scholarly journals Intellectual Freedom in New Zealand Public Libraries: An exploration of the variables that affect library workers’ understanding and application of intellectual freedom in the library

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kathryn Hill
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Intellectual Freedom ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Face ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

<p>Research Problem: The study aimed to ascertain New Zealand public library workers’ understanding of the principles of intellectual freedom and whether or not these principles were applied in practice. Furthermore the study sought to explore the variables that affect the attitudes and behaviours of public library workers towards intellectual freedom.  Methodology: The research project used a quantitative framework employing a cross-sectional design to investigate the attitudes and behaviours of New Zealand library staff toward intellectual freedom via online self-completion questionnaires. The sample population was drawn from professional email lists NZLibs, PUBSIG-l and Te Rōpū Whakahau.  Results: The 172 completed surveys revealed that respondents generally agreed with the principles of intellectual freedom that the library associations promote. However their commitment to these principles is often tested by the obligation that they feel towards library stakeholders. The results indicate that experience, education, the employer and the library association all play some role in shaping the professional attitudes and behaviours of individuals towards intellectual freedom.  Implications: The results of the study suggest that more needs to do be done in regards to the education of library staff and the public on the importance of intellectual freedom within a democratic society. A stronger sense of professional identity needs to be cultivated amongst library workers to ensure they have the confidence to stand behind their professional ideals in the face of opposition. Furthermore survey results suggest that employers need to place a higher priority on both training and awareness regarding the principle of intellectual freedom within the library.</p>

scholarly journals Intellectual Freedom in New Zealand Public Libraries: An exploration of the variables that affect library workers’ understanding and application of intellectual freedom in the library

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kathryn Hill
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Intellectual Freedom ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Face ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

<p>Research Problem: The study aimed to ascertain New Zealand public library workers’ understanding of the principles of intellectual freedom and whether or not these principles were applied in practice. Furthermore the study sought to explore the variables that affect the attitudes and behaviours of public library workers towards intellectual freedom.  Methodology: The research project used a quantitative framework employing a cross-sectional design to investigate the attitudes and behaviours of New Zealand library staff toward intellectual freedom via online self-completion questionnaires. The sample population was drawn from professional email lists NZLibs, PUBSIG-l and Te Rōpū Whakahau.  Results: The 172 completed surveys revealed that respondents generally agreed with the principles of intellectual freedom that the library associations promote. However their commitment to these principles is often tested by the obligation that they feel towards library stakeholders. The results indicate that experience, education, the employer and the library association all play some role in shaping the professional attitudes and behaviours of individuals towards intellectual freedom.  Implications: The results of the study suggest that more needs to do be done in regards to the education of library staff and the public on the importance of intellectual freedom within a democratic society. A stronger sense of professional identity needs to be cultivated amongst library workers to ensure they have the confidence to stand behind their professional ideals in the face of opposition. Furthermore survey results suggest that employers need to place a higher priority on both training and awareness regarding the principle of intellectual freedom within the library.</p>

scholarly journals Opioid overdose in public libraries: Results from a five state survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Feuerstein-Simon ◽  
Margaret Lowenstein ◽  
Roxanne Dupuis ◽  
Xochitl Luna Marti ◽  
Abby Dolan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
The Past ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One

AbstractIntroductionPublic libraries are increasingly impacted by the overdose crisis. A 2017 survey of public librarians in the state of Pennsylvania revealed that 12% had reported an on-site overdose in the previous year. There are increasing public and private efforts to equip public libraries with the opioid overdose antidote, naloxone.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey of all public library branches in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, and Virginia. Survey questions. We used descriptive statistics to report frequencies of responses and crude odds ratios were calculated to predict the dichotomized variable of endorsement of naloxone uptake.ResultsLibrary staff reported witnessing on-site alcohol (45%) and injection drug (14%) use in the past month. The one-year cumulative incidence (12% overall) of on-site overdose ranged from a low of 10% in MI, to a high of 17% in FL. Among libraries with on-site overdoses, a minority (21%) stocked naloxone, and 12% had administered naloxone. Overall, 11% of libraries stocked naloxone on-site. Although 24% of respondents reported attending at least one training regarding SUD in the past year, 91% wanted more training on the topic.ConclusionsPublic library staff routinely address issues related to substance use and overdose in their institutions. This work highlights the importance of including public libraries as part of a comprehensive public health strategy to address substance use-related morbidity and mortality in the U.S.

