To Levy or Not? The Paradox of Revenue Generation and Sustainability of Free Public Library Services in Ghana

F. N. Baada, Daniel Azerikatoa Ayoung, S. Ataribanam, Francis Abagrey
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引用次数: 1

Abstract

Abstract As the gap between decreased budgetary allocation and the need to sustain free and improved quality public library services continues to increase, librarians are expected to think more innovatively about how to bridge this gap while ensuring the notion of free public library services is not compromised. This study aimed to investigate revenue mobilization and the sustainability of free public library services in Ghana. The study adopts a multiple case study approach, exploiting the advantages of the use of a combination of varied data collection techniques using 3 Regional Public libraries in Ghana to enhance representativeness. The data was collected from some major stakeholders, including Head Librarians, library staff and patrons of public libraries using questionnaires and qualitative interview sessions. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed in selecting respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and thematic analysis were deployed as analytical tools to examine the data. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers conclude that the challenge is in tracking down the elusive mix of fee-based services that deliver more than they take away. We therefore, admonish that those who still preach against fee-based services on moral grounds accept the reality that seeking alternative funding (beyond government’s subventions) to sustain public library services has become a Hobson’s choice to most public librarians. Recommendations are also proffered in mitigating the present challenges affecting service delivery in public libraries.
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征税还是不征税?加纳免费公共图书馆创收与可持续性的悖论
随着预算拨款的减少与维持免费和高质量公共图书馆服务的需求之间的差距不断扩大,图书馆员需要更创新地思考如何在确保免费公共图书馆服务理念不受损害的情况下弥合这一差距。本研究旨在调查加纳的收入调动和免费公共图书馆服务的可持续性。本研究采用多案例研究方法,利用加纳3个地区公共图书馆多种数据收集技术组合使用的优势,以增强代表性。数据是通过问卷调查和定性访谈从一些主要利益相关者那里收集的,包括图书馆馆长、图书馆工作人员和公共图书馆的顾客。在选择调查对象时采用了目的性和便利性抽样技术。采用了描述性统计、推断性统计和专题分析作为分析工具来审查数据。根据这项研究的发现,研究人员得出的结论是,挑战在于追踪那些难以捉摸的收费服务的组合,这些服务提供的服务比收取的服务多。因此,我们告诫那些仍然在道德上反对收费服务的人接受这样一个现实,即寻求替代资金(除了政府补贴)来维持公共图书馆的服务,对大多数公共图书馆员来说已经成为一个霍布森的选择。此外,我们亦提出建议,以减轻现时影响公共图书馆提供服务的挑战。
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来源期刊
International Information and Library Review
International Information and Library Review Social Sciences-Library and Information Sciences
CiteScore
2.40
自引率
0.00%
发文量
34
期刊介绍: For more than twenty years, the International Information and Library Review has been welcomed by information scientists, librarians and other scholars and practitioners all over the world for its timely articles on research and development in international and comparative librarianship, information sciences, information policy and information ethics, digital values and digital libraries. Contributions to the journal have come from staff or members of many different international organizations, including the United Nations, UNESCO, IFLA, and INTAMEL, and from library and information scientists in academia, government, industry, and other organizations.
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