Community development and rural public libraries in Malaysia and Australia by Roziya Abu

424 Pages·2014·4.66 MB·English

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES
IN MALAYSIA AND AUSTRALIA

Roziya Abu

Victoria University, Melbourne Australia
2014
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES
IN MALAYSIA AND AUSTRALIA

Submitted by

Roziya Abu

School of Social Sciences and Psychology
Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development
Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILISOPHY

November 2014

Victoria University, Melbourne Australia

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ABSTRACT

In Malaysia, the government has invested in public libraries with the intention of promoting
development, particularly in rural areas. Despite the increasing number of rural public
libraries being built throughout Malaysia, providing users with many services, activities and
programs, previous research indicates that they are underutilised. The research reported in
this thesis aimed to explore relationships between rural public libraries and their communities
in both Malaysia and Australia, with particular attention to empowerment and community
development processes.

This study adopted a multiple case study methodology with a purposive sample of six rural
public libraries, three in Malaysia and three in Australia. Qualitative methods were used,
including personal interviews, observations of group meetings, group discussions, and
document review.

The research found that in the Malaysian rural public library services included in this study,
activities and programs are standardised and limited mostly to children, taking little account
of local community information needs. Participants indicated that the materials and resources
are frequently out-dated, and they perceived the library services as being mainly for children.
The Australian rural public libraries included in this study facilitate greater community
participation and involvement and are more responsive to the needs of local communities,
providing support and assistance for lifelong learning and access to information literacy.

It is suggested that development activities will have greater impact if local communities are
involved and have a sense of ownership of the activities. The thesis proposes a framework for
the development of more responsive rural public library services in developing countries such
as Malaysia. Particular strategies are suggested, including locally-focussed collection
development, consultation regarding local information needs, the development of local
partnerships, and the development of Rural Public Library Networks.

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Student Declaration

Doctor of Philosophy Declaration
I, Roziya Abu, declare that the PhD thesis entitled Community Development and Rural Public
Libraries in Malaysia and Australia is no more than 100,000 words in length including
quotes and exclusive of tables, figures, appendices, bibliography, references and footnotes.
This thesis contains no material that has been submitted previously, in whole or in part, for
the award of any other academic degree or diploma. Except where otherwise indicated, this
thesis is my own work.

This research was approved by the Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee,
approveal number HRETH 09/234.

Signature: Date: 12 November 2012

iv
Acknowledgements

This research was supervised by Professor Marty Grace. Hence, I would like to extend my
sincere gratitude to Prof. Marty Grace for her advice, support and guidance throughout the
course of this study, along with Dr. Mary Carroll for her assistance and direction as co-
supervisor.

Acknowledgements are also extended to Captain Dr. Hj Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani, to my
precious and lovely children Ahmad Yahya Anaqhe, Naqheyatul Raudhah, Ahmad Taufiq
Anaqhe and Ahmad Afiq Anaqhe, Mama valued and grateful for your patience, support and
love during this journey; thank you to Madam Rahmah Hj Mohamad – my dearest mother,
for your love and care, to my father Abu Talip, all my siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews –
thank you all.

Special cheers to Dr Vanessa Kirkpatrick, Grace Schirrippa, Victoria University School of
Social Sciences and Psychology Staff members – Shahadah (Joanne), Amanda, Leonie,
Elizabeth and finally to all my ‘beautiful’ friends, all your supports and guidance is very
much valued.

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Table of Contents
Chapter Page
Abstract ………………………………………………………………………….. iii
Student Declaration ……………………………………………………………… iv
Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………………… v

Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………… vi
List of Appendices ……………………………………………………………….. x
List of Publication and Awards ………………………………………………….. xi
List of Pictures …………………………………………………………………… xii
List of Charts …………………………………………………………………….. xiii
List of Tables …………………………………………………………………….. xiii
List of Maps ……………………………………………………………………… xiii
List of Library Layouts ………………………………………………………….. xiv
List of Common Abbreviations …………………………………………………. xiv

CHAPTER 1: Introduction to the Research
Research Aims ………………………………………………………………………. 9
Specific Aims ………………………………………………………………………… 10
Significance of Research ……………………………………………………………. 10
Political Significant…………………………………………………………………. 13
Structure of Thesis ………………………………………………………………….. 15

CHAPTER 2: Context, Conceptual Framework and Literature Review
Cultural and Historical Context: Malaysia …………………………………………. 17
Contemporary Malaysia …………………………………………………………… 19
The Tradition of Storytelling in Malaysia …………………………………………… 21
Geographical and Cultural Context: Australia ……………………………………… 23
European Australia …………………………………………………………………. 25
Australian Aboriginal Traditional Literacy ………………………………………… 27