scholarly journals Non-friction reading: Licensing requirements for e-book lending in New Zealand public libraries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Amy Joseph
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Staff Member ◽  
System Integration ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Strong Preference ◽  
National Library

<p>Research problem: Libraries face many challenges as they strive to provide e-books to their members, often caused by less-than-ideal licensing conditions, or publishers who will not yet license their titles to libraries for lending. This research project, developed in conjunction with a National Library of New Zealand initiative investigating collaborative ebook procurement for libraries, surveyed New Zealand public libraries in order to discover what elements of existing and proposed models would best meet the needs of their users. Methodology: a link to an online survey was emailed to public library managers, who were asked to complete the survey or delegate it to an appropriate staff member. Results: Valid responses were received from 34 of the 67 library systems contacted (response rate = 50.8). New Zealand public libraries are anticipating a large increase in spending on the provision of e-books, with the growth in spending on e-books set to outstrip growth in spending on other e-resources. They show a strong preference for perpetual access licenses, and generally tend to favour licenses that allow for control over title selection and predictability over budgets. They are concerned with system integration and would ideally like to see e-books from all their chosen vendors available through one interface that integrates with their catalogues. Libraries would like to see more New Zealand content available, and access to library e-book lending on all devices their users may choose to use.</p>

scholarly journals What Are the Opinions of New Zealand Public Library Staff on Ebooks?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Megan Adelle Percy
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Median Response ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Past ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
Level Of Agreement

<p>RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to discover the opinions of New Zealand public library staff on ebooks. While there are studies on opinions on ebooks, there is less emphasis on public library staff. Ebooks are becoming more and more popular and how libraries implement them will impact on the future of libraries. The aim of this study was to discover what library staff liked and disliked about ebooks and how they feel about ebooks in public libraries. METHODOLOGY: Invitations to participate in a survey about ebooks were posted on two email discussion lists, PUBSIG, for New Zealand public library staff, and NZ-Libs, for New Zealand library staff. Additionally, an invitation was emailed to all staff members of Wellington City Libraries. Data were collected using an online survey consisting mainly of Likert-type statements that respondents indicate their level of agreement to. These statements were adapted from previous studies done on ebooks. Respondents were not required to answer every question. RESULTS: There were 202 responses. 63% (127) of New Zealand public library staff surveyed have read at least one ebook in the past year. 93% (188) Agree or Strongly Agree with the statement that it is important for public libraries to offer ebooks. 57% (105) Agree or Strongly Agree with the statement “I enjoy helping patrons with technical questions about ebooks or ereaders”. Respondents think that the portability of ebooks and the ability to customise ebooks is useful. Most library staff surveyed think the increasing popularity of ebooks is good for libraries. The median response to “My library has a great stock of ebooks” was Neither Agree nor Disagree, with the majority of respondents agreeing that ebook licensing terms restricts the stock of ebooks available at their library. IMPLICATIONS: Library staff think that offering ebooks is important for libraries. However, libraries implementing ebooks need to ensure staff are ready to help patrons with ebooks. Ebook licensing terms are perceived as restricting libraries’ ebook stock, for libraries to be successful at offering ebooks the licensing situation may need to change.</p>

scholarly journals The Use and Ease of Access of EBooks in Public Libraries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Nichola Ross
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Print Books ◽  
Ease Of Access

