PAR — 2026-08-20
Original Expansive Public Service Delivery: Advancing Public Value Governance
Mary K. Feeney, Julie Langer, Justin M. Stritch
Abstract
ABSTRACT Public administration has traditionally emphasized the normative ideal that public agencies have a responsibility to improve the lives of communities through public service delivery. We turn to public libraries to explore possibilities for what we call Expansive Public Service Delivery. Expansive Public Service Delivery is defined by a mission to serve all, professional and ethical responsibilities, and proactive responsiveness through outreach and (re)assessment. Public libraries have long aimed to improve communities and advance democracy by providing open, free information access to all. Today, they also proactively seek to expand their services to underserved groups ensuring their relevance and mission achievement. This research draws from 25 in‐depth qualitative interviews to explore librarian narratives to identify four core responsibilities that constitute Expansive Public Service Delivery. We conclude with a discussion of how service for all, professionalism, ethical responsibility, and reflexive decision‐making around community needs can result in more vibrant, sustainable public organizations.
PMR — pp. 1-29 2026-05-25 Original Cocreating service innovations in European public libraries
Anthony Arundel, Nordine Es-Sadki, Paul Windrum, Luis Rubalcaba
Abstract
This study uses survey data for 543 European libraries to investigate the effect of co-creation and other factors on the usefulness of knowledge for innovation obtained from four groups: library users, non-management staff, non-profits and businesses. The study finds that 24.3% of libraries develop a 'high priority' innovation through co-creation with library users. Co-creation has a substantial positive effect on the usefulness of knowledge obtained from all four groups. The knowledge of non-managerial library staff on user needs can partly substitute for user engagement. The results support the importance of drawing on multiple knowledge sources within a library innovation ecosystem.
PMR — pp. 1-28 2026-04-14 Original Libraries in a changing society: resourcing value propositions for viability and societal relevance
Tiina Tuominen, Kirsi Hyytinen, Paul Windrum
Abstract
In the age of rapid societal change and resource constraints, public service organizations must revise their value propositions to remain relevant. Although prior research emphasizes practice-based learning and adaptability, limited attention has been given to how public service organizations renew their value propositions. This paper addresses this gap by applying the concept of resourcing. It develops a conceptual framework grounded in resourcing and illustrates its relevance through an analysis of public libraries that have successfully redefined their value propositions and societal position. The findings identify five resourcing tactics, demonstrating how public service organizations can innovate despite ongoing resource limitations.