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Leo appleton Internet Librarian International October 2015
This document summarizes a presentation given by Leo Appleton on the power of public libraries. The presentation discussed Appleton's research project which aims to measure the impact of public libraries on individuals and communities. Specifically, it examines how public libraries can advantage individuals and influence citizenship. The approach involves focus groups and interviews with library users and staff. A pilot study was conducted using focus groups to discuss knowledge, inclusion, and access at libraries. Analysis of the pilot found that libraries provide knowledge through resources, foster inclusion by being inclusive safe spaces, and improve access by providing open access to information. The research anticipates further findings on how libraries develop citizenship and demonstrate their value through access, integration and knowledge.
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Leo appleton Internet Librarian International October 2015
- 1. Leo Appleton, Associate Directorof Library Services, University of the Arts London PhD Student, Centre for Social Informatics, Edinburgh Napier University Cilip Multimedia, Information and Technology Group @leoappleton Presentation for Internet Librarian International, 21st October 2015 “Knowledge, Access and Inclusion – the Power of the Public Library”
- 2. • Background tothe research project • Approach to the research • Pilot study overview • Analysis and results of pilot study • Next steps Overview
- 3. • Professional interestin performance measurement • Mixed methods for different scenarios Background to the research project What do we need to measure? How do we do that? What are you talking about? • Usage • Satisfaction • Impact • Value • Outcomes • Count stuff • Perceptions • Outputs • Developments (social, personal, academic) • Achievements • Statistics, metrics, analytics • Surveys • Cause and effect • Talking to our library users!
- 4. • Why publiclibraries? – Characteristics • Exchange of capital • Information society studies • Citizenship / Digital citizenship agendas – Political agendas / lobbying – Focus on the qualitative! Background to the research project
- 5. • To whatextent is an individual’s position advantaged as a result of using public libraries? • What is the impact of using a public library service on individual and community citizenship? • Method: – Focus group methodology – Longitudinal cohort approach to focus groups – Interviews with senior library staff – Reflections on the focus group discussion • Scope of project – Representative of UK library users Approach to the research
- 6. Pilot study • Questionson: – Feelings and attitudes? – Who are libraries for? – Citizenship? – What do you like about your library? • Results categories: – Knowledge – Inclusion – Access
- 7. Pilot focus groupanalysis
- 8. Focus group analysis •“When I come in, I have a dead positive vibe, when I walk through the doors straight away, ‘cos I know that I only need to spend fifteen minutes in here, and I’ll have lost myself in a book…. You don’t care what’s going on!” • “I could be quite dramatic and say that reading saved my life!”
- 9. Focus group -Knowledge
- 10. • “…handling allthose really old manuscripts and books,….it’s knowledge, just a body of knowledge. And knowledge is power I believe. Knowledge is power!” Focus group - Knowledge
- 11. Focus group –Integration and Inclusion
- 12. • “The libraryis a place of great safety and security.” • “It’s inclusive. It makes you feel part of the group. I think that society consists of groups doesn’t it? But I see the library more as a coherent group and it’s very inclusive of people from different backgrounds, different ethnic backgrounds and cultures.” • “It is the one place where everyone is equal” • “When you’re on the streets no one cares about you. It’s like every man for himself. When you come in here you can just communicate with anyone, you can discuss things with people. There’s loads of things that you can do.” Focus group - Integration
- 13. Focus group -Access
- 14. • “It’s thetotal safety of being in an environment where you can study. It’s a place of peace. Every book is open to you.” • “As a teenager, I was always aware that the library, when you walked through it, nobody stopped you reaching for a book on anything….. as a child and a young teenager, it does empower you. You don’t have to understand what’s inside it. You’re just able to hold it.” Focus group - Access
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- 17. • Focus onaccess, integration and knowledge – Linked to social capital and Information Society • Acknowledgement of benefit and development of longitudinal period – Discussion and reflection at each stage • Understanding of citizenship development through public library use • Compelling evidence of the value and impact of public libraries Anticipated findings
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- 19. • Thank youfor listening! • Contact: – L.Appleton@napier.ac.uk – @leoappleton Questions?
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