Developing an integrated public library service in Dongguan, one of China's fastest growing cities

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to explore the construction pattern and issues involved in the development of an urban library service system in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through an analytical evaluation of the development of an integrated public service system and its distribution of information among libraries and information centers in an urban community.

Findings

Constructing an integrated public service system is an important trend in urban libraries in the new millennium. Drawing from the Dongguan library's integrated public service system that aims to master better various resources from whole service area, this text summarizes technology innovation and the significant results of the Dongguan library system redevelopment, providing an absorbing insight into developments in the Chinese public library service.

Originality/value

While the ultimate goal of integration is to provide better services to meet the information‐seeking needs of urban residents, it is necessary to meet these needs through a technological breakthrough in the administration of clustered libraries, to instill a central branch system, and to work out the advantages of group service.

Citation

Quan Liu, Y. and Li, D. (2007), "Developing an integrated public library service in Dongguan, one of China's fastest growing cities", New Library World, Vol. 108 No. 5/6, pp. 278-285. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800710748821