Abstract

Walking into a library to borrow a book has an expiration date. With digital loans, we will not be going to the library for books, but we still may go for a recommendation or an experience of shared reading. Knowing what our users are looking for, discussing and recommending, and using that information to offer a more personalized reading service, is vital for the future of ebook streaming services. Librarians need readers to create book collections that improve the user’s experience, and need to do our best to create an affective bond between the reader, the book and the library that brought them together.

Abstract

With the failure of school libraries in Spain and public libraries that are more targeted to adult patrons, it seems that the library authorities have forgotten about services to adolescents. The specific needs of young people aged between 14 and 18 years are not being met. It is proposed that the successful information commons (or resource centers for learning and research, as they are known in Spain) of the universities be made available to non-college youth through cooperation agreements with public administration.

Abstract

This article describes the current e-books situation in Spanish university libraries, analyzing their distribution and access models. The five stages of an e-book library service are described: selection, acquisition, processing, access and evaluation. The specific aspects that should be taken into account in each phase are explained, and illustrated with some examples.

Abstract

The creation of bibliometric services within university libraries opens up new professional possibilities for libraries, when they are in the midst of rethinking many of their functions. Services to the researcher, such as supporting the management of their curricula vitae through CRIS (current research information system), finding quality measures of journals, or providing advice during the evaluation processes, along with elaborating bibliometric reports in order to support the governance of the University, are postulated as new tasks that can be carried out by the library staff. For these new tasks to be effective, librarians must have some transversal and specific competences. Moreover, they need some of the skills associated with communication competences, because of the importance of communicating properly the work that has been done by the Unit, within the library and for the users and institution.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explain some ways of innovation that are being extended to Spanish public libraries, and to consider that these changes require a more flexible model of management and service. To illustrate these new models we describe libraries such as Alhóndiga Bilbao, Cubit at Zaragoza, and Library at Tenerife space for arts (TEA). These libraries have been created with adifferent model, mainly conditioned by their location inside big cultural or arts centres, where they coexist with other cultural services and events.

Abstract

Today it is essential for libraries to promote the use of their services, make themselves be known and attract readers. This article discusses the cultural dissemination and marketing in Spanish public libraries, based on an analysis of 183 web sites. Information was gathered on activities, initiatives and resources that were then systematized, quantified and described.

Abstract

This article provides an overview of web 2.0 and library 2.0. An analysis is offered of websites widely acknowledged as being successful. These websites were those that led to the new concept web 2.0. Essential characteristics of this type of site are reviewed, such as employing important technologic innovations and novel ways of interacting with users. The second part of the paper analyses the significance of library 2.0 as a web 2.0 application for libraries. After a brief review of the principal definitions, a new one is proposed. Examples are given of the 2.0 services that libraries are currently offering or could offer in the future.

Abstract

The public library of the 21st century is conceived of as a social center from and for the community, focused on the planning and development of educational intervention programs related to literacy, participation, and social integration. The library staff should promote actions aimed at reducing social inequalities, favoring access of all citizens to culture, information, and education; with particular care for those who are most vulnerable. The complexity of the situation calls for the inclusion of librarians and specialists trained in socio-educational processes and practices and with special emphasis on intervention with special needs groups.

Abstract

Despite their public image, libraries have always been based more on the services provided than on the collection, which is only a tool for the service. Therefore, library services should be the basis for libraries’ development and survival. The designof those services must be based on the needs of their users, who are the reason why libraries exist. As a matter of fact, the entire library should be addressed to the users, offering services that cover the needs of the broadest possible target population. Technologies that have brought about disruptive change in the model of the library can be also helpful to this purpose.