Globalisation, culture and social capital: library professionals on the move

Civic activity of librarians versus social engagement and individual social capital

It is currently acknowledged that, apart from theoretical knowledge and professional competencies, the right attitude and engagement of librarians are important in order for libraries, in their role of local community keystones, to engage in various services beyond the traditional provision of information, such as social animation and engagement or civic education. The paper presents the results of research on the civic activity (civic attitude) of librarians versus their social engagement (social attitude) and level of individual social capital. Surveys conducted in 20 countries of the world confirm that civic activity is linked to the social activity of librarians and a high level of their individual social capital. This means that libraries may actively participate in promoting the civil society and engage in the social integration of local communities.

Social capital in the theory and research of LIS professionals in the light of the literature on the subject. Review of current knowledge

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present the latest scholarly trends in the field of social capital in libraries, to review research concepts published by LIS professionals and to suggest further research possibilities in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a review and critical analysis of literature associated with research on social capital in libraries to highlight its importance for the development of LIS and its impact on the functioning of environments linked with various types of libraries. The goal of literature analysis was to determine the current condition of research on social capital in libraries. The main trends were identified and the need for further qualitative analyses, which are missing at the moment, was confirmed.

Findings

It was determined that, so far, LIS professionals have focussed mainly on the role of municipal libraries in developing social capital, the problem of building trust, especially in immigrant circles and the impact of libraries on promoting a civil society. Academic libraries, rural libraries, organisational capital in libraries and individual social capital of librarians were a much less frequent subject of research. The role of libraries in developing social capital in educational (primary and secondary education) and professional (non-university professionals) circles is practically non-existent in research, and it will require in-depth studies and analyses in the coming years.

Originality/value

This paper constitutes a synthetic review of the latest research concepts concerning social capital in libraries. It identifies the most important research trends and areas that so far have not been explored and suggests research methods to help LIS professionals design future research in this area more effectively.

The level of individual social capital and social activity among librarians and managerial personnel

Purpose

The purpose of this paper i to determine which group – the managerial personnel or the directors of libraries – had a more extensive social network and were more eager to engage in cooperation, in other words – had the qualities believed to be important in managerial positions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the results of research on the levels of individual social capital, as well as the social activity among librarians in 20 countries across the world, which are important for integration with the local community and development of library services.

Findings

The research confirmed that library directors are more active than managerial personnel or line workers, although there were areas in which line workers and managers scored higher than directors. In some areas of civic activity, line workers and managers, rather than directors, led the way.

Research limitations/implications

This is the first research into the social capital and social activity of the managerial personnel of libraries conducted on such a large scale – in 20 countries across the world. The electronic survey resulted in the total of 6,593 valid responses, which were analysed statistically. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics were calculated, and the chi-square test of independence and the Mann–Whitney U test were applied. The level of individual social capital was calculated on the basis of a resource generator – Questionnaire for the Measurement of Individual Social Capital (KPIKS).

Originality/value

This is the first research into the social capital and social activity of the managerial personnel of libraries conducted on such a large scale – in 20 countries across the world. The electronic survey resulted in the total of 6,593 valid responses, which were analysed statistically. The one-way ANOVA statistics were calculated, and the chi-square test of independence and the Mann–Whitney U test were applied. The level of individual social capital was calculated on the basis of a resource generator – Questionnaire for the Measurement of Individual Social Capital (KPIKS).

Individual Social Capital of Librarians: Results of Research Conducted in 20 Countries

Social capital is a concept that has attracted increased interest among researchers in social science. It was originally introduced to sociological literature in the 1970s by Pierre Bourdieu. The term “social capital” is used to signify a set of specific behaviours and social interactions that many researchers associate with a positive impact on various aspects of human life. These include: democracy, economic development, effective governance, development of communities, education and culture, individual and public health and wellbeing, or even crime prevention. It is often claimed now that libraries as institutions intended to satisfy the intellectual needs of a society and stimulate social development may participate in the development of this capital. The paper presents the results of research on individual social capital of librarians in 20 countries across the world.

Managing knowledge capital in public libraries for a knowledge-driven socioeconomic environment

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify issues related to the management of intellectual capital in libraries. Intellectual capital and public libraries are closely related in our experiences and in our minds. In this viewpoint, the libraries and the information professionals, consciously or unconsciously, have been deeply involved in the management of library's knowledge capital resources. Understanding and managing the public libraries' knowledge capital is essential since conventional capital alone is no longer a sufficient condition for success.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides a review of the fundamentals of intellectual capital and knowledge assets management for public libraries.

Findings

– A number of intricate management issues are discussed including social value creation and intellectual capital, library goodwill, cooperation and competition (co-opetition) dynamics within library networks and the physical location effect on library knowledge capital.

Originality/value

– The awareness of intellectual capital management in libraries is augmented and management guidance is provided.