Carolynn Rankin

Measuring the value of public libraries in the digital age: What the power people need to know

The evaluation and impact of public libraries is highly topical as local authorities make decisions about what can and cannot be provided through the public purse. This article reports the outcomes of a research workshop which used the Delphi method to gather opinions from expert stakeholders on this subject. Key themes included the value and social benefits of libraries; the need for effective communication; the need for research; the role of CILIP; and the required next steps. The authors suggest the novel approach of using a human rights-based approach to support arguments in favour of public library provision.

Digital Public Administration and E-Government in Developing Nations: Policy and Practice

Digital Public Administration and E-Government in Developing Nations: Policy and Practice examines e-government from the perspective of developing nations and addresses the issues and of developing arisen in its systems and processes. This publication is a valuable and insightful tool for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students in different fields who are interested in information systems, public policies, politics, and media and communication studies. Digital Public Administration and E-Government in Developing Nations: Policy and Practice

Delivering the best start : a guide to early years libraries

1. Take them to the library - setting the scene 2. People and partnerships, skills and knowledge 3. Buildings, design and space 4. Resources for early years libraries - books, toys and other delights 5. Reaching your audience - the librarians role 6. Planning.

The IFLA Sister Libraries Program – an Evaluation of the Development, Challenges, and Progress in the First Two Years of an International Network

The Sister Libraries program is an initiative of the IFLA Libraries for Children and Young Adults section. Launched in 2009, it enables childrens librarians in any country to find a sister library somewhere else in the world and build a collaborative partnership based on the exchange of views and the development of joint programs. This article describes the development and progress of the first two years of this international network and reports on the evaluation of the program using the concept of a “community of practice.” A longitudinal view is taken of capacity building and professional generosity as a community of practice develops.

The National Year of Reading

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the government sponsored National Year of Reading (NYR) campaign in the UK in 2008 which provided an opportunity for public libraries to be in the political limelight as key partners.Design/methodology/approach – Nationally the NYR was promoted as a social marketing campaign with specific target audiences. Reports on a MLA funded research project in Yorkshire which used the generic social outcomes (GSO) framework to look at the impact of NYR in two public library authorities.Findings – The article discusses the positive interventions by librarians in facilitating and leading change during the NYR campaign and beyond. However there are challenges in working in partnership activities. The findings using the GSO framework show considerable evidence of NYR related activities in supporting the three first‐tier social outcomes: “stronger and safer communities”, “health and well‐being”, and “strengthening public life.”Research limitations/implications – Using the NYR activiti...