/library/oar/handle/123456789/112383 2025-11-07T09:23:02Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/135057 Title: Tools and methods for measuring citizens’ perceptions of security and intelligence issues Abstract: This work and its abstract are both under embargo until the restriction is lifted. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/131695 Title: Experimenting with unification in Maltese libraries : the introduction of public library collections in academic libraries and vice versa Abstract: Joint libraries have been implemented in various models in the international scenario. Here in Malta, the library network has hardly ever deviated from making a clear-cut line between the different types of libraries. The focus of this study is to explore the possibilities for unification and collaboration between public and academic libraries. This will be done by exploring the current structure and the reasoning behind it but also exploring the opinions and ideas of the main institutions themselves: the University of Malta Library and Malta Libraries. The purpose of this dissertation is to discuss collaborations that have been pursued, explore alternative venues that might be possible for Maltese libraries, provide recommendations and gain a better understanding of the Maltese library scenario. Description: B.KIM. (Hons)(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/125421 Title: Women as library leaders : a case study for Malta Abstract: Although librarianship is a feminine profession and most library workers are women, library directors in general are male. What are the reasons for this? Do men, more than women, obtain higher qualifications allowing them to apply for higher posts? Do women’s roles as caregivers prevent them from advancing in their careers? Furthermore, librarianship values and feminist values are similar, thus it would seem that a feminist library leadership would improve library practices for staff and users. To better understand this category of society, determine the problems women face and find any possible solutions, women’s issues in library leadership must be studied. In Malta, there is no such research, a gap in the knowledge, which this dissertation aims to address. Based on a review of the literature and a study of feminist theory, leadership, and library leadership, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with female library managers in Malta, within academic and public/national libraries. A qualitative research method was deemed the best way to be able to listen to the voices of these women. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed according to feminist theory and the literature review. The situation in Malta is encouraging, since practically all library directors and managers are women. Nonetheless, analysis of the transcripts has demonstrated that some women have found an unfavourable work climate, where their strength and tenacity were put to the test to progress and eventually earn the respect of staff members. Others found fewer problems. Their stories and experiences are documented in this dissertation. Based on this research, it is recommended that society develops a better awareness of the barriers women face when taking on directorship positions. Maltese culture has made strides in accepting women leaders, but more needs to be done. A study into other minorities in Malta and their progression to leadership roles, could also be conducted. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/125383 Title: A proposed collection development policy for the Malta Maritime Museum Library Abstract: The scope of this research is to propose a Collection Development Policy (CDP) for the Malta Maritime Museum Library. Museum libraries play an important role in their respective institutions; however, they are often overshadowed by the greater visibility and accessibility museums enjoy. This can also be attested in the lack of knowledge about their existence amongst the general public, and in the scarcity of literature dedicated to them. To accomplish such a goal, a qualitative case study approach was adopted. This involved a content analysis of five collection development policies pertaining to five international maritime museum libraries. The purpose for utilizing existing CDPs was twofold; to make up for the lack of literature concerning the subject and to determine the most common elements tackled by a collection development policy especially created for a maritime museum library. Consequently, the study of the Malta Maritime Museum Library’s collection permitted the familiarization with this collection, through its organization and the formats it caters for. Additionally, it provided insights into the themes and strengths of the museum library. It also permitted the direct observation of the library and how it operated in its actual setting, providing invaluable insights, which otherwise would have been missed. Finally, three semi-structured interviews were carried out. Firstly, a former curator, who was also part of the team and who saw the inception of the Maritime Museum and its Library was interviewed. This provided the research with a context as to where the library started, its purpose and how it evolved. Afterwards, two interviews with the Archivist and the Senior Curator of the Maritime Museum gave insights on how the library is currently managed and the way forward. This research comes at a time when the Maritime Museum is undergoing a major renovation, not only structurally but also conceptually. The Library, as part of the Museum will also be affected by such transformation. This, coupled with the fact that the Library does not have a collection development policy made this research’s aim in providing such policy as ideal. Furthermore, thanks to the analysis based on the results deriving from the research methods described above, it permitted a policy directly applicable to the Maritime Museum Library, whilst also providing recommendations for further improvement both in the short and medium term. Implications emerging from the information gathered here shows that the Library was and is still considered an important asset for the Museum, at least in concept. However, it seems that with regards to resources, including but not limited to financial and human resources, it has to share the same budget of the Museum which impacts a lot of its acquisition powers, and which can potentially leave the library’s collection overshadowed by the needs of the Museum’s collection. This can also be seen in the lack of digital material, both born print and born digital this library possesses, which may affect its collection growth, preservation and which may result in limited accessibility. Furthermore, the lack of a librarian and a collection development policy hinders it from achieving its full potential. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z