TY - JOUR
AU - Wilson, Allan
AB - PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how recent immigrants and refugees to Canada (“newcomers”) use the facilities of a large, urban public library. As the library previously surveyed the general user population, the responses to the two surveys can be compared.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires were administered as patrons were leaving Surrey Libraries Branches to adult public library members who self-identified as newcomers who arrived in Canada within the previous ten years.FindingsThe pattern of library use by newcomers differed from that of the general population. They visited more frequently and stayed longer. Newcomers were heavier users of library services and used a wider range of services. They used the library branch as a public place. The library provided them with a place to study, read or meet other people.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was exploratory. The small sample size and the data collection process do not allow extrapolation to the underlying population.Practical implicationsRecent newcomers often have similar informational, psychological and social needs. Public libraries can play a role in assisting newcomers during their adjustment process.Originality/valueResearchers worked closely with library management to develop questions based on decision usefulness. An earlier in-house study allowed comparisons to be made between branch use by newcomers and general library users. Canadian studies into government policy, along with immigrant and refugee studies, provide context for the survey results.
TI - Settling in: how newcomers use a public library
JF - Library Management
DO - 10.1108/LM-01-2018-0001
DA - 2018-11-12
UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/emerald-publishing/settling-in-how-newcomers-use-a-public-library-89oBxuYM5k
SP - 583
EP - 596
VL - 39
IS - 8/9
DP - DeepDyve
ER -