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This study by Leo Appleton, a part-time PhD student, explores the value and impact of public libraries in developing citizenship within the Information Society. The research delves into the social and economic impacts of public libraries on individuals, focusing on citizenship development through access to information and skills. Key questions include the advantage gained by individuals using library services and the overall impact on community citizenship. By working with library patrons, staff, and directors in cities like Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London, the study aims to assess the long-term effects over three years using a cohort approach and focus group methods. This research seeks to understand the role of public libraries in enhancing social and intellectual capital and their significance in forming citizens and fostering community development.
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Leo Appleton,Centre for Social Informatics,Part time PhD student, First year “The value and impact of public libraries within the Information Society : their contribution to citizenship development.”
Research context • Information Society context • Information and knowledge • Informed citizenship
We don’t need libraries! • A product of the Information Society is the Digital Library • Online information explosion • Social media • Accessibility and availability • We don’t need physical libraries
Nice to have? • UK wide public library closures • Other services are prioritised • ‘Big Society’ approach – using volunteers to staff public libraries • Will the closed libraries ever return?
Social impact Libraries allow individuals to develop as citizens and to access information and skills which can advantage them.
citizenship • Focus on citizenship • Do citizens benefit? • Do they develop? • Are they able to access basic information? • Do they benefit in terms of employability or intellectuality?
Key questions • To what extent is an individual’s position advantaged through using information and engaging with the public library service? • What is the impact of using a public library service on individual and community citizenship?
what will I do? – forming my method • Continual literature review • Work with professional association – Cilip • Talk to stakeholders • Library patrons (key group) • Library staff • Library directors / Chief librarians?
where? Edinburgh Liverpool London
how? • Cohort approach • Locations / local authorities representative demographically • Longitudinal over three years (each group revisited) • Focus group approaches • Liverpool pilot Sept 2014
