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Stories Not Statistics: A Qualitative Narrative Exploration of the Value of Public Libraries in the United Kingdom
- Author(s):
- David Bawden, Sam Dodd (see profile)
- Date:
- 2023
- Group(s):
- CityLIS
- Subject(s):
- Library science, Information science, Narrative inquiry (Research method), Public libraries
- Item Type:
- Article
- Tag(s):
- Autoethnography
- Permanent URL:
- https://doi.org/10.17613/tke1-d422
- Abstract:
- This study investigates the value of the public library service, and library buildings in particular, in qualitative terms, with a focus on how the public library can address issues of loneliness and belonging. A qualitative narrative approach is taken, to develop 'library stories' and provide a deeper understanding which complements quantitative studies and library statistics. A three-stage research approach is taken: an initial literature analysis to identify issues and themes, leads to a directed content analysis of some of this material to generate micro-narratives, which are complemented by an evocative autoethnography. Interrelated connections emerge concerning where our bodies belong, and vulnerable and marginalised users; and new types of knowledges are identified. This is a novel combination of methods for library/information research, with the potential to highlight in new ways the value of library services and buildings. The study deals with UK public libraries between 2000 and 2021.
- Notes:
- Accepted for publication in an upcoming edition of The Library Quarterly.
- Metadata:
- xml
- Published as:
- Journal article
- Status:
- Published
- Last Updated:
- 2 months ago
- License:
- Attribution-ShareAlike
- Share this:
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