Libraries And Public Perception

What is the future of libraries? This question is frequently posed, with widespread research into the social and economic impact of libraries. Newspapers play an important role in forming public perceptions, but how do newspapers present libraries, their past, present and future? Nobody has yet taken the press to task on the quantity and quality of articles on libraries, however Libraries and Public Perception does just this, through comparative textual analysis of newspapers in Europe. After a comprehensive and useful introductory chapter, the book consists of the following five chapters: Wondering about the future of libraries; Measuring the value of libraries; Libraries in the newspapers; Contemporary challenges and public perception; Which library model from the newspapers: a synthesis. Provides an alternative means to evaluate the impact of libraries Compares different countries and societies regarding their representation of libraries Pursues its subject through active research, rather than self reflection

What is the future of libraries? This question is frequently posed, with widespread research into the social and economic impact of libraries. Newspapers play an important role in forming public perceptions, but how do newspapers present libraries, their past, present and future? Nobody has yet taken the press to task on the quantity and quality of articles on libraries, however Libraries and Public Perception does just this, through comparative textual analysis of newspapers in Europe. After a comprehensive and useful introductory chapter, the book consists of the following four chapters: the object and purpose of the study, the methodology used, the research findings, and a conclusion and discussion.--

Over the past thirty years, significant shifts in technology, political ideologies, and policy goals have resulted in an environment in which public libraries face the highest expectations to serve community needs against unprecedented political, economic, and policy challenges. Drawing on two decades of original research conducted by the authors, this book provides a data-driven examination of the interrelated impacts of political discourse and public policy processes on public libraries and the ways in which they are able to serve their communities, explaining the complex current circumstances and offering strategies for effectively creating a better future for public libraries.

Changing library policy -- Changes in circulation policy -- Microforms and other storage formats -- Off-site storage of little used materials -- Housing other library operations -- 12 Evaluation of Library Services -- Measuring goal attainment -- Evaluating the services -- Evaluating the collection -- Meeting library standards -- Evaluating library personnel -- Self-evaluation -- User comments -- Appendix-Sample Comment Card -- 13 Public Relations -- How the library represents itself -- Signs, displays, exhibits, and bulletin boards -- Print media -- Reaching out to users