Delivering Digital Services: A Handbook for Public Libraries and Learning Centres

Abstract

Purpose

This study was conducted to investigate the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in special libraries in Kerala, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The following methods were used to collect data for the study: questionnaire survey of librarians and library users, semi‐structured interviews with librarians, and observational visits in the libraries. This study was confined only to the automated special libraries in Kerala.

Findings

The analyses revealed that though the libraries had hardware, software, and communication facilities to some extent, ICT‐based resources and services were not reaching the users to the expected extent. Library automation in special libraries in Kerala was largely commenced during the period 1990‐2000. CDS/ISIS was used more in the libraries than any other software. The library catalogue found to be the most popular area for automation. The ICT‐based resource used by the largest percentage of the users was the e‐mail. Most of the libraries were hampered by lack of funds, lack of infrastructure, and lack of skilled professionals to embark on automation of all library management activities and application of ICT. A good number of the library users were not satisfied with the application of ICT in their libraries and indicated “inadequate ICT infrastructure” as their major reason for dissatisfaction. They proposed a variety of measures of formal orientation and training on ICT to become more effective users.

Originality/value

The study provides recommendations to enhance library automation and effective and efficient application of ICT.

Citation

Wright, S. (2007), "Delivering Digital Services: A Handbook for Public Libraries and Learning Centres", Library Review, Vol. 56 No. 7, pp. 621-622. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530710776006

Delivering Digital Services is aimed at those who work in public libraries and learning centres, and looks at various aspects of the use of ICT within them.

The first section of the book looks at the policies that have transformed the modern public library in the digital age. The idea of lifelong learning is explained and the role of public libraries in trying to fulfil it is explored, emphasising the role of the UK People's Network initiative in bridging the digital divide and improving social inclusiveness. The book does an admirable job in explaining what all these buzzwords actually mean and why they are important for modern library services, instead of assuming that the readership will already be acquainted with such jargon. For this alone it is a valuable resource to have.

This opening section also looks at the legal issues that affect the provision of ICT in public libraries. The conflict between providing access and protecting the library systems from abuse is a pertinent issue in public libraries today and the authors describe some of the options open to libraries. They also manage to avoid getting bogged down in the debate surrounding censorship, which has become a constant backdrop to any discussion about limiting access to online information in public libraries. Difficulties in trying to protect copyright in a digital environment are thoroughly explained, as is the complicated nature of licensed electronic resources in a multi‐user environment, with the authors stressing what the library could theoretically be held liable for.

In the second and third sections of the book the focus shifts to looking at staff skills. After briefly exploring what skills the staff need and raising the increased use of the European Computer Driving Licence as a standard for improving staff competence, the rest of the second section is made up of practical exercises. It covers advanced web searching, the use of multimedia, managing the desktop, installing hardware or software, networking, Excel, security and troubleshooting. It provides a brief overview of each and follows this with activities the reader can work through. It also devotes an entire chapter to e‐government following the same structure.

The third section of the book looks at content creation, giving plenty of advice on website creation, with practical instructions on how to use HTML and XML. The authors also give an introduction to the principles of website design and how to implement them, devoting the rest of the section to providing suggestions of realistic ways in which the library can put these to good use. Indeed, a particular focus is given to providing portal solutions (another buzzword) and digitisation. Useful case studies are provided for each.

Delivering Digital Services does provide a great deal of useful information which, in places, can be a problem. In trying to be all things to all people, the book is in danger of alienating readers. It is doubtful that one person would need to know all that it contains, particularly since it addresses so many different skill levels. It also largely ignores the wider council setting within which UK public libraries tend to operate by assuming that public libraries have a greater level of autonomy than is really the case. This should not detract from the book too much; it remains a valuable resource for any public librarian, even if it is more for inspiration and reference than to teach entirely new skills.