INFORMATION SHARING BETWEEN DIFFERENT GROUPS -- A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF INFORMATION SERVICE TO BUSINESS IN JAPANESE PUBLIC LIBRARIES -- S. Tamura, Keio University M. Miwa, National Institute of Multimedia Education Y. Saito, Meiji University M. Koshizuka, Gakushuin Women’s College Y. Kasai, Tamagawa University M. Matsubayashi, University of Tsukuba N. Ikeya, Palo Alto Research Center

OVERALL GOALS OF THE PROJECT To develop a conceptual framework for understanding effects of a library service and then To examine them in business information service

OBJECTIVES OF THIS PAPER 1. To develop a framework for studying the effects of the business information service, based upon the literature review and the survey of the current practices of the service 2. To examine the general notion of librarians about users, uses and values (effects) of the service

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND (1) Taylor’s Value-Added Approach Source: Taylor, R. S. (1986). Value-Added Processes in Information Systems. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND (2) Normann & Ramirez’s Theory of Value Constellation Value Chain → Value Constellation (From one way transmission to joint production and networked communication of values) Source: Normann, R. & Ramirez, R. (1994). Designing Interactive Strategy: from Value Chain to Value Constellation. Chichester, UK: John Wiley. Huotari, M.-L. & Chatman, E. (2001). Using everyday life information seeking to explain organizational behavior. Library and Information Science Research, 23(4), 351-366.

FRAMEWORK OF THE PROJECT library user community user-librarian interaction a b c Figure. Image of the Interactions and Information Sharing in the Service a: Information Sharing among Librarians b: Information Sharing between User and Librarian c: Information Sharing in the User’s Community

FRAMEWORK OF THE PROJECT Needs, Uses and Values in Each Interaction a: Among Librarians Images of users, uses and values Values = Enhancements

FRAMEWORK OF THE PROJECT Needs, Uses and Values in Each Interaction b: Between User and Librarian Problems and needs of the user; Relevance of information offered Values = Negotiations

FRAMEWORK OF THE PROJECT Needs, Uses and Values in Each Interaction c: In the User’s Community Information and values Images of the library and libraries Values = Uses

FRAMEWORK OF THE PROJECT Main Problem of The Project: To find consistencies and inconsistencies among these three conceptions of value

RESEARCH QUESTIONS (1st Stage) 1) What kind of services is currently provided in business information service in Japanese public libraries? 2) What kind of users and uses do librarians expect, and have in reality? 3) What kind of values do librarians think users get from the service?

Table. Number of Libraries Visited METHODOLOGY A series of field trips (Jul. 2005 ～ Jan. 2006) Hok- kaido To- hoku Kanto Chubu Kan- sai Chu- goku Kyu- shu Total Prefec-ture 0/1 2/2 1/2 3/3 10/14 City, Town 1/1 0/0 6/9 2/3 12/17 8/11 3/5 5/5 22/31 Table. Number of Libraries Visited Legend 1. Column: Region ; Row: Type of library 2. Number of libraries visited / Total number of libraries offering the service

METHODOLOGY A focused group interview Objective: To get the general understanding of librarians in charge of business reference service. Date: 6 Feb. 2006 Participants: 6 librarians and a moderator

INTERIM FINDINGS Typology of the Services Provided a. Minimal Service Group A couple of shelves or a corner with shelves for business material b. Reference Service Group a + reference service c. Maximal Service Group a/b + consultation service

INTERIM FINDINGS Factors Affecting the Level and Content of the Service ・ Levels of General Reference Service ・ Relationships with Other Agencies ・ Characteristics of Local Community

INTERIM FINDINGS Varieties of Service Under the same name, different services are provided for different people

INTERIM FINDINGS Diverse Images of Users by Librarians Men with Business Suits (Type b in a com- mercial area) Wives Looking for Part-time Jobs (Type b in an area with low-income families) People Planning to Start Business (Type c) People Who Want to Do Something with Their Extra Time (Type c)

INTERIM FINDINGS Value Specially Provided by Libraries As Perceived by Librarians ・ Organised rich collection (Group a and b) ・ Openness and comfort of use (Especially Group c)

CONCLUSION Framework: Complex Process of Value Creation in Business Reference Service Modification of Framework Needed Importance of Stakeholders Images of Users Vary in Accordance with Values Created in This Process

COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS STUDIES Kanagawa Prefectural Library. Jidai o tsukuru toshokan [Libraries make the epoch]. 2003.3 [Japanese] Shizuoka City Miyuki-cho Library. [Survey on business information service]. 2005.3 [Japanese]

COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS STUDIES Those who get consultation service and those who get reference and other library service may be different in their needs and expectations to libraries. Need to be examined