previously surveyed the general
user population, the responses to the two surveys can be compared.
Design/methodology/approach –Questionnaires were administered as patrons were leaving Surrey
Libraries Branches to adult public library members who self-identified as newcomers who arrived in Canada
within the previous ten years.
Findings –The pattern of library use by newcomers differed from that of the general population. They
visited more frequently and stayed longer. Newcomers were heavier users of library services and used a
wider range of services. They used the library branch as a public place. The library provided them with a
place to study, read or meet other people.
Research limitations/implications –The study was exploratory. The small sample size and the data
collection process do not allow extrapolation to the underlying population.
Practical implications –Recent newcomers often have similar informational, psychological and social
needs. Public libraries can play a role in assisting newcomers during their adjustment process.
Originality/value –Researchers worked closely with library management to develop questions based on
decision usefulness. An earlier in-house study allowed comparisons to be made between branch use by
newcomers and general library users. Canadian studies into government policy, along with immigrant and
refugee studies, provide context for the survey results.
Keywords Library services, Settlement, Refugees, Public library
Paper type Case study
1. Introduction
Surrey is a growing city of half a million residents, 30 km southeast of Vancouver, Canada.
Much of the city’s growth has been fueled by immigration from South and Southeast Asian
countries. According to the 2016 Canada Census, 14 percent of Surrey’s residents arrived in
Canada between 2006 and 2016.
Canadian newcomers to Metro Vancouver are a diverse group. They bring an assortment
of cultures, languages and cultural practices to the country. Newcomers range from
multi-millionaire business immigrants to refugees. Meeting the needs of such a diverse
group is a major challenge for Canadian urban public libraries.
Surrey Libraries is a municipal public library with nine branches. At the request
of the library, a study was undertaken to provide its management team with information
about how Canadian newcomers used its facilities, services and collections. As the library
had previously conducted an in-house survey of library use, the results of the two studies
were compared.
Library Management
Vol. 39 No. 8/9, 2018
pp. 583-596
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-01-2018-0001
Received 11 January 2018
Revised 26 March 2018
Accepted 13 April 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 wish to recognize the invaluable help and assistance of the staff of Surrey Libraries and
students in Dr Petrillo’s ANTH 3190 class. The contributions of her students, along with Surinder Bhogal,
Ravi Basi, Kristen Andrews, Harjinder Thind and Aina Adashynski, made this study possible.
583
How
newcomers use
a public library
To continue reading
Request your trial