Staff-Less Libraries looks at staffless libraries, considers the challenges, pros and cons of this model, and identifies international experiences, and best practices. It presents a step by step approach to implementing a staffless library and/or services, and seeks to inspire professionals to share experiences and optimize their library. Staff-less public libraries, enabled by technological developments, represent a significant and innovative aspect of the development of public libraries. The concept radically enlarges the availability of user access to public libraries. Some Danish public library branches have, for example, increased their weekly opening hours from 20 hour to 80 hours per week. In Denmark the concept has been quite successful, increasing the number of staff-less libraries from 81 public library units in 2011 to 260 in 2014. Most staff-less libraries, however, are not without staff all the time. Sometimes, the local politicians and the users are more excited about the staff-less library idea than the professional staff because the concept has sometimes been (mis)used to facilitate budget cuts. It makes the issue somewhat controversial, especially, among some library professionals who feels that basic public library values are threatened.
From a longer view, however, the staff-less library concept contributes to the modernization of public libraries by further opening the library and through the creation of an increased involvement in the local community. It is worth mentioning, for example, that many library professionals have been surprised by the near absence of vandalism through the staff-less opening hours. Certainly, a considerable amount of local responsibility and social capital, here, is involved. According to the latest trend, the staff-less library model is gradually moving from thinly populated rural areas and suburban neighborhoods to urban contexts. This book explores the concept, and opens up the debate.
- Presents and considers the idea of staffless libraries using evidence-based data
- Considers the challenges, pros and cons of the staffless library
- Identifies international experiences, best practice, and draws out a step by step approach to implementation
Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par e-grāmatām