Page 101 - DLIS101_LIBRARY_AND_INFORMATION_SOCIETY

Library and Information Society

Notes Public libraries may also provide other services, such as community meeting rooms, storytelling
sessions for infants, toddlers, preschool children, or after-school programs, all with an intention of
developing early literacy skills and a love of books. In person and on-line programs for reader
development, language learning, homework help, free lectures and cultural performances, and other
community service programs are common offerings. One of the most popular programs offered in
public libraries are summer reading programs for children, families, and adults. In rural areas, the
local public library may have, in addition to its main branch, a mobile library service, consisting of
one or more buses furnished as a small public library, serving the countryside according to a regular
schedule.
Public libraries also provide materials for children, often housed in a special section. Child oriented
websites with on-line educational games and programs specifically designed for younger library
users are becoming increasingly popular. Services may be provided for other groups, such as large
print or Braille materials, Books on tape, young adult literature and other materials for teenagers, or
materials in other than the national language.
California and Nevada now offer a new service called Link. This new program links county libraries
across the two states, allowing patrons access to books their library may not have in their collection.
Librarians at most public libraries provide reference and research help to the general public, usually
at a reference desk but can often be done by telephone interview. As online discussion and social
networking allow for remote access, reference is becoming available virtually through the use of
the Internet and e-mail. Depending on the size of the library, there may be more than one desk; at
some smaller libraries all transactions may occur at one desk, while large urban public libraries
may employ subject-specialist librarians with the ability to staff multiple reference or information
desks to answer queries about particular topics at any time during regular operating hours. Often
the children’s section in a public library has its own reference desk.

Public libraries are also increasingly making use of web 2.0 services, including the
use of online social networks by libraries.

Public libraries in some countries pay authors when their books are borrowed from libraries. These
are known as Public Lending Right program.
As more commercial and governmental services are being provided online (e-commerce and
e-government), public libraries increasingly provide Internet access for users who otherwise would
not be able to connect to these services.
Part of the public library mission has become attempting to help bridge the digital divide. A study
conducted in 2006 found that “72.5 percent of library branches report that they are the only provider
of free public computer and Internet access in their communities”. A 2008 study found that “100
percent of rural, high poverty outlets provide public Internet access, a significant increase from 85.7
percent last year”.
The American Library Association (ALA), addresses this role of libraries as part of “access to
information” and “equity of access”; part of the profession’s ethical commitment that “no one should
be denied information because he or she cannot afford the cost of a book or periodical, have access
to the internet or information in any of its various formats.”
In addition to access, many public libraries offer training and support to computer users. Once
access has been achieved, there still remains a large gap in people’s online abilities and skills. For
many communities, the public library is the only agency offering free computer classes and
information technology learning. As of 2008, 73.4 percent of public libraries offered information
technology training of some form, including information literacy skills and homework assignment

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