Kütüphan-e Türkiye Projesi: Halk kütüphanesi Kullanım Araştırması

Abstract

n this study, general information about the Librar-e Turkey Project is introduced, some studies that have been done within the scope of the Project are presented, and the findings of the “Public Library Usage Survey” that has been applied to the users of 78 libraries in 26 provinces, which are among the target audience of the Project, are evaluated. The 26-question survey has been applied from February 19 to March 14, 2014 in the public libraries located in 26 different provinces. The study gives some in-depth insight as regards the frequency of public library visits, reasons for using the libraries, attitude of the users to the possible training programs that can be offered in the public libraries. Survey results have shown that public library users in rural areas are in a more disadvantaged position in terms of technology ownership, compared to library users in urban areas. Moreover, it has been found out that there is an inverse relationship between the ages and library visit frequencies of the users. Results have also revealed that the most common aim of the public library users in using the libraries is borrowing or reading books, where they also show a tendency towards attending the free computer literacy training programs which will be given in the public libraries.Our study reveals the current situation of the public libraries which have been selected for the Librar-e Turkey Project and proposes some suggestions to public libraries for them to become centers of attraction that efficiently address the demands and needs of the citizens.