Settling in: how newcomers use a public library

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how recent immigrants and refugees to Canada (“newcomers”) use the facilities of a large, urban public library. As the library previously surveyed the general user population, the responses to the two surveys can be compared. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaires were administered as patrons were leaving Surrey Libraries Branches to adult public library members who self-identified as newcomers who arrived in Canada within the previous ten years. Findings The pattern of library use by newcomers differed from that of the general population. They visited more frequently and stayed longer. Newcomers were heavier users of library services and used a wider range of services. They used the library branch as a public place. The library provided them with a place to study, read or meet other people. Research limitations/implications The study was exploratory. The small sample size and the data collection process do not allow extrapolation to the underlying population. Practical implications Recent newcomers often have similar informational, psychological and social needs. Public libraries can play a role in assisting newcomers during their adjustment process. Originality/value Researchers worked closely with library management to develop questions based on decision usefulness. An earlier in-house study allowed comparisons to be made between branch use by newcomers and general library users. Canadian studies into government policy, along with immigrant and refugee studies, provide context for the survey results.

Does size matter? In-library study of two Canadian public library branches

“…The exit questionnaire was based on a survey instrument used to study in-library use in Surrey Libraries by Canadian newcomers (Shepherd et al , 2018). The principal investigator worked with library staff to adapt the previous questionnaire to meet the information needs of Richmond Public Library’s strategic planning process.…”

“…Hillenbrand (2005) undertook a social audit of an Australian community library. In addition to general user studies, research has investigated library use by immigrants (Audunson et al , 2011; Shepherd et al , 2018) and by a knitting group (Prigoda and McKenzie, 2007).…”

Diversity in Public Library Boards: Perspectives of Board Members

“…As Giroux (2000) stated, public spaces such as libraries are necessary to sustain politically active communities where all citizens can "learn the power of and engage in the experience of democracy" (p.57) by virtue of access to information and developing literacy skills (Julien & Hoffman, 2008). Many newcomers value library facilities as safe places to relax, meet friends, reflect, and build skills to engage in their new country (Shepherd et al, 2018). Lack of access to such spaces and information can lead to the end of civic values with no room "for negotiating the terms of democracy and critical citizenship through which to achieve equality and social justice" (Trifonas, 2001, p.28).…”

“…To improve representation, current boards need to reach out to minority and marginalized populations, including Indigenous communities, LGBTQ2+ communities, religious groups, and newcomers to the country. Newcomers are often heavy users of public library services, collections, and spaces (Shepherd et al, 2018) and public libraries may benefit from building on the social capital built by such users by extending board membership to them. Including members from multiple communities may help implement critical multilogicality into board governance -a way to view library resources and services from multiple perspectives and away from "elitist, White-centered, colonial patriarchal histories" (Kincheloe & Steinberg, 2008, p. 146).…”

Using Open Data to Inform Public Library Branch Services

“…The branch system of large urban centers are already well positioned to cater to the unique needs of residents but understanding how and when those needs shift -based on the composition of residents -remains a challenging data analysis task (Shepherd, Petrillo & Wilson, 2018;Allen, 2019). For example, many large public library systems employ some form of community profiling for understanding the uses and users of different branch outlets (Jaeger et al, 2014).…”