The Concept of the Public Library: The Historical Context of Libraries
Public Library Development ……………………………………………………… 30
The Arab Muslim World …………………………………………………………… 32
Asia ………………………………………………………………………………… 32
Western Europe …………………………………………………………………… 33
The ‘Free’ and ‘Public’ Library ………………………………………………….. 35
Free Public Libraries ……………………………………………………............... 35

Malaysian Contemporary Public Libraries …………………………………………. 40
Post-Colonial Influence …………………………………………………….............. 40
National Library of Malaysia (NLM) ……………………………………………….. 42
Malaysian State Public Libraries……………………………………………………. 46

Australian Contemporary Public Library Development ……………………………. 46
Contemporary Public Libraries……………………………………………………. 47
State Library Victoria (SLV) ……………………………………………………........ 49
Victoria Regional Library Corporation…………………………………………….... 53

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Contemporary Information Theory and Practice
Public Library Policies ……………………………………………………………… 58
Collection Development ……………………………………………………………. 59
Acquisition…………………………………………………………………………… 61
De-selection…………………………………………………………………………. 62
Circulation…………………………………………………………………………… 63
Funding Policies ……………………………………………………………………. 64
Staffing Policies…………………………………………………………………….. 65
Marketing and Promotion …………………………………………………………. 66
Partnership/Community Engagement Policies …………………………………… 67
National Information Policy (NIP) ………………………………………………… 68

Information Literacy………………………………………………………………… 69
Community Information Literacy…………………………………………………… 69
Lifelong Learning …………………………………………………………………… 72
Learning Community……………………………………………………………….. 74
Summary…………………………………………………………………………….. 75

Community Development Theory and Practice: The Concept of Community
Rural Community…………………………………………………………………… 77
Community Development…………………………………………………………. 79
Community Development and Community Engagement ……………………….. 80
Community Empowerment………………………………………………………… 85
Community Empowerment Process: on-going…………………………………….. 87

Philosophy of Community Development…………………………………………… 89
Participation and Involvement……………………………………………………… 90
Self-Help (Self-Determination) ……………………………………………………… 91
Decision-Making…………………………………………………………………… 93
Leadership………………………………………………………………………….. 94
Literacy……………………………………………………………………………… 95

Community Development and Empowerment Models in Practice
Exogenous (Top-Down) Development Approach…………………………………… 97
Endogenous (Bottom-Up) Development Approach……………………………… 100
Mixed Exogenous/Endogenous Development Approach…………………………… 102
Overview of Community Development ………………………………………….. 104
Review of Research on Rural Public Libraries and Community Development……. 104
Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………… 111

CHAPTER 3: Research Design
Methodology…………………………………………………………………………. 112
Research paradigm ………………………………………………………………….. 113
Trustworthiness: Validity and Reliability ……………….………………………...... 114
The Multiple Case Study Approach…………………………………………………. 116
Rationale for the Multiple Case Study Approach………………………………….. 117
Sampling…………………………………………………………………………… 119
Justification………………………………………………………………………… 119
The Organizations………………………………………………………………….. 120
Process and Criteria for Selection of Cases………………………………………… 120
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The Locations………………………………………………………………………. 121
Respondents………………………………………………………………………….. 122
Rural Public Library User Respondents…………………………………………….. 123
Rural Public Library Non-User Respondents……………………………………….. 126
Rural Public Library Librarian Respondents……………………………………….. 126
Rural Public Library Assistant Respondents………………………………………… 126
State Library Staff Respondents……………………………………………………... 127
Rural Public Library Group Respondents ………………………………………….. 129

Data Collection Methods…………………………………………………………….. 129
Data Collection Protocol…………………………………………………………….. 130
Interviewing………………………………………………………………………….. 135
Group Observation and Interviews…………………………………………………. 136
Review of Documents……………………………………………………………….. 153
Data Analysis………………………………………………………………………… 153
Ethical Considerations………………………………………………………………. 159
Ethical standards of the research design and competence of the researcher……….. 159
Permission from the Organization…………………………………………………… 160
Informed Consent……………………………………………………………………. 161
Limitations of the Study…………………………………………………………….. 162
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………… 164

CHAPTER 4: Case Study Reports
Case Study Reports of Malaysian Rural Public Libraries…………………………… 163

Case Study Malaysia 1 (CSM1) …………………………………………………… 160
Community Profile…………………………………………………………………... 166
Description of the Public Library…………………………………………………… 167
CSM1 Analysis of Cases Study Data………………………………………………. 171
Background of Respondent…………………………………………………………. 171
Summary…………………………………………………………………………….. 172
Theme1: Participation……………………………………………………………….. 173
Theme 2: Involvement……………………………………………………………….. 177
Theme 3: Relationship………………………………………………………………. 179
Theme 4: Unmet Information Need………………………………………………… 181
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………... 182

