ABSTRACT

Public libraries’ institutional identities inform library strategic planning, including marketing and branding, collection and service development, evaluation, and talent management. While each public library develops a unique identity and brand, this identity is informed by the collective institutional identity of public libraries. This study examined the mission statements of public libraries in Canada and the United States in order to identity the salient aspects of public library identity of modern public libraries. The following identity components were identified: (1) community building, (2) culture and recreation, (3) equitable access, (4) information, (5) positive impact, and (6) stewardship. These identity components are examined in relation to literature on library and librarian professional identity and history. They categories are sufficiently broad to serve as an umbrella for a wide range of public library collections, programs and services. Understanding the collective identity of public libraries allows each public library to situate their unique collections and activities within the greater library community.

摘要

公共图书馆的机构身份为图书馆战略规划提供信息，包括营销和品牌推广、馆藏和服务开发、评估和人才管理。虽然每个公共图书馆都发展出独特的身份和品牌，但这种身份是由公共图书馆的集体机构身份所决定的。本研究考察了加拿大和美国公共图书馆的使命宣言，以确定现代公共图书馆公共图书馆身份的突出方面。确定了以下身份组成部分：(1) 社区建设，(2) 文化和娱乐，(3) 公平获取，(4) 信息，(5) 积极影响，以及 (6) 管理。这些身份组成部分与图书馆和图书馆员专业身份和历史相关的文献进行检查。它们的类别足够广泛，可以作为广泛的公共图书馆馆藏、项目和服务的保护伞。了解公共图书馆的集体身份可以让每个公共图书馆在更大的图书馆社区中定位其独特的馆藏和活动。