Library services in Gozo : performance, problems, and suggested improvements

Abstract

Through different questionnaires, personal interviews and by phone, an attempt is made to scrutinise the performance and problems of libraries in Gozo from the point of view of the users themselves. The survey and fieldwork encompass all libraries in Gozo from the Gozo Lending Library, the school libraries and the Branch libraries which make up the 'state' sector, to the 'private' libraries, some well-organised and active, others quite dormant, which are mainly parish libraries. It is difficult to access how many people make use of libraries in Gozo. Probably not more than 10% of Gozo's population patronise the main public library, while an estimated 19% make use of the Branch Libraries. There is no clearly defined policy for library provision in the state sector and most of these libraries in Gozo are controlled entirely from Central Public Library in Floriana. In the private sector, the best collections have been built up as a result of the generosity of a handful of individual donors. All libraries, both public and private ones, suffer from a lack of adequate funding; indeed some outlets really exclusively on donations. The people who run them very often lack training and guidance in how to organise an effective library service. A case is made for more involvement of the Gozo Public Library to coordinate and improve library activities in Gozo. The Gozo Public Library should be responsible for Branch libraries in Gozo and a Library Coordinating Office should be set up to off er technical advice, promote coordination and improve the administration of all libraries in Gozo.