Case Study Malaysia 2 (CSM2)……………………………………………………. 184
Community Profile…………………………………………………………………... 184
Description of the Public Library…………………………………………………… 185
CSM2 Analysis of Cases Study Data………………………………………………. 188
Background of Respondent…………………………………………………………. 188
Summary…………………………………………………………………………….. 190
Theme1: Participation………………………………………………………………. 190
Theme 2: Involvement………………………………………………………………. 194
Theme 3: Relationship………………………………………………………………. 197
Theme 4: Unmet Information Need………………………………………………… 199
Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………….. 200

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Case Study Malaysia 3 (CSM3) …………………………………………………… 201
Community Profile…………………………………………………………………... 201
Description of the Public Library…………………………………………………… 201
CSM3 Analysis of Cases Study Data………………………………………………. 205
Background of Respondent………………………………………………………….. 205
Summary……………………………………………………………………………... 206
Theme1: Participation……………………………………………………………….. 207
Theme 2: Involvement……………………………………………………………….. 209
Theme 3: Relationship………………………………………………………………. 212
Theme 4: Unmet Information Need…………………………………………………. 215
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………... 216

Case Study Reports of Australian Rural Public Libraries …………………………... 218

Case Study Australia 1 (CSA1) …………………………………………………… 218
Community Profile…………………………………………………………………... 218
Description of the Public Library…………………………………………………… 219
CSA1 Analysis of Cases Study Data………………………………………………. 220
Background of Respondent…………………………………………………………. 223
Summary……………………………………………………………………………. 224
Theme1: Participation………………………………………………………………. 225
Theme 2: Involvement………………………………………………………………. 228
Theme 3: Relationship………………………………………………………………. 230
Theme 4: Unmet Information Need………………………………………………… 233
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………. 235

Case Study Australia 2 (CSA2) …………………………………………………… 237
Community Profile………………………………………………………………….. 237
Description of the Public Library…………………………………………………… 238
CSA2 Analysis of Cases Study Data………………………………………………. 241
Background of Respondent…………………………………………………………. 241
Summary…………………………………………………………………………….. 242
Theme1: Participation……………………………………………………………….. 243
Theme 2: Involvement………………………………………………………………. 246
Theme 3: Relationship………………………………………………………………. 247
Theme 4: Unmet Information Need………………………………………………… 250
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………. 251

Case Study Australia 3 (CSA3) …………………………………………………… 253
Community Profile………………………………………………………………….. 253
Description of the Public Library…………………………………………………… 253
CSA3 Analysis of Cases Study Data………………………………………………. 257
Background of Respondent…………………………………………………………. 257
Summary…………………………………………………………………………….. 258
Theme1: Participation………………………………………………………………. 259
Theme 2: Involvement………………………………………………………………. 261
Theme 3: Relationship………………………………………………………………. 262
Theme 4: Unmet Information Need………………………………………………… 266
Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………….. 267

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CHAPTER 5: Cross-Case Analysis Report
Participation…………………………………………………………………………. 272
Findings and Analysis……………………………………………………………….. 273

Involvement………………………………………………………………………….. 277
Findings and Analysis……………………………………………………………….. 278

Relationship…………………………………………………………………………. 283
Findings and Analysis……………………………………………………………….. 284

Community Information Needs……………………………………………………… 289
Findings and Analysis……………………………………………………………….. 290

Summary…………………………………………………………………………….. 293

CHAPTER 6: Implication of the Research
Discussion…………………………………………………………………………… 295
Implications for Theory, Policy, and Practices…………………………………… 299
Collection Development…………………………………………………………….. 301
Age of Material………………………………………………………….…………… 302
Sharing Collection…………………………………………………………………… 303
Activity Based Collection Development ……………………………………………. 303
Acquisition…………………………………………………………………………… 304
Weeding…………………………………………………………………………........ 305
Promoting Services, Activities and Programs……………………………………. 305
Staffing the Rural Public Library Service…………….………………………….. 309
Partnership with Community Organization…….……………………………….. 313
Meeting Community Information Needs………………………………………..... 316

Professional Association and Co-operation……..………………………………… 317
Development of a Rural Community Learning Network (RCLN)……………… 318

Rural Public Library and Community Development in Malaysia……………… 318
Participation…………………………………………………………………………. 320
Self-help and Determination…………………………………………………………. 320
Decision-Making…………………………………………………………………… 322
Leadership………………………………………………………………………….. 322

Development of Rural Public Libraries…………………………………………… 324
Rural Public Library Development Framework……………………….………… 324
Rural Community Public Library Development Framework: Rationale……………. 324
Rural Public Library Community Development Framework…………………………326

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………... 361
Overall limitations of the study……………………………………………………… 362
Future Research……………………………………………………………………… 364

References……………………………………………………………………………. 366
Appendix……………………………………………………………………………. 407
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