MESOC Serapeum | Where culture meets AI

Id		684
Author		Cole N., Stenström C.
Title		The Value of California’s Public Libraries
Reference		Cole N., Stenström C.; The Value of California’s Public Libraries ;Public Library Quarterly vol: issue: page:
Link to article		https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85090977549&doi=10.1080%2f01616846.2020.1816054&partnerID=40&md5=ebf17b5f4bb0b206669fc8c0e8d3adf4
Abstract		The purpose of this paper is to show how Californian libraries deliver value, by taking a preliminary value framework previously developed from a study of academic literature, and applying it to the public library landscape in California. A “bricolage” approach was used to develop an evidence-based framework of value and subsequently to gather data about Californians’ use of and attitudes about public libraries. The framework was developed through an extended literature review and applied across data gathered through a survey of residents, interviews with library stakeholders, a review of statistics on library usage, and a review of the outcomes of grant-funded programs in California public libraries. The most significant outcome of our project is a unique value proposition for California’s public libraries. These libraries deliver value for individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole. They provide opportunities and support for learning and knowledge development, health and wellbeing, community development, and economic development. Value is delivered through a unique combination of resources, people, and space. California’s public libraries are largely offering services that are valued by the public; however, public awareness of the range and nature of services offered remains lower than desired. Practitioners can use the evidence-based framework and the unique value proposition to better understand the aspects of their library services that offer most value to their communities, and to make more persuasive cases for library support. This paper is the first to use an evidence-based framework of value in assessing the impact of California’s public libraries. © 2020 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Results:

Candidate transition variables
Robust social infrastructure fosters contact, mutual support, and collaboration. .
Learning and knowledge development Californias public libraries provide opportunities and support for learning and knowledge development; for health and wellbeing; for community development; and for economic development. .
Public library summer reading programs encourage and help children and teens to read and learn while school is out. .
Californias public library literacy programs help adults gain basic literacy skills, achieve learning goals, and use library services effectively. .
Some people will use the library for study, some to make connections and develop community with other people, some for entertainment and fun. .
Examples included providing programming for teens who faced challenges in accessing other inclusive activities, developing spaces and programs for people to learn with technology and other resources, organizing events at which neighborhood residents connected, facilitating gatherings and providing safe and welcoming environments for marginalized cultural groups, and inviting expert guests to share their knowledge on topics of interest to library users. .
Libraries contribute to the communitys social infrastructure by providing a public space where people can make connections (Usherwood and Linley 1998). .
Public libraries provide opportunities and support for learning and knowledge development through formal and informal classes; one-to-one tutoring; access to books, instruments, technology, and other resources (Bertot, McClure, and Jaeger 2008); space for individuals and groups to interact with others; cultural programming; and opportunities for people to study, research, play, and create (Halpin et al. 2015). .
These libraries deliver value for individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole. .
Libraries enrich their meal service by engaging families with the annual summer reading program; learning and enrichment programs; and programming focusing on health, nutrition, and physical fitness. .
They provide opportunities and support for learning and knowledge development, health and wellbeing, community development, and economic development. .
Underpinning and cutting across this preliminary framework, we also saw the following sources of value: a robust foundation of access to and use of technology in public libraries; the unique combination of people, space, information, ideas, and opportunities that comprises the library; and the transformative outcomes that public libraries can produce through their services. .
Community development The category of community development includes crisis response and the librarys contribution to community resilience; the generation of social capital within local communities; and the librarys contribution to the communitys social infrastructure. .
Conclusion Todays libraries are at the heart of their communities, delivering innovative educational resources and programs. .
Library staff work to create an equitable society by providing free access to accurate information to all people. .
Clearly, libraries are well-used, vital, valued parts of their communities. .
Libraries are accessible anchor institutions and essential community hubs. .
It is important for organizations to maximize the social value of their activities so that the wellbeing of those affected by the organizations work is improved, equity among those affected is increased, and sustainability of the environment is enhanced. .
Practitioners can use the evidence-based framework and the unique value proposition to better understand the aspects of their library services that offer most value to their communities, and to make more persuasive cases for library support. .
We hope that our work will prove helpful to all those working toward a more informed, more equitable, and more sustainable future for public libraries in California..
In addition to universally having a mandate to serve all who choose to access their resources equitably, public libraries have increasingly made their resources and services more accessible for those who are experiencing homelessness, persons who face financial hardship, those newly arrived in the country and those who might face linguistic barriers, children in disadvantaged socio-economic situations, persons experiencing mental or physical illness or disability, and veterans. .
The public library contributes to community economic development by impacting community members personal economic development, and by generating a solid financial return on the investment of taxpayer dollars (Griffiths, King, and Aerni 2006; Kaufman 2008; McClure and Bertot 1998). .
Libraries provide access to all of these elements. .
At a minimum, we must educate and train library staff to deliver the greatest value; support staff in the roles they are asked to play; and recruit, train, employ, and promote more diverse workers. .
(b) that libraries deliver social value within three umbrella categories, each with notable aspects: support for personal advancement, including knowledge and learning, economic benefits, and emotional and physical wellness; support for vulnerable populations, such as people experiencing homelessness, immigrants, veterans, early learners, and adult literacy learners; and support for community development, including crisis response and community resilience, social capital and generalized trust, social infrastructure, and public fund stewardship. .
Public libraries have a particular focus on the health and wellbeing of populations who may have difficulty accessing programs and resources at other organizations. .
It protects our democracy and contributes to economic growth. .

ARTICLE - CANDIDATE TRANSITION VARIABLES

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