“Books, physical spaces, rules, people”: A holistic analysis of young Chinese children’s perceptions of public libraries

Wang, Pianran; Xu, Jianhua; Sturm, Brian W.; Kang, Qi; Wu, Yingying

doi:10.1177/09610006211007197

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 35 publications

(52 reference statements)

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“…These findings suggest that elements within the library space – social, technological and nontechnological elements, the spatial element and arrangement, the relaxing ambiance and the aesthetic layout – contribute to the attractiveness of the library and fuel creativity, literacy events and practices. Finally, most of these themes are features of modern libraries as the functional roles and responsibilities of modern libraries have expanded drastically in recent times (Çildir et al , 2021; Kanazawa, 2018; Smith, 2019; Wang et al , 2022).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Bennett describes failing to plan the space for a library as “close attention […] to library operations, and unfocused attention or outright inattention to the learning modes of students” (Bennett, 2003, p. 6). Libraries should not be a space for the mere preservation of books, collections of toys, magazines, computers for catalog browsing/games, informational pamphlets/flyers, tables, chairs, slides, seesaws and bookshelves (Çildir et al , 2021; Kanazawa, 2018; Smith, 2019; Wang et al , 2022). Similarly, the services and activities of librarians are no longer marginalized and restricted to arranging and shelving books, assisting patrons with checking books out, story hours, reading circles, library tours, homework help, loans to large groups, distribution of recommended book lists to schools and book-related programs (Campana et al , 2016; Kanazawa, 2018; Smith, 2019; Wang et al , 2022; Yoshida, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Bio-networking among librarians, parents, and children in a modern children’s library: a phenomenological study

Guirguis

Alsheikh

2023

ILS

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Purpose This study aimed to understand how parents and librarians describe their lived experiences in a modern children’s library that aims to create a triad bond through the organization of multiliteracy events and activities. Design/methodology/approach The study used a phenomenological case study approach using two semistructured interviews, the first with parents (n = 5) and the second with library staff (n = 5), to record their lived experiences in creating and attending literacy events and activities. Findings The findings indicated multiplicities of transformative and heterotypic spaces that juxtapose different yet compatible and vicarious experiences for librarians, parents and their children. The virtual and interactive features of the library fuel children’s curiosity and creativity and afford them authentic materials through a creative blend of local heritage and technology-mediated multimodal literacies. Moreover, the librarians engage in constant program evaluation and upgrades. The library environment creates a vibrant bio-network for disseminating literacy through creativity and ingenuity and affords an affinity space for community socialization. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations and delimitations. The data for this study were collected during the pandemic, which affected the sample size. Moreover, the children’s views were not considered, which could broaden our understanding of the phenomena. Furthermore, the study relied on interviews as the sole source of data; other sources, such as archival data and documents, could enrich the data and increase the study’s rigor. Finally, the study is confined to only one site. Practical implications The study found that a “living library” philosophy with an enthusiastic and attentive staff that caters to patrons’ interests draws parents and children to visit. Additionally, unexpected fun activities that occur when sufficient children are present keep them engaged and motivated to stay and learn more. The study suggests that librarians, architects, school leaders, policymakers and educators should consider how to conceptualize, design and experience a modern library space that prioritizes literacy activities and incorporates technology to inspire children’s innovations. The findings can be applied to both public and academic libraries. Originality/value The findings from this study could provide researchers, teachers, administrators, librarians and artificial intelligence with a viable orientation to envision new ways of reconceptualizing public and school libraries to create affinity spaces for the literate community, especially in a non-western context such as the United Arab Emirates.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bio-networking among librarians, parents, and children in a modern children’s library: a phenomenological study

Guirguis

Alsheikh

2023

ILS

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“…The study described has confirmed that children are interested in switching on/off and stopping, that is, clicking and swiping on the screen-performing standard functions on a phone/tablet/laptop, regardless of whether it is a book or any other file. The thinking in the youngest age group is symbolic, which is manifested in the ability to make one thing represent something other than itself (Wang et al, 2022). Therefore, non-digital gaming and entertainment experiences may be preferable for developing higher-order thinking skills, such as impulse control, emotion control, and goal-oriented task performance (Lissak, 2018).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Children's book illustrations from China and Ukraine: Comparison of different formats

Wang

2023

Children & Society

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This study was aimed at comparing different formats of illustrations for children's books created by modern Chinese and Ukrainian artists. At the same time, it was not focused just on determining the leading format, but on identifying the attractiveness factors of each format. To this end, the study investigated children's illustration preferences drawing from the following three age groups: 5–6 years old (preschoolers), 7–8 years old (second‐graders), and 9–10 years old (fourth‐graders). According to the survey, children were most concerned with illustration colourfulness (this is true for paper and pop‐up books) and viewing convenience. There were no statistically significant differences found between Chinese and Ukrainian books in terms of these parameters. At the same time, Chinese e‐books appeared to outperform the Ukrainian texts in terms of feature management and illustration colourfulness. Publishers and artists of children's books can use these data for effective creative activity and making constructive decisions. At the same time, these findings may be of interest to parents, informing or guiding book selection for children.

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“…Public spaces are also places for various folk activities, such as temple celebrations, festivals, etc. [8][9]. These activities not only enrich the cultural life of villagers, but also deepen their identification with rural communities.…”

Section: Rural Public Spacementioning

confidence: 99%

Optimization Design Practice of Rural Public Space Based on Public Participation: Taking Jiaoyuan Village in Zhaoqing City as an Example

2023

AJHSS

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With the acceleration of urbanization, the design of rural public spaces is becoming increasingly prominent. This article took Jiaoyuan Village in Zhaoqing City as an example to explore the practice of optimizing rural public space design based on public participation. Through the analysis of the current situation of public space in Jiaoyuan Village, a design concept guided by public demand was proposed. Public opinions were collected through questionnaire surveys, interviews, and other methods to investigate the suggestions of Jiaoyuan Village villagers and tourists on optimizing rural space. The survey results showed that 22.2% of people believed that traditional places should be combined with modern style, so that rural areas can achieve healthy development without deteriorating. This indicates that Jiaoyuan Village should improve various public facilities based on its own characteristics, and carry out spatial optimization design around ancient trees and existing buildings.

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“Books, physical spaces, rules, people”: A holistic analysis of young Chinese children’s perceptions of public libraries

Cited by 7 publications

References 35 publications

Bio-networking among librarians, parents, and children in a modern children’s library: a phenomenological study

Bio-networking among librarians, parents, and children in a modern children’s library: a phenomenological study

Children's book illustrations from China and Ukraine: Comparison of different formats

Optimization Design Practice of Rural Public Space Based on Public Participation: Taking Jiaoyuan Village in Zhaoqing City as an Example

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