The role of influence in city and public library partnerships: an exploratory study
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-06-2013-0058 |
| Date | 04 March 2014 |
| Pages | 213-223 |
| Published date | 04 March 2014 |
| Author | Cheryl Stenstrom,Ken Roberts,Ken Haycock |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
The role of influence in city and
public library partnerships:
an exploratory study
Cheryl Stenstrom
School of Library and Information Science, San Jose State University,
San Jose, California, USA
Ken Roberts
Consultant, Brantford, Canada, and
Ken Haycock
Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, Los Angeles,
California, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this article is to discuss whether interpersonal influence impacts the
success of information technolog y support jointly managed by publi c libraries and their
corresponding city departments. By exploring various management models of the information
technology departments serving Canada’s urban public libraries, the role of interpersonal influence in
these partnerships is described.
Design/methodology/approach – A two-part survey was administered to all Canadian urban
libraries to explore which management models exist and to determine current issues. In-depth
semi-structured interviews were conducted with exemplary sites. The survey data were used to rank
dependence levels of public libraries on their corresponding cities. Using Cialdini’s framework of
influence, a thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data to note the presence or absence of
each principle.
Findings – Most Canadian urban public libraries rely on their corresponding cities for a small
number of IT-related services; 25 percent have somewhat or highly integrated departmental
partnerships. Interpersonal influence, particularly the principles of “authority” and “liking” are
important factors in these partnerships.
Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to Canadian urban public libraries and
explores a single service. It builds on previous studies exploring the role of influence and public
libraries, and indicates the utility of further research of city and public library partnerships.
Practical implications – The findings may help inform the development of Library Service Level
Agreements and other shared policy documents.
Originality/value – This is the first study to explore shared management models and the role of
influence at the municipal level in Canadian public libraries.
Keywords Public libraries,Partnerships, Cities, Influence
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
As public libraries move toward an increasing reliance on technological infrastructure
to support both traditional and emerging digital services, directors are seekingefficient
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
This work was supported financially by the Canadian Urban Libraries Council.
The role of
influence
213
Received 25 June 2013
Revised 27 September 2013
Accepted 28 September
2013
Library Management
Vol. 35 No. 3, 2014
pp. 213-223
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-06-2013-0058
To continue reading
Request your trial