Auckland Urban Libraries and Preschool Storytime Outreach

Abstract

Research Problem: The purpose of this study was to identify the aims of storytime outreach sessions delivered by public library staff at early childhood education and care centres and the challenges staff face when delivering these sessions. It also examined how library staff prepare for and deliver these sessions, and how libraries measure their impacts.

Methodology: This research utilised a qualitative approach, using purposive sampling to select 9 participants from the 4 Auckland Libraries branches in the Waitematā local board area, including one senior manager from the Auckland Libraries organisation. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews, which were conducted face-to-face, over the phone, and via email.

Results: The aims of storytime outreach were identified as building relationships and awareness of the library, encouraging a love of reading, and developing meaningful sessions. These aims contribute to the desired outcomes for Auckland Libraries. It also found potential for development in the way staff evaluate their practice and measure the impacts of sessions, ensuring ongoing support is provided, with opportunities for staff to meet and share ideas on a regular basis, and creating the opportunity for staff to record their personal experiences in order to demonstrate the meaningful value of these sessions. It also examined the challenges staff face in delivering storytime outreach, creating the opportunity to improve the experiences of both staff and storytime outreach attendees in future.

Implications: The results of this study are valuable to public libraries and similar organisations who currently deliver storytime outreach sessions, as well as organisations who are new to this type of programme. It enables organisations to evaluate how staff are prepared and supported in their planning and delivery of storytime outreach sessions. The information gathered on how libraries evaluate these sessions is also useful in helping organisations understand methods to measure the success of such programmes in order to demonstrate their value.