<p>Research Problem: The purpose of this research project is to examine how patrons are using the eBook collection at a New Zealand public library. Specifically the research examines the relationship between print and eBooks and how this relationship affects borrowing habits. It also explores how the eBook borrowing process for affects usage of the collection. There is little information on this topic from a library patron perspective, and even less research conducted in a New Zealand context. Methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this research. Self-completion questionnaires with a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions were offered to members of Christchurch City Libraries. A semi-structured interview was also conducted with two library staff members. Results: It can be observed that print is still the most borrowed and the favoured format. There are a number of reasons for this but the most prominent was that eBooks cannot offer the same sensations and reading experience that a print book gives. Most users were happy with using only print books though the ones that were open to trying eBooks were unable to do so as they did not own eReaders. The incompatibility of Amazon Kindles was also a reason some patrons were borrowing print books as they were unable to get the titles they wanted for their eReaders. The small size of the eBook collection was a deterrent for some users but the library is aware of this and is working towards building a larger collection with a wider selection.</p>

scholarly journals Do New Zealand public library workers self-censor controversial library materials? - An exploration of their knowledge and views on the promotion of intellectual freedom in the library

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Juanita Nieuwoudt
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Intellectual Freedom ◽  
Further Training ◽  
Library Users ◽  
The Face ◽  
Almost All ◽  
And Training

<p>The first objective of this study is to investigate how much knowledge public library workers have of the role of libraries in upholding intellectual freedom. Secondly, to establish whether, and for what reasons library workers would opt to self-censor in the face of controversial library materials. Lastly, to determine whether library workers require further information and training in order to achieve the professional anti-censorship standards as promoted by LIANZA.  I used a qualitative methodology to collect data and conducted nine interviews with library workers from public libraries situated in the central North Island. They were asked to share their views on twelve books - selected for their controversial content - to determine which, if any, self-censorship actions they would take in respect of each individual title. They were asked to give reasons for self-censorship actions. They were also asked to share their knowledge of intellectual freedom in libraries.  The key findings for the first objective were that all the participants were familiar with the concept of intellectual freedom in libraries, but none of them were aware of the content of the LIANZA statement or their own library’s policy. Almost all the participants relied heavily on their management for information in this regard, even if the information is conveyed informally.  Secondly, the participants often selected self-censorship actions, with the main reasons being a personal distaste of the item or fear of offending library users.  Lastly almost all the participants said that they felt sufficiently informed on intellectual freedom in libraries and required no further training.</p>

scholarly journals What Are the Opinions of New Zealand Public Library Staff on Ebooks?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Megan Adelle Percy
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Median Response ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Past ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
Level Of Agreement

<p>RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to discover the opinions of New Zealand public library staff on ebooks. While there are studies on opinions on ebooks, there is less emphasis on public library staff. Ebooks are becoming more and more popular and how libraries implement them will impact on the future of libraries. The aim of this study was to discover what library staff liked and disliked about ebooks and how they feel about ebooks in public libraries. METHODOLOGY: Invitations to participate in a survey about ebooks were posted on two email discussion lists, PUBSIG, for New Zealand public library staff, and NZ-Libs, for New Zealand library staff. Additionally, an invitation was emailed to all staff members of Wellington City Libraries. Data were collected using an online survey consisting mainly of Likert-type statements that respondents indicate their level of agreement to. These statements were adapted from previous studies done on ebooks. Respondents were not required to answer every question. RESULTS: There were 202 responses. 63% (127) of New Zealand public library staff surveyed have read at least one ebook in the past year. 93% (188) Agree or Strongly Agree with the statement that it is important for public libraries to offer ebooks. 57% (105) Agree or Strongly Agree with the statement “I enjoy helping patrons with technical questions about ebooks or ereaders”. Respondents think that the portability of ebooks and the ability to customise ebooks is useful. Most library staff surveyed think the increasing popularity of ebooks is good for libraries. The median response to “My library has a great stock of ebooks” was Neither Agree nor Disagree, with the majority of respondents agreeing that ebook licensing terms restricts the stock of ebooks available at their library. IMPLICATIONS: Library staff think that offering ebooks is important for libraries. However, libraries implementing ebooks need to ensure staff are ready to help patrons with ebooks. Ebook licensing terms are perceived as restricting libraries’ ebook stock, for libraries to be successful at offering ebooks the licensing situation may need to change.</p>

scholarly journals Non-friction reading: Licensing requirements for e-book lending in New Zealand public libraries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Amy Joseph
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Staff Member ◽  
System Integration ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Strong Preference ◽  
National Library

