Public Libraries and the Internet 2006

Examines the capability of public libraries to provide and sustain public access Internet services and resources that meet community needs, including serving as the first choice for content, resources, services, and technology infrastructure

Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2008-2009

Based on a survey of public libraries, examines trends in demand for, provision of, and quality of free computer and Internet services and in library budgets. Includes state data and suggestions for improving public access connectivity and infrastructure

World Libraries on the Information Superhighway: Internet-based Library Services

published or submitted for publicatio

Measuring Service Quality in the Networked Environment: Approaches and Considerations

published or submitted for publicatio

Creating a Future for Public Libraries: Diverse Strategies for a Diverse Nation

published or submitted for publicatio

Outcomes Assessment in the Networked Environment: Research Questions, Issues, Considerations, and Moving Forward

published or submitted for publicatio

Developing Multi-Method, Iterative, and User-Centered Evaluation Strategies for Digital Libraries: Functionality, Usability, and Accessibility

Usability, functionality, and accessibility testing of digital library information services and products are essential for providing high quality services to users. This paper details a long-term, evolving effort to develop meaningful evaluations for assessing digital libraries. The authors of this paper have been engaged in a multi-year study to determine appropriate evaluation techniques, tools, and methodologies for the Florida Electronic Library (FEL) and other digital libraries. The evaluation protocols and approaches have been designed over time and iteratively through assessment efforts of the research team of other digital library initiatives and with multiple versions of the FEL. As such, this paper examines the process of developing, applying, and refining appropriate evaluation methodologies for the networked environment of libraries, as well as the implications of these methodologies. The approach taken in the research described herein relies on a combination of evaluation strategies applied iteratively to assess libraries from the perspective of patron needs. A number of specific methods, as shown in this paper, can be readily developed to provide such evaluations. The following goals guide the presentation in this paper of the development through time of the methods and instruments created, tested, refined, and operationalized in functionality, usability, and accessibility testing by the researchers. The goals of this paper are to: 1) demonstrate the potential roles of multiple, iterative evaluation strategies in the development and refinement of digital libraries; 2) detail the methodologies that focus on how the services meet the needs of users; and 3) encourage further discussion of the uses of these multiple evaluation approaches in assessing these libraries

Library Network Statistics and Performance Measures: Approaches and Issues

Library networked statistics and performance measures are important indicators of the use, uses, and users of networked services that libraries offer their patrons. This article focuses on three efforts to develop and standardize library network statistics and performance measures. In particular, the article discusses, compares, and contrasts selected aspects of the International Standards Organization (ISO), U.S. public library network statistics, and Association of Research Library (ARL) efforts. The three approaches attempt to capture, describe, and present library networked activities in similar ways through similar approaches – yet they differ in key areas. It is important to note that there are a number of national and international efforts underway that continue to research the library network statistics and performance measure environment

Public Access Technologies in Public Libraries: Effects and Implications

Public libraries were early adopters of Internet-based technologies and have provided public access to the Internet and computers since the early 1990s. The landscape of public-access Internet and computing was substantially different in the 1990s as the World Wide Web was only in its initial development. At that time, public libraries essentially experimented with publicaccess Internet and computer services, largely absorbing this service into existing service and resource provision without substantial consideration of the management, facilities, staffing, and other implications of public-access technology (PAT) services and resources. This article explores the implications for public libraries of the provision of PAT and seeks to look further to review issues and practices associated with PAT provision resources. While much research focuses on the amount of public access that public libraries provide, little offers a view of the effect of public access on libraries. This article provides insights into some of the costs, issues, and challenges associated with public access and concludes with recommendations that require continued exploration

K.G. Saur, Munich. Printed in Germany Library Network Statistics and Performance Measures: Approaches and Issues

and the Association of Research Libraries (ARL)