The priorities of public libraries at the onset of the third millennium
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120710774549 |
| Published date | 31 July 2007 |
| Date | 31 July 2007 |
| Pages | 416-427 |
| Author | Ana R. Pacios |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
The priorities of public libraries
at the onset of the third
millennium
Ana R. Pacios
Library Science and Documentation Department, Carlos III University,
Madrid, Spain
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to show the main action areas to which public libraries are devoting their
efforts and resources at the onset of the twenty-first century, despite their own particularities and
needs.
Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is based on a comparative analysis on a
sample of so-called “strategic” and “long-term” plans from US public libraries covering from 1998
through 2010. Of all identified priorities, those appearing in at least 40 per cent of the plans were used
for the analysis. Thus, the paper narrowed the list of priorities down to the five most repeated ones in
the sample of plans, and their peculiarities are set forth here.
Findings – The paper finds that, although the method used is a simple one and the results are limited
to the set of libraries whose plans have been analysed, there are coincidences with some predictions in
some papers on the role public libraries should play in the twenty-first century.
Originality/value – In the long term, this type of research permits comparison of trends among
libraries from different countries and the monitoring of how they evolve with time. It can also be useful
to library managers as a benchmark.
Keywords Public libraries,United States of America, Strategicplanning
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The changing environment affects libraries, in particular public libraries, which are
forced to continuously try to adapt to fulfil their information, literacy, education, and
culture mission. At this time of unprecedented changes – which will continue to
happen, if we take into account the rapid evolution of information technologies and of
social and demographic changes – one might ask how are public libraries are
responding to them.
Planning allows libraries to adapt to changes efficiently, as it reduces uncertainty –
by anticipating possible problems – and helps to identify threats and future
opportunities. It allows library managers to act proactively in the face of potential
crises. The planning process materialises in a document called “strategic” or
“long-term” plan, depending on library preference. These plans focus on the
community served by the library, and include, among others elements, defining
priorities and long-term objectives; i.e. the priority action lines where the library
intends to focus its efforts – and therefore allocate its resources – during the years
covered by the plan. A comparative analysis of the priority action areas of a sample of
plans shows whether there are any coincidences and, as a function of the most frequent
ones, allows the establishment of some common trends or areas of emphasis for public
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
28,6/7
416
Received 12 January 2007
Revised 7 March 2007
Accepted 19 March 2007
Library Management
Vol. 28 No. 6/7, 2007
pp. 416-427
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120710774549
To continue reading
Request your trial