Appleton, Leo; Hall, Hazel; Duff, Alistair S. and Raeside, Robert. 2018. UK public library roles and value: A focus group analysis. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 50(3), pp. 275-283. ISSN 0961-0006 [Article]

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Abstract or Description

Findings from a study of the advantages and disadvantages accrued by individuals from their public library use, and the impact of this on citizenship at individual and community levels, are presented. The analysis of longitudinal focus group data collected on two occasions at eight UK locations at a time of a so-called ‘public library crisis’ demonstrates a strong sense of the epistemic role of public libraries, and their conception as safe, welcoming, community-owned spaces. Links between public library use and the development of citizenship are less easily identified. However, the evidence shows that public library use facilitates participation in society, and provides resources to allow individuals and communities to fulfil their societal obligations.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000618769987
Keywords:	Focus groups, impact, measurement, public library, public libraries, value
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Library
Dates:	Date Event 13 May 2018 Published Online 1 September 2018 Published
Item ID:	27167
Date Deposited:	17 Oct 2019 14:09
Last Modified:	17 Oct 2019 14:09
Peer Reviewed:	Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/27167

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