ABSTRACT Access to information supports sustainable development. This mixed-methods study examined the Tanzania National Library’s (TNL) role in ensuring access. Data from 72 users and staff interviews revealed low service awareness (37.5%). Academic materials dominated demand (55.6%), yet digital collections were inadequate. Physical visits were the main access mode (61.1%). Key barriers included limited digital infrastructure (44.4%), low awareness (30.6%), staffing shortages (15.3%), and socio-economic constraints (9.7%). Findings confirm that awareness, access methods, and barriers mediate the library’s mandate and user outcomes. Investment in outreach, collections, and infrastructure is recommended.

ABSTRACT Growing dementia-friendly library services contribute to community-based care. This paper presents a case study examining a social and storytelling program for people with dementia run by a Canadian public library. The study involves participant observations of the program and semi-structured interviews with people with dementia, caregivers, and program facilitators (librarians and Alzheimer Society coordinators). The thematic analysis of fieldnotes and transcripts reveals how this inclusive platform supports engagement, fosters relationships, helps caregivers, and reaches broader communities while demonstrating librarians’ diversified roles. This work positions public libraries as underrecognized actors in community-based dementia care, extending their role in social health infrastructure.

ABSTRACT The study focuses on identifying the factors influencing the intention to use Open Educational Resources (OER) at public libraries in Vietnam by employing an extended UTAUT2 model. A novel contribution of this research is the integration of two additional variables’ – Library Support’ and “Infrastructure” – to reflect local realities. Based on data from 886 users in Hanoi and PLS-SEM analysis, the findings confirm that OER usage has a direct impact on lifelong learning capacity. These results provide a vital scientific foundation for managers to optimize infrastructure and support services.

ABSTRACT Public libraries often become tourist attractions due to their architectural, historical or cultural features. However, whether attracting tourists to libraries affects the provision and use of library services and spaces remains an important question. This study examined the Beitou Branch of the Taipei Public Library as a case study. Focus group interviews and questionnaire surveys were conducted. The results indicated that the Beitou Branch generated both positive and negative environmental and social tourism impacts. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that resident users’ perceptions and attitudes toward tourism development were related to the perceived tourism impacts of the Beitou Branch.

ABSTRACT Focus groups with 16 U.S. public youth services librarians explored their perceptions of and experiences with providing social services to better understand how they see the professional scope of librarianship, and their visions for how best to respond to the social services needs of their communities. Analysis revealed that youth librarians actively respond to both youth and adult social services needs through both library services and collaborations with partners. But perceptions were mixed toward what extent librarians should be providing these services, with youth librarians ultimately calling for greater education and training in response to changing community needs.

ABSTRACT The study examined the Impact of children’s participation in public library programs on enhancing their Individual’s Skills and surveyed respondents from the Anna Centenary Library, Branch, Circle, and Full Time Branch Libraries in the Chennai region of India. A total of 680 questionnaires were sent to public library patrons, and 600 of them were completed, representing an 88.23% return rate. Of the listed libraries, the Anna Centenary Library is the most visited, with 230 respondents, accounting for 38.33% of the total samples. The sample comprises respondents from various school types, with the highest representation from State Board schools students.

ABSTRACT This study explores the relationship between parental attitudes toward early literacy and children’s literacy development, emphasizing the role of library use. Participants were highly educated, high-income parents. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using correlation and regression. Results indicate that parental engagement in book reading and storytelling strongly supports early literacy. Repeated reading of favorite books emerged as the most influential factor. Parental education level was positively linked to participation in home literacy activities. Although library use was less frequent, it still significantly predicted literacy outcomes, highlighting the combined importance of home and community-based literacy practices.

ABSTRACT Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. Juneteenth is a Black American observance with its own flag and symbols. This content analysis of 84 public library systems in North Carolina sought to determine if North Carolina public libraries are observing Juneteenth appropriately. The results showed that 52% of North Carolina public libraries published some form of Juneteenth imagery online in 2024. Also, 8% of North Carolina public libraries featured only the appropriate red, white, and blue color scheme in any Juneteenth imagery (versus Pan-African color schemes) and 14% of North Carolina public libraries featured the Juneteenth flag in any Juneteenth imagery in 2024.

ABSTRACT This study was intended to identify residents’ perceptions of current public libraries in Japan. An online questionnaire survey was conducted in Shinjuku City and Musashino City, Tokyo. Results indicate that reading-related services are the main purpose of library use even today, at a time when libraries are offering increasingly diverse services. They are recognized by residents as having important functions. New functions, such as meeting places, are currently few; however, some respondents have relevant experiences with them. This recognition may increase as more residents experience these functions in the future.

ABSTRACT This article discusses a multi-year initiative aimed at transforming youth development through a holistic approach, led by the Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA) at Nashville Public Library. Two consecutive projects, implemented in partnership with Vanderbilt University and over 25 local stakeholders focused on developing and implementing a youth skills framework applying a holistic approach. These initiatives adopted asset-based community development to establish shared goals for youth and continuously invest in ecosystems that support holistic and positive youth development. The goal was to help youth build skills needed to thrive in education, careers, and life. Supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the project emphasized not only individual skill development but also the importance of shared community practices that foster an environment where youth can grow. The initiative aimed to create a shared understanding and commitment to the idea that learning happens everywhere and at all times. This vision involves creating conditions across schools, after-school programs, homes, and communities – where supportive adults provide consistent opportunities for youth to learn and apply their skills throughout the day. Another key objective was to promote the idea that a balanced combination of cognitive (academic) and social and emotional skills will lead youth to a lasting success throughout life cycles. The skills framework created in the result was called “Nashville’s Vision for Holistic Youth Development,” further referred to as “the Vision.”