Jennifer Cram: Public Libraries

Cram, J (2003)

____(2001)

Progressive librarianship in a post-modern world: a prospective view from Australia. (new window) Innovations, 22 (June), 35-41.

ABSTRACT: To achieve in the 21st century the social outcomes envisioned by progressive librarians in the 20th century, some fundamental changes in approach are required. The inter-relationship between stakeholder perspectives and accountability is examined and the Australian context is used to highlight issues as seen from the viewpoint of a society coming to terms with the perceived insolubility of social problems. Systemic changes needed in libraries to ensure that they have the capability to be internationally competitive and therefore socially responsible are explored and methodologies designed to force some cognitive rigour and provide cognitive frameworks for strategic design and delivery of library services in a global environment are suggested.

____ (1999)

"Six impossible things before breakfast": a multidimensional approach to measuring the value of libraries (new window) Invited opening keynote address delivered to the 3rd Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement in Libraries and Information Services, Morpeth, Northumberland, England, 27-31 August 1999.
Published in:
Proceedings of the 3rd Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement in Libraries and Information Services: Newcastle upon Tyne, Information North, 2000, 19-29

ABSTRACT: A realistic performance measurement regime requires acceptance and management of ambiguity and contradiction and an understanding of the complexity of defining value in the context of libraries. Methodology for measuring value in a corporate library service is described, and models, taxonomies, service business research findings, and behavioural and psychological insights useful to inform performance measurement practice in relation to value are discussed. A conceptual framework for value measurement is proposed. Factors that contribute to ambiguity and contradiction are identified, with emphasis on the role of customer satisfaction assessment and conventional notions of accountability.

____ (1998)

Fishing with grenades or greening the mind: value, values and municipal libraries for the new millennium. (new window) Invited Keynote Address delivered at the Country Public Libraries Association of New South Wales Conference, Ballina. NSW.
Published in:
Public Libraries Excellent Value in Anyone's Books. Conference Proceedings. Goonellabah: Country Public Libraries Association of New South Wales, 1999. 1-15.
Asian Libraries 8(12), 466-479.

ABSTRACT: Looking at the value of public libraries in society, this paper discusses actual potential and unrealised value in the Australian context. Value is analysed in relation to an increasingly competitive environment, and with particular reference to library collections and their enduring place in the services provided by libraries. In addition, measuring library performance is stressed as a significant factor in determining the value of libraries.

____ (1998)

Value, values and public libraries for the new millennium. Counterpoise 2(3), 16-18.

____ (1997)

Not an inexhaustible resource: valuation and depreciation of library collections. Australian Library Journal 46(4), 376-385.

ABSTRACT: Anecdotal evidence suggests that valuation of library collections is not an issue being addressed by library managers, despite the growing popularity of accrual accounting in publicly funded institutions. The implications of asset valuation are discussed. The dangers of assuming that libraries should be exempt are outlined. The experience of developing and implementing a methodology for the numerous collections of the Queensland Department of Education is described.

____ (1996)

Acceptance speech, Queensland Special Librarian of the Year Award. Australian Special Libraries 29(2), 62-68

____ (1996)

Guardian of public morals or wake-up call for public libraries?
(new window) inCite, 17(8) August 1996, 12-13

____ (1996)

Engaged in triumphant retreat: the "social" impact of the internet on public libraries. LASIE: Library Automated Systems Information Exchange, 27(1),4-15 PDF of paper as printed in LASIE

____ (1996)

Hitting the High Cs: the role of Culture, Currency, Courage and Curiosity in developing charging policies in public libraries. (PDF version of paper) Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services. 9(3/4), 133-146

ABSTRACT: Explores the motivations behind attempts to institute user pays initiatives in public libraries, identifies fallacies regarding user pays (including the fact that it is a misnomer), provides an insight into the cause of problems public librarians experience in developing charging problems and advocating for the disadvantaged, and provides tools to assess the situation in individual libraries.

____ (1995)

Forging links, making connections, identifying assumptions - are cooperation, resource sharing and networking beneficial to libraries? Australasian Public Libraries And Information Services. 8(2), 64- 77.

ABSTRACT: Examines the gap between theory and practice in issues of resource sharing, networking and cooperation between libraries and between libraries and other agencies and libraries and users. It is suggested that reflection and knowledge of human behaviour should inform decisions concerning resource sharing, networking and cooperation. The assumptions underlying current practice are identified and examined and alternative approaches suggested.

____ (1995)

The challenge of tolerance for Australian libraries. inCite, May 1995, 10

____ (1994)

A different view of reality: information and isolation. (new window) Paper delivered at the Better Regional Australia Conference, Whyalla
Published in
First National Conference On Building A Better Future For Regional Australia, Whyalla South Australia 20-22 April 1994. Proceedings. Whyalla, University Of South Australia

ABSTRACT: Paper redefines isolation and access in relation to libraries, library materials and information, looks at a range of assumptions underlying traditional solutions and proposes a systems approach to meeting the information needs of regional Australia.

