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Pub Date: |
2001-01-00 |
Pub Type(s): |
Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires |
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Descriptors:
Community Services; Data Analysis; Economic Development; Information Services; Library Materials; Library Role; Library Services; Library Statistics; Library Surveys; Public Libraries; Tables (Data)
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the economic impacts and benefits of Florida public libraries. The study objectives were to: describe the role of public libraries in economic development; identify and describe the range of specific activities and programs engaged in to support economic development; identify factors that contribute to the success of involvement in economic development; propose a study, based on findings reported here, to measure specific return on investment from public libraries; and offer recommendations and strategies for how public libraries in Florida might be more effective in supporting economic development. Data collection efforts involved a multi-method approach consisting of a literature review, focus groups, a financial analysis of Florida public libraries, a statewide sample survey of public library patrons, a survey of library directors and ranch managers, librarian service logs, and group interviews. Results indicate that patrons believe that public libraries contribute to their financial well being, provide economic benefits to local businesses, and support the prosperity of the community. Participants described numerous instances where economic benefits and impacts resulted from a range of public library services and programs. This study provides an important first step in documenting those impacts, describing programs and services that support economic development, and offering strategies that policymakers and the library community might use to enhance this service role. Appendices contain service logs; patron survey; directors/managers survey; group interview questions guide; group interview survey; economic benefit survey with estimated tax statement; and economic benefit survey without estimated tax statement. (Includes 72 tables and figures. Contains 39 references.) (AEF)
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Pub Date: |
2000-04-00 |
Pub Type(s): |
Reports - Evaluative |
Peer Reviewed: |
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Descriptors:
Comparative Analysis; Educational Research; Educational Resources; Information Networks; Information Services; Information Sources; Information Systems; Needs Assessment; Online Systems
Abstract:
As a first step toward developing a strategy for a comprehensive external evaluation of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system, this paper contributes by providing an overview of the system's mission, structure, and resources. A brief review of ERIC's historical development and extant literature, the conduct of a key informants survey, coupled with comparative analysis with the two other subject-specific U.S. national library information systems are used to produce a preliminary assessment of strengths and weaknesses, followed by recommendations and approaches for further investigation. ERIC's mission, understood as a formal statement of purpose, is seen to have broadened considerably in audience and collection scope over the past 35 years, and is further expanded by the needs and realities of an information society. The structure of the system, understood as both formal and informal alliances and hierarchies between organizational units, has changed very little in its decentralized internal arrangement; however, ERIC's nominal integration with the National Library of Education in 1994 is seen as a critical change that still requires key organizational integration at all levels, encompassing mission, structure, and resources. Despite these far-reaching changes, ERIC's resources, understood as the products, people, and financial commitments that go into the system, have remained essentially level and are, therefore, insufficient to support the increasing number of products and services produced by the ERIC system. Findings and conclusions stress the need for mission prioritization and subsequent realignment of structure and resources based on this refocused mission. An appendix contains the survey results. (Contains 33 references.) (Author/AEF)
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