Can Librarians Build Community Involvement Networks? Results of a Survey of Library Staff Attitudes Cover Image

Czy bibliotekarze mogą budować sieci społecznego zaangażowania? Wyniki badania postaw personelu bibliotecznego
Can Librarians Build Community Involvement Networks? Results of a Survey of Library Staff Attitudes

Author(s): Maja Wojciechowska
Subject(s): Library operations and management, Other, Management and complex organizations, Sociology of Culture, Identity of Collectives
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie
Keywords: social capital; library staff; social networks; social activity; social involvement; libraries;

Summary/Abstract: Research on social capital carried out in recent years shows that its development and strengthening of social networks can also be influenced by various types of cultural and scientific institutions working for the benefit of local communities. Although libraries were originally established for a very different purpose, it is noteworthy that they are among the few institutions that enjoy a high level of trust from the public. As such, they can contribute to building local social networks and social capital. In order for these processes to take place, it is necessary to have both the premises and equipment available in the local centres, as well as appropriate personnel with specific attitudes, knowledge, experience, and preparation for these types of activities. To illustrate conditions in library institutions, this paper presents the results of a survey of library staff attitudes, conducted among library staff from twenty countries around the world. The research confirmed the presence of pro-social attitudes in this group.

  • Issue Year: 2021
  • Issue No: 19
  • Page Range: 728-750
  • Page Count: 23
  • Language: Polish