Entrepreneurship resources in US public libraries: website analysis

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the entrepreneurship resources patrons can discover and/or access on the web pages of the largest 46 US public libraries to assess the strength of public libraries’ current support to their entrepreneur-patrons, and where, and by what means, public libraries may wish to expand, or further promote, their support. Design/methodology/approach – The author completed a website analysis of the largest 46 US public libraries, as defined by the criteria in the ALA publication The Nation’s Largest Public Libraries. Website analysis was completed via a standardized checklist assessment of each library website. Findings – Public libraries often have print and electronic resources, meeting spaces and programming that could be of use to entrepreneur-patrons, but these resources are sometimes difficult to discover on library websites. Libraries have strong partnering relationships with other government and nonprofit organizations, but they may wish to expand these partnerships further. Practical implications – Public libraries in the US often have multiple support services to offer entrepreneur-patrons. However, if libraries would like to reach entrepreneur-patrons beyond their walls, as well as within them, they may wish to consider further refining the resources both accessible via their website and promoted on it. Originality/value – While there are research articles exploring how both academic and public libraries support entrepreneur-patrons, as yet, there has been no in-depth research into how public libraries support their entrepreneur-patrons through not only their in-library offerings but also the materials highlighted and/ or available via their website. This research addresses this gap in the literature.Publisher does not allow open access until after publicatio

Assessment of Environmental Consciousness among Patrons in Selected Academic and Public Libraries in Lagos Metropolis

The study examined environmental consciousness patterns among patrons in academic and public libraries. Using the survey method, data was collected from 383 patrons who were conveniently selected from six libraries in Lagos metropolis. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to determine the internal consistency and reliability of the multiple item scales. The least Cronbach’s Alpha value returned for the variables in the questionnaire was 0.79. Q uantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Waste disposal was found to be the most disturbing environmental issue. Respondents from both academic and public libraries agreed that there is not enough useful information on adopting pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs). Further findings showed that respondents from both academic and public libraries demonstrate similar pattern of motivation towards environmental consciousness. It is recommended that libraries should include services that will foster eco-friendly behaviour among library patrons

State Library Update, January 2008, Vol.6, no. 1. Library of Iowa, State.

Quarterly update for State Library patrons

State Library Update, July 2009, Vol.7, no. 3 Library of Iowa, State.

Quarterly update for State Library patrons

Top Notch Support for eBooks

Come learn tips and tricks for delivering top notch technical support for eBooks. Library staff are the front line technical support for a growing number of patrons with diverse technical abilities wanting to access eBooks. We’ll share VPL’s unique team approach and innovative techniques for delivering technical support for your eBook collection. In this session, participants will learn: How to apply reference interview skills to technical support. How to create effective tools to use with patrons, including templates and on-the-spot screencasts. How to build an effective ebook-support team in your reference departmen

Why Print and Electronic Resources Are Essential to the Academic Law Library

Libraries have supported multiple formats for decades, from paper and microforms to audiovisual tapes and CDs. However, the newest medium, digital transmission, has presented a wider scope of challenges and caused library patrons to question the established and recognized multiformat library. Within the many questions posed, two distinct ones echo repeatedly. The first doubts the need to sustain print in an increasingly digital world, and the second warns of the dangers of relying on a still-developing technology. This article examines both of these positions and concludes that abandoning either format would translate into a failure of service to patrons, both present and future

An International Prospectus for Library & Information Professionals: Development, Leadership and Resources for Evolving Patron Needs

The roles of library and information professionals must change and evolve to: 1. accommodate needs of tech-savvy patrons; 2. thrive in the Commons & Library 2.0; 3. provide integrated, just-in-time services; 4. constantly update and enhance technology; 5. design appropriate library spaces for research and productivity; 6.adapt to new models of scholarly communication and publication, especially: the Open Archives Initiative and digital repositories; 7. remain abreast of national and interanational academic and legislative initiatives affecting the provision of information services and resources. Professionals will need to collaborate in: 1. Formal & informal networks – regional, national, and international; and; 2. Library staff development initiatives – regional, national, international Professionals will need to use libraries as laboratories for ongoing, lifelong training and education of patrons and of all library staff ( internal patrons ): the library is the framework in which Information Research Literacy is the curriculum . Professionals will need to remain aware of trends and challenges in their regions, the EU, the US and North America, of models which might provide inspiration and support: 1. Top Technology Trends; 2. New paradigms of professionalism; 3. Knowledge-creation and knowledge consumption; 4. The shifting balance of the physical library with the virtual-digital librar