____ (1994)

Overcoming isolation: an information oriented approach for Local Government, Municipal Manager (Queensland), December 1994, 12-15

____ (1994)

We fight for bread and roses (new window) Invited keynote address to The Western Australian Local Government Librarians Association Conference, Perth, 1993
Published in
Western Australian Local Government Librarians Association. Libraries And Local Government: Proceedings Of The 3rd Biennial State Conference Perth 5 November 1993. Adelaide: Auslib Press
Reprinted in KZN Librarian 1(1), 1997, 3-8

____ (1993)

Between communications and citizenship - the critical role of the public library in information literacy
Paper given at the Information Literacy: The Australian Agenda Conference, Adelaide, 1993.
Published in
Information Literacy: The Australian Agenda, Proceedings of A Conference Conducted By The University Of South Australia Library. Adelaide, University Of South Australia Library, 1993

____ (1993)

Empowering pink collar professionals: staff motivation and participation as a means of improving access to library services. Address to the Kenmore Evening View Club, Brisbane.

____ (1993)

Invisible barriers: how public is your library? Address to a meeting of The Lyceum Club, Brisbane, Qld.

____ (1993)

Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition: been there, done that, what next? Address to a meeting of The Australian Library and Information Association Northern Territory Branch, Darwin, Northern Territory.

____ (1992).

Information literacy: what's happening? Public libraries. Paper delivered as part of a panel session at The National Conference, Information Literacy: The Australian Agenda, Adelaide

____ (1992).

Rejected, ejected, dejected, used, accused, abused: public libraries in the 90's. Paper delivered at The Australian Library And Information Association Mid-North Coast Regional Group Meeting, Port Macquarie, NSW.
Published in
Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services, 6(1), 1993. 3-12

ABSTRACT: As the makers of public libraries, public librarians owe it to themselves and their users to focus on the happiness. This means, in essence, that they must ensure that their libraries are fair, free, and fun, and that they are rigorous in challenging their own assumptions and perceptions. The most important task of the library profession is a metacognitive one, to think about how we are thinking.

____ (1992)

The feminisation of the public library: reality or illusion? (new window) Paper delivered at The Australian Library And Information Association 2nd Biennial Conference, Albury Published in
Libraries: The Heart Of The Matter, Proceedings Of The Australian Library And Information Association 2nd Biennial Conference. Canberra, The Australian Library And Information Association. 1992. 64-68

ABSTRACT: Public libraries claim to display total neutrality in performing their function as a collective social memory, whereas they are deeply gendered. This paper examines the role of this gender bias in determining actual, rather than perceived, usage patterns, and the dangers inherent in feminising collections and services to meet "demand", and the effects this has had on the services public libraries provided. The need for the public library to be legitimate, to serve the interests, aspirations and real needs of those who use it, and to be relevant, is canvassed. While the public library is biased towards of a female clientele, the view of feminine interests promulgated by public library collections is one that may not be in the best interest of that clientele.

____ (1992).

Well, at least the library is open, in Access And Equity: Challenges In Public Librarianship, Ed. A. Hazell. Adelaide, Auslib Press, 41-47

____ (1990)

New orthodoxies or alarmist despair? a public library perspective on the user pays issue. Paper delivered at The Australian Library And Information Association 1st Biennial Conference, Perth
Published in
Australian Library And Information Association 1st Biennial Conference Proceedings. Canberra, Australian Library And Information Association, 1990

____ (1990)

Paternalism, private sectorism or parachuting puss cats: a public librarian's reaction to some strange approaches to funding strategies. (new window) Paper delivered at The Australian Library and Information Association Public Libraries Section (Victorian Branch) Seminar "Charging Off In All Directions: Public Libraries And The User Pays Debate," Melbourne
Published in
Australian Library Journal 40(3) 199-208, 1991
Reprinted in
Twice Paid: User Pays and Public Libraries, Ed. D. Booker. Adelaide, Auslib Press, 86-9, 1993

ABSTRACT: Paper is a public librarian's reaction to what are seen as problem-causing approaches to funding strategies. User pays is seen as a short-term solution with long-term dangers. The attempt to differentiate 'basic' between so-called 'basic' and 'value-added' services is seen as a way of avoiding addressing the issue of access to information. The profession's acceptance of paternalistic funding and a professional paternalistic attitude to public libraries are addressed, as are the difficulties caused by espousal of the priorities of the market place. Concludes with a call for professional commitment to the maintenance of free public library services

____ (1990)

The right twigs for an eagle's nest - the social and political benefits of a good public library. Paper delivered to the Local Government Women’s Association Conference, Maryborough, Queensland.
Published in
Quill, 90/5, 5-10
Reprinted in
Municipal Manager (Queensland), 1(1), 1991, 17-19.
Australian Library Journal, 41(1), 1992, 31-39.
Artes Natales, 11(6), 1993, 5-10.

____ (1989)

Bridging the gap between writer and reader: the role of the public library. Paper presented at The Australian Society Of Authors Conference, Brisbane, Qld.

____ (1989)

Guest editorial: Free library service to all, Australasian Public Libraries And Information Services, 2(3), 95-97

____ (1989)

The nation's future and quality communication: the Information for the Nation campaign. Paper delivered at the Australian Communication Association Conference, Brisbane

____ (1988)

Potential Unexploited: Public libraries and adult literacy. (new window) Paper delivered at the 12th National Conference of The Australian Council for Adult Literacy Brisbane
Published in
Literacy For Living: Conference Papers Of The 12th National Conference. Brisbane, Australian Council For Adult Literacy
Reprinted in
Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services, 2(1), 1989, 23-27

ABSTRACT: The potential of public libraries to make greater use of existing resources to support adult literacy is outlined. Attitudes which may hinder development of that potential are examined.

____ (1987)