UB | Facultat | BiD
Facultat de Biblioteconomia i Documentació
Universitat de Barcelona
Barcelona, desembre de 2010
http://bid.ub.edu
Comentaris: http://bidoc.ub.es/rebd/bid_enviar_comentari.php
Public libraries, cities and the long tail: the cases of the Sala Borsa Library in Bologna and the Idea Stores in London
Abstract
Objective. This paper analyses whether there is a link between the role of public libraries in contemporary society and the application of the long tail theory to the physical world. Specifically, it discusses how new large central public libraries should be conceived and how local libraries should be redefined within a city's library network.
Method. The long tail theory from the book by Chris Anderson (2006) was introduced and analysed, to understand its potential impact on the use of libraries and thus on library planning. The analysis was carried out using theoretical resources. To promote reflection, it was supported by aspects highlighted in case studies of the Sala Borsa Library in Bologna and the Idea Stores in London.
Results. To conclude, the long tail theory may mean that library offerings are not generally very appealing and are characterized by a range of options that is too limited. Therefore, central public libraries should be housed in large, functional buildings, have varied collections, long opening hours, an extensive range of services and edutainment activities, and a considerable capacity to play a role in social, leisure and purely cultural activities.
Local libraries cannot survive unless they are a certain minimum size or focus on specific subjects, cultures or languages related to an area of reference. They should complement the total library offerings in the region or be aimed at groups that do not have the opportunity or ability to travel large distances within the city (senior citizens, children, people with disabilities, etc.). In other words, public libraries must assess their role as intermediaries with other specialized library services in the region, and offer other opportunities within and outside the metropolitan area in the fields of education, information, culture and entertainment.
UB | Facultat | BiD
Facultat de Biblioteconomia i Documentació
Universitat de Barcelona
Barcelona, desembre de 2010
http://bid.ub.edu
Comentaris: http://bidoc.ub.es/rebd/bid_enviar_comentari.php