The Impact of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Information Behavior of Public Library Staff on E-Book Circulation in Digital Lending Services. The Case of GaliciaLe

Title
Publication TypeJournal Article
Año de publicación2024
AuthorsSánchez-Muñoz, E
JournalPublic Library Quarterly
Fecha de publicación12/2024
ISSN0161-6846
KeywordsBibliotecas Públicas, e-books, Lectura, Préstamo digital, Profesionales de la información
Resumen

E-books constitute a small percentage of the total loans at public libraries. To determine the factors affecting this poor adoption, we analyzed GaliciaLe, the digital platform of public libraries in Galicia (Spain). Results from a staff survey, as well as circulation and population statistics, show that the sociodemographic characteristics of the municipality served by the library, along with staff habits, expertise, and self-perception of digital reading and e-lending, influence e-book loans. Together with staff opinions, these are reliable indicators for determining circulation among library members. Our research highlights the need for more worker training and investment from the public administration.

DOI10.1080/01616846.2024.2440689