Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 3,453 libraries in 63 countries between 14 November 2015 and 21 January 2016, based on their experiences with a total of 138 integrated library systems (ILS). The best products classified in the various categories analysed were Polaris, Apollo (Biblionix), Alma (Ex Libris), Symphony (SirsiDynix), WorldShare Management Services (OCLC), Koha (independent or self-managed), Library.Solution (The Library Corporation), Opals and Spydus. The original English report was published January 31, 2016 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2015

Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 4,042 libraries in 92 countries between November 3rd 2015 and January 18th 2017, based on their experiences with a total of 138 integrated library systems (ILS), both commercial and open source. The best products classified in the various categories analysed were Alma (Ex Libris), WorldShare Management Services (OCLC), Polaris, Apollo (Biblionix), Symphony (SirsiDynix), Opals, Library.Solution (The Library Corporation), and ByWater Solutions. The original English report was published on January 25, 2017 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2016

Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 3,992 libraries in 87 countries between November 2017 and February 2018, based on their experiences with a total of 127 integrated library systems (ILS), both commercial and open source. The best products classified in their respective category analysed were Apollo (Biblionix), ByWater Solutions, Alma (Ex Libris), Polaris, Symphony (SirsiDynix), and Opals. The original English report was published on March 17th, 2018 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2017

Abstract

The article presents an overview of the situation of school libraries in Spain, and suggests that, like the university library has become a resource center for learning and research, the school library could become also a resource center for learning and teaching, acting as a dynamizer and catalyst for the life of schools.

Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 3,141 libraries in 80 countries between 12 December 2014 and 29 January 2015, based on their experiences with a total of 154 integrated library systems (ILS). The best products classified in the various categories analysed were Polaris, Apollo (Biblionix), Alma and Aleph (Ex Libris), Sierra (Innovative Interfaces), WorldShare Management Services (OCLC), Koha (independend or self managed), Library.Solution (The Library Corporation) and Opals. The original English report was published February 10, 2015 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2014

Abstract

An assessment is made of educational services provided by school, public and university libraries in Spain. Opportunities and challenges to increase the involvement and support of librarians at the various educational levels are identified. Aspects such as the need for change in the teaching culture and the integration of libraries in e-learning are highlighted.

Abstract

Survey data from a 2011 study on school libraries, comparing the results to the 2005 survey. The satisfaction reported by management teams, teachers, students and library managers is analyzed. Compared to 2005, management teams, teachers and library managers were more satisfied, although the latter provided the most criticism. Most students reported satisfaction at all levels and in all aspects analyzed.

Abstract

The user experience framework (UX) serves to analyze the characteristics, preferences and perceptions of non-users of the public library to inform the (re)design of services. Empirical data come from a representative survey of the Catalan population aged 15 and over. In general terms, libraries and librarians benefit from a positive image, although one third of non-users would have no motivation for visiting a public library (again). Most are ex-users (81%) who had visited a public library but not in the last year. Individuals seem to stop using the public library when they end their educational period, with disengagement affecting more men than women. Never-users (19%) stand out among older individuals and lower educational levels. Results support the idea that different strategies must target ex-users and non-users to attract them (back) to the library as both their profiles and opinions on the public library are different.

Abstract

The user experience framework (UX) serves to analyze the characteristics, preferences and perceptions of non-users of the public library to inform the (re)design of services. Empirical data come from a representative survey of the Catalan population aged 15 and over. In general terms, libraries and librarians benefit from a positive image, although one third of non-users would have no motivation for visiting a public library (again). Most are ex-users (81%) who had visited a public library but not in the last year. Individuals seem to stop using the public library when they end their educational period, with disengagement affecting more men than women. Never-users (19%) stand out among older individuals and lower educational levels. Results support the idea that different strategies must target ex-users and non-users to attract them (back) to the library as both their profiles and opinions on the public library are different.

Abstract

Schools and school libraries play a vital role in the formation of the attitudes and behaviours of young people. Adolescence is an important period of acquisition of knowledge, socialisation, development of artistic sensitivity and enculturation, which an individual will use for the rest of his or her life. The competencies and attitudes of school and school library personnel may significantly affect the development of children and youth. It seems relevant, then, to examine their social attitudes and the level of their social capital. The paper presents the results of a survey conducted among school librarians in 20 countries around the world. The survey examined the level of their individual social capital, social attitudes and civic attitudes. According to its results, school librarians have an average level of individual social capital; however, their social capital, social activity and civic engagement are among the lowest compared with the personnel of the other types of libraries.