Support issues and challenges of providing internet access in the public library : case study of Bukit Merah Branch Library, Singapore

• Main Author: Lim, Puay Ling.
• Other Authors: School of Applied Science
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Library and information science::Libraries::Public libraries
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/42720
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This paper explores and documents issues and challenges faced by the public libraries in Singapore when providing the Internet service to the public. The literature available was studied concerning the situation in overseas libraries providing Internet access and some innovative services and ideas were identified. Consideration was given to how some of these ideas could be adopted for the Singapore libraries. Some new services that NLB could consider included community networks and user groups. The problems and challenges faced in providing the Internet service in Bukit Merah Community Library were examined by surveying its users. The surveys were also used to determine the profiles of the users, usage goals and patterns, library support and how the service can be improved. Another questionnaire survey based on the similar set of questions was conducted two years later to determine if there were any major changes. Staff were also interviewed on their areas of concern in providing the service and how the National Library Board can improve on the service.