Public Libraries and Community Information Networks in New Zealand: an Assessment and Evaluation of Practices

Abstract

There is much potential for community information networks in New Zealand, and for the public library to become involved in developing and managing these networks. However, there is not much effective activity in this area that includes libraries. Some libraries encourage Internet access to information, but only a few libraries have taken the next step of facilitating access to networked community information by actively linking users with Community Information Networks (CINs) and by participating in electronic community information initiatives. It is likely that the level and amount of web and Internet use vary significantly across the public libraries in New Zealand, but it appears that the web and the Internet are increasingly used to supplement or even replace more traditional forms of library use and information access. Some libraries seem to be using the web for traditional functions such as library orientation and catalogues, and others seem to be exploring ways in which the web and the Internet can be used to provide new and different services. In this research the CIN is considered as an innovation as seen through a study of four public libraries in New Zealand. Data in this study are gathered though interviews with library staff involved in CIN development, maintenance and management, and through surveys of library clients who are users of the respective CINs. In order to get a better understanding of the adoption of the Internet and its use in community information networks, this research examines how New Zealanders are using public libraries as community information resources, what kind of information they are expecting, and which ways to access information they would prefer. What we see from looking at selected NZ public library websites is that libraries present a spectrum of involvement with community information services. In general three areas - community information services, library involvement in these community services, and the users of these community services - are the basis of the problem that has motivated this research, which looks for answers to three research questions: • What are the major attributes of innovations from Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation model that have affected CIN adoption in New Zealand public libraries? • What are main steps of the implementation of CINs that make these networks feasible in New Zealand public libraries? • What is the assessment of CINs by users in New Zealand, public libraries? By answering these questions the research seeks to extend our understanding of how CINs are being used by public libraries, and to assess key factors in the adoption of the Internet for CINs in New Zealand. It also models the development of CINs in NZ public libraries through Internet connectivity and assesses the conditions which make these networks feasible. Keywords Community information services - Public library - New Zealand / Community information network - Public library - New Zealand / Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation/ Community information network - user assessment