Good libraries are expensive libraries?

Abstract

Purpose -The ideas surrounding which institutional attributes make for good libraries vary radically based on patron review, professional association rankings, size of overall collections, and other measures. The purpose of this article is to provide insight into argumentation for establishing how libraries gain the compliment of "good" in an increasingly digital age. Design/methodology/approach -An analysis of the general effect digital content available on the internet has on the mind of the consumer frames the debate on how libraries can be seen as both relevant and good for their communities despite being expensive. Findings -Library leaders always need to advocate for their services and collections, but it is only through true reflective discourse with key stakeholders and governing bodies that enlightenment on the key advantages of libraries can be found. Originality/value -Library popularity and use rises and falls solely based on the conscious user evaluation of collections and services. Focusing this consciousness away from the myth that all material of worth is digital and available online is the key to helping users and governing bodies understand that investments in library infrastructure, technology and (most importantly) raw collections is what makes libraries good for all.

Making a makerspace case for academic libraries in Nigeria

“…The library however needs to seek the support of the university administration for this project to come to fruition. The University librarian being a Principal Officer of the University (especially in Nigeria) should have a reflective discourse with key stakeholders and governing bodies (Cottrell, 2013) of the University to bring this to limelight. The recent creation of the faculty of Vocational Teacher Education in UNN paves a way for creative works by students.…”

School Library Management in Private Junior High Schools

“…Library management that does not work well is a major problem experienced by school libraries. The results of previous studies [2], [10], [12], [3], and [20] that have revealed various inhibiting factors for the development of school libraries. These inhibiting factors include: a) the existence of schools that still do not have a school library, b) implementation of library leadership that is still not optimal, c) the scarcity of proper library buildings and lack of reading materials, d) the limitation of school fund causing building construction and space arrangement were not optimal, and the purchase of non-fiction and fiction book collection became very limited, and e) services for users who are still unsatisfactory.…”