LibraryLit and Books In Print Database Searches

Previously, I asked a naive question and did searches in the ERIC and WorldCat databases. Using the same question, I searched for information in the LibraryLit and Books In Print databases. Let's review the question and rationale.

Topic of Interest: Nonuser studies

Naïve Question: What are some of the characteristics of nonuser groups identified by public libraries?

Why did I choose it?

Nonuser studies is the evaluation of why certain people are not using a library or a particular library service. Such studies can let the librarian know of any inadequacies that prevent use of library services. (Rubin, 2004, p. 65) Inadequacies may include library aesthetics, organization of material, attitude of staff, or lack of marketing.

The nonuser studies trend for public libraries concerns me because it has been over a year since I have used the library. Also, I have not used the library for my own personal needs in over ten years. The reason I used it a year ago was to find books to teach my daughter how to read. Once she learned how to read, I began obtaining books for the entire family from the bookstore. Reflecting on this, I buy books because I can afford to, and I like to keep the ones I really like in case I want to read them again. However, I have also wasted money at the bookstore trying out new authors and works that I ended up not liking. It occurred to me that I could have been using the library to try out the new works and then buy them if I wanted to keep them in the long run. Although it is an extra trip to the bookstore, it would be worth the money saved. However, the library usually does not have new releases or as many intriguing displays as the bookstore. It bothers me that I have always wanted to be a librarian but no longer use my local library. Can those who no longer use the library be grouped as having certain characteristics? Are there ways to encourage nonusers to use the library?

LibraryLit Search

Using the same facets as before, the LibraryLit database was searched to get thesaurus terms as noted in the table below.



This produces the Boolean search statement:

SS1 subject field search: (public libraries/non-users OR use studies OR surveys) AND (public libraries OR regional libraries OR rural libraries) AND (public relations of libraries OR library-community relations OR publicity OR marketing OR internet marketing OR surveys/marketing)

The result of this search is 70 records. In my opinion, LibraryLit makes it easy to match up initial terms with thesaurus terms and find relevant results. I only found 1 additional subject heading from results that seemed relevant, "use studies/branch libraries". This can be used to get more results.

SS2 subject field search: (public libraries/non-users OR use studies OR surveys) AND (public libraries OR regional libraries OR rural libraries OR branch libraries) AND (public relations of libraries OR library-community relations OR publicity OR marketing OR internet marketing OR surveys/marketing)

The result of this search yields the same 70 records. However, by taking out the marketing aspect, I can get more results based on nonuser groups in public libraries.

SS3 subject field search: (public libraries/non-users OR use studies OR surveys) AND (public libraries OR regional libraries OR rural libraries OR branch libraries)

RESULT: 1254 Records

Citation: Garland, R., & Willett, P. (2009). We want you back. Public Library Journal, 24(2), 19-21, 25. Retrieved February 21, 2010, from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.

Books In Print Search

To get thesaurus terms in Books In Print, use Browse By Index --> Subject (All).

SS1 subject field search: library surveys AND public libraries AND (marketing OR publicity)

RESULT: 0 Records

Books In Print uses general subject indexes that can be searched through. These indexes are more general in nature and by major topic area as compared to LibraryLit. LibraryLit has more specific thesaurus terms that can be broadened or made narrower. For example, in Books In Print, "public libraries" is a subject term whereas LibraryLit has "public libraries" as well as more specific types of public libraries listed such as "rural" and "regional libraries".

The search is too narrow in nature. Therefore, get rid of the marketing aspect and do a search on public library surveys only. Then, try getting results again on just marketing public libraries.

The search for public library surveys looks like:

SS2 subject field search: library surveys AND public libraries

RESULT: 5 Records

I found one possibly relevant record along with an additional subject term, "library information networks". Using this additional subject heading should yield more results.

SS3 subject field search: (library surveys OR library information networks) AND public libraries

RESULT: 15 records

Now try the marketing public libraries search.

SS4 subject field search: (marketing OR publicity) AND public libraries

RESULT: 1 Record – not relevant

It looks like there are books available dealing with nonuser groups in public libraries but not marketing for public libraries. My topic is probably found more in journals and governemnt publications due to how quickly people’s opinions change. Also, this seems like the type of information the governemnt would collect for library funding purposes. However, I did get a citation.

Citation: Gordon, R. S. (Ed). (2007, September). Information tomorrow: reflections on technology and the future of public and academic libraries. United States: Information Today, Incorporated.

References

Rubin, R. (2004). Foundations of library and information science. New York: Neal-Schuman.