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Research activities and UK public libraries: past imperfect, future tense?

Deborah Goodall

Library Management

ISSN: 0143-5124

Article publication date: 1 December 1998

405

Abstract

Investigates current research activities in public library services. Draws from interviews with 20 chief librarians. Findings reinforce earlier perceptions and data about research activities in the sector. Analysis explores factors such as research purpose, role of corporate strategy, limitations imposed by lack of suitably trained staff, support and funding. Presents evidence that research activity and method is largely confined to “simpler” issues of operational service development and does not extend to “harder” research questions addressing the social and economic impact of the service. Concludes that the restricted research capacity may endanger the realisation of the strategic potential of the service.

Keywords

Citation

Goodall, D. (1998), "Research activities and UK public libraries: past imperfect, future tense?", Library Management, Vol. 19 No. 8, pp. 459-468. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435129810239958

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited

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