Browsing by Subject "Public Library"

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    Gender Differences in the Use of a Public Library
    (Taylor & Francis, 2008) Applegate, Rachel
    Experience and anecdotal evidence suggest that men and women use—or do not use—public libraries in different ways and amounts. Compared to extensive research on male and female differences in reading, computer use or within the context of the school library, there is relatively little descriptive research showing the library preferences of adult men and women. This study analyzed over 1,200 user responses in a survey conducted as part of a strategic planning process of an affluent public library. Male patrons in many respects were simply below-average in many areas (fewer visits, fewer services or resources used) but also showed distinctly different choices in a few areas, mainly related to electronic and business-related items. They also are almost completely uninterested in children's areas, a sharp contrast with adult female patrons). Male usage is distinct enough to warrant special attention from library planners. The results help library managers understand better what different patrons already use, and those areas where greater marketing or different strategic choices may be needed.
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    Remote Reference in U.S. Public Library Practice and LIS Education
    (Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE), 2008) Agosto, Denise E.; Abels, Eileen G.; Mon, Lorri M.; Most, Linda R.; Copeland, Andrea J.; Hamann, Jeanne; Masnik, Mike
    The state of remote reference services in the United States was assessed by surveying remote reference availability at 100 U.S. public libraries, examining remote reference in the syllabi of American Library Association (ALA)-accredited library and information science (LIS) courses in the U.S., and analyzing national competencies and guidelines. Findings indicated that the telephone was the most common medium in use for remote reference services at public libraries, followed by e-mail and chat. In teaching, however, syllabi at LIS programs addressed digital remote reference media far more often than the telephone. Reference standards and guidelines primarily focused on general practices applicable to both remote and face-to-face reference work, rather than on specifics relevant to differing remote reference media types. Included in this study are recommendations to address this apparent disconnect among reference practices, teaching, and professional guidelines.