<p>Research problem: Libraries face many challenges as they strive to provide e-books to their members, often caused by less-than-ideal licensing conditions, or publishers who will not yet license their titles to libraries for lending. This research project, developed in conjunction with a National Library of New Zealand initiative investigating collaborative ebook procurement for libraries, surveyed New Zealand public libraries in order to discover what elements of existing and proposed models would best meet the needs of their users. Methodology: a link to an online survey was emailed to public library managers, who were asked to complete the survey or delegate it to an appropriate staff member. Results: Valid responses were received from 34 of the 67 library systems contacted (response rate = 50.8). New Zealand public libraries are anticipating a large increase in spending on the provision of e-books, with the growth in spending on e-books set to outstrip growth in spending on other e-resources. They show a strong preference for perpetual access licenses, and generally tend to favour licenses that allow for control over title selection and predictability over budgets. They are concerned with system integration and would ideally like to see e-books from all their chosen vendors available through one interface that integrates with their catalogues. Libraries would like to see more New Zealand content available, and access to library e-book lending on all devices their users may choose to use.</p>

scholarly journals Fiction readers' advisory services in New Zealand public libraries : an investigation into how personal reading habits and other factors affect the confidence of library staff who answer adult or young adult fiction readers' advisory queries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Angela Catherine Bain
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Young Adult Fiction ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Library Size ◽  
Advisory Services ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Pleasure Reading ◽  
Library Staff

<p>Fiction readers' advisory is the act of assisting a library borrower to find their next piece of fiction to read for leisure purposes. This is a significant part of public library work for staff members who work face-to-face with library borrowers. The confidence of library staff members who provide these services is therefore an important issue. It was hypothesised that a number of factors would influence the confidence of staff who answer fiction readers' advisory enquiries, including the amount and kind of pleasure reading undertaken, library size, years of library experience, and training. An online questionnaire was used to survey a sample of frontline public library staff members in New Zealand to gather data about readers' advisory services in public libraries in this country, as very little research has been undertaken here in this area. There was an excellent response to the survey invitation, and 130 completed questionnaires were received. Survey respondents' confidence about answering fiction readers' advisory enquiries was positively correlated with several factors, including amount and breadth of personal reading, length of public library service, kind of training received, and number of readers' advisory tools available. Negative correlations were suggested between library qualifications and confidence, and library size and confidence. Other factors which may influence confidence were also identified, such as library staff morale, having sufficient time for answering enquiries properly, and time for pleasure reading.</p>

scholarly journals The Use and Ease of Access of EBooks in Public Libraries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Nichola Ross
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Print Books ◽  
Ease Of Access

<p>Research Problem: The purpose of this research project is to examine how patrons are using the eBook collection at a New Zealand public library. Specifically the research examines the relationship between print and eBooks and how this relationship affects borrowing habits. It also explores how the eBook borrowing process for affects usage of the collection. There is little information on this topic from a library patron perspective, and even less research conducted in a New Zealand context. Methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this research. Self-completion questionnaires with a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions were offered to members of Christchurch City Libraries. A semi-structured interview was also conducted with two library staff members. Results: It can be observed that print is still the most borrowed and the favoured format. There are a number of reasons for this but the most prominent was that eBooks cannot offer the same sensations and reading experience that a print book gives. Most users were happy with using only print books though the ones that were open to trying eBooks were unable to do so as they did not own eReaders. The incompatibility of Amazon Kindles was also a reason some patrons were borrowing print books as they were unable to get the titles they wanted for their eReaders. The small size of the eBook collection was a deterrent for some users but the library is aware of this and is working towards building a larger collection with a wider selection.</p>

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