Dissertation Information for Robert C. Hilton NAME: - Robert C. Hilton
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- Simmons College (USA) (1979)
ADVISORS: - A. J. Anderson
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - None
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: Attitudes of public library directors in the Concord/Lexington area towards non-resident use
Abstract: A recently revised standard for the receipt of the direct state aid grant of 37.5 [cent] per capita for public libraries in Massachusetts requires participation in the state-wide free reciprocal borrowing program. Statistics gathered by the state on the new program identified "Core Areas" in which communities have substantial cross-currents of use; one of these is the Concord/Lexington Core Area, so named because of relatively heavy borrowing among its 21 cities and towns, and especially high non-resident use at Concord and Lexington. The purpose of this study was to survey the attitudes of the public library directors in the Concord/Lexington Core Area towards the evolving program. In order to do this a documented history on the development of reciprocal borrowing in the state was made. A questionnaire was developed, tested, and sent to each of the directors. This was followed by an interview with each of them. The results of these survey instruments were reported and analyzed. After study of them, conclusions were made by the researcher regarding collective opinion, and regarding courses for future change. It was generally found that the program is a most worthwhile one, except from the point of view of funding. It was felt, however, that if the funding question is not adequately addressed, library development in the Commonwealth will suffer. This is so since stronger libraries will be either weakened, or will withdraw support for the program. Continued statistical work was found necessary as a basis for funding. There was almost unanimous support that participation in the program become a requirement (with the necessary funding) for regional services as a part of the regional plan of service for the state's Regional Library Systems, rather than a requirement for the flat direct grant. It was also concluded that directors felt the program needed more structure, and that they would welcome an interchange of information on problems via a policy making role for themselves and staffs on matters relating to, for example, delinquent borrowers. It also is recommended that further research be done in other Core Areas of the state, as well as on ways to encourage decentralization of library use, since it appears from statistical studies and from comments of the directors themselves, that on the one side of the spectrum there are libraries which are overutilized, while on the other there are others which are underutilized in terms of current resources of staff and collection. Support for both kinds of libraries will require new leadership and new funding.
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MPACT Scores for Robert C. Hilton A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
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TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:11:32
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