Recognize the Social Cultural and Economic Dimensions of Information Use Essay

Social, Cultural, And Economic Dimensions of Information Use

Library institutions play a vital role in addressing social and political issues through the provision of relevant information. It is the responsibility of front-line employees, reference service librarians, and the paraprofessionals to make decisions and set the tone that will inspire a dynamic relationship within a community. In order to find the best ways of creating and maintaining a strong community involvement, library floor-employees consider the economic, social, and cultural factors for information use (Gallagher & Leckie, 2010).

Social Dimension

Librarians are responsible in ensuring that their institution meets the demands of its users in multiple ways. In terms of the community, libraries are more than access to media and books or even the internet. In some cases, it acts as the focal point for community opportunity and involvement. In small cities, libraries are among the few public buildings where community members gather. In large urban neighborhoods, libraries may offer places to rest and away from the traffic and the multitudes in the streets. Librarians must develop comprehensive demographic dynamics of the user segments. This facilitates a proper service to the community. When appropriately channeled, the data allows librarians to revolutionize their institution into a "third space" for the community (Trauth, 2011).

Economic dimension

When better equipped, a library is a significant economic equalizer. To be specific, public libraries are a means to disenfranchise communities as a source of digital access, free materials, assistance for job search and networking among members. It is critical for public libraries to offer equal service and access to the entire users' spectrum. However, reality makes the ideals impossible to achieve (Gallagher & Leckie, 2010). Since libraries may operate on marginal budgets, it leaves libraries in affluent areas with required resources to engage with community members. Libraries located in less affluent areas are forced to operate with limited resources. Studies indicate that even libraries with adequate resources could confront community pressure. This pressure could make equal service a challenging proposition.

Cultural…