TRANSFORMATION COMMUNITY THROUGH SOCIAL CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: A STUDY OF SELECTED PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN MALAYSIA
| Main Authors: | Nurfarawahidah Badruesham; <p>Department of Library & Information Science, Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, University of Malaya</p>, Kiran Kaur; Department of Library & Information Science, Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, University of Malaya |
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| Format: | Peer-reviewed Paper application/pdf Proceeding |
| Bahasa: | eng |
| Terbitan: |
Lokarkarya Nasional Dokumentasi dan Informasi
, 2018
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| Online Access: |
http://pdii.lipi.go.id/loknas/index.php/conference/loknas2017/paper/view/130 |
Daftar Isi:
- Purpose: This study explores how selected public libraries in Malaysia nurture the development of social capital among their patrons and towards the communities they serve. The study uses the notion of library as the 'third place' as the context within which the interactions among library users are examined.Theme - This study uses the concept of ‘social capital’ to explain geographical variations in public library as a third place, and the public library’s role in the development of social capital. Methodology/Approach - A qualitative approach using the concept of library as the 'third place' leads the context within which the interactions are examined. Data was gathered by observing interactions between the librarians and the patrons at a single library in Selangor, Malaysia. After the groups had been identified, interviews were held to gather data on how these relationships are developed, specifically to conceptualize the constructs of trust and norms. Findings – It was found that the public library was seen as a place for individual and cooperative space for the people. Users came to build relationships and also to find solace in the library. The library was seen to be a growing nucleus where the urban society leaves behind their technology gadgets and were simply looking for a space to fulfil basic inner needs. This concept will encourage library to be a gathering place, meeting with other people, seeking information through these interactions, exchanging information, working and collaborating in both the real and virtual worlds. The public library develops the concepts of social capital, namely bonding and bridging. The findings allow for an in-depth conceptualization of social capital in the context of a library and this can lead to better operationalization of the concept in public libraries for Malaysia. Research limitations/implications – This is a case study based on selected libraries in Malaysia; the generalizability of the findings is limited to the context within which the data was gathered. Practical implications - The findings are useful for decision making by government policies about the importance of user networks and can lead to better decisions in handling the library as a place and library activities. Social Implications – This study reveals how the public library as a place can contribute to the development of social values and a civil society in Malaysia. This study provides rich insight to expand the attributes of social capital in a multicultural context. Originality/Value - The findings contribute to a better understanding of how public libraries contribute to social capital development in Malaysia.