Exploring Public Library Practices for Promoting Family Engagement from the Perspective of Librarians

Abstract

This study aims to explore the promotion of family engagement practices in public libraries from librarians’ perspectives. This is a qualitative study, involving 18 librarians working in township libraries in Taiwan. Data were gathered through interviews, organized and analyzed employing a thematic analysis approach. Research findings show that public librarians’ perception of family engagement predominantly focuses on family members’ company and parent-child shared reading. Libraries promote family engagement primarily through close attention to reading needs of minority groups, and active in-depth community-based resident services. In addition, libraries provide diverse reading activities based on the needs and interests of various families. At the same time, libraries take a proactive approach in partnership working to expand the impact of family engagement. Nevertheless, libraries have encountered obstruction in the process. Based on the findings, this study puts forward suggestions for research and practice regarding promotion of family engagement in public libraries. (Article content in Chinese with English extended abstract)

Keywords

• public libraries
• family engagement
• early literacy
• parent-child shared reading
• qualitative research