Combined school/public libraries in the United States: Three comparative case studies (Indiana, North Carolina, Florida)

A detailed examination of the literature on combined school/public libraries is presented. Out of this examination, and this investigator's experience, a research question and hypotheses were developed to examine the question of whether increased cooperation between school and public libraries is more efficient than combined facilities in providing library service in all but the smallest locations.; The case study method was used in testing the hypotheses. Demographic data was employed in selecting separate and combined school/public library sites in three population categories. Sites selected were Greentown and Eastern Howard Public Library (Indiana) and Fortville-Vernon Public Library (Indiana) in the 5,000–10,000 population category, Pamlico County Library (North Carolina) and Graham Public Library (North Carolina) in the 10,001–25,000 population category, and Azalea Branch Library and Media Center (Florida) and Dunedin Public Library (Florida) in the above 25,001 population category.; Data on user and staff perception of library facilities and services was collected at each site through user surveys, and staff questionnaires. Selected operational data was also collected from each study site. A comparison of library collection holdings was made using the American Library Association's Books Challenged or Banned in 1996–1997.; Data analysis included a comparison of data from the user questionnaires, and operational data from the combined school/public library site, and the separate public library site in each population category. User survey data from the universe of separate sites in the study was compared with user survey data from the universe of combined school/public library sites in the study. Responses to the staff surveys were presented and analyzed.; From this data analysis, conclusions were made concerning the validity of the hypotheses tested. The researcher presented a set of factors considered necessary for a successful combined school/public library operation.