Izobraževalne potrebe uporabnikov splošne knjižnice
Educational needs of public library users

slovenian

2014

volume 58, issue 1/2

Zveza bibliotekarskih društev Slovenije
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

Purpose: The article explains the role of user education in public libraries based on the assessment of users% educational needs in a selected public library. We present a part of the results of the needs assessment study conducted on users of the Ljubljana City Library (LCL). In this presentation, we focus on the thematic areas of users% interest, the most appropriate time of day and the most appropriate period of the year for participating in education. The aim of presenting this information is to support the development of an appropriate adult education provision and an effective use of human, financial and material resources in public libraries. Methodology/approach: The basic research method used was descriptive and causal non- experimental. The study involved 943 adults LCL users who have filled in an online or a printed form of the questionnaire. Results: Results of data analysis showed that users express a greater degree of interest in the following course topics: travel, foreign languages, literature, public speaking and health. They express the lowest degree of interest in the topics: policy, motoring and mathematics. Afternoons and evenings suit them best, whereas the autumn and winter season are in their view the best time of the year for participating in education. The analysis also showed some statistically significant differences in relation to sex, age, status and educational level of the users. Research limitation: By the practical application of results the characteristics of the sample of users and the environment from which they come, as well as the shortcomings of the questionnaire as an instrument for data collection, have to be considered. Originality/practical implications: The data obtained are useful in preparing the basis of educational activities in LCL, as well as for the design of educational programs in other comparable public libraries and other providers of adult education. The survey results can also serve as a guideline for the acquisition of library materials. The findings about the most appropriate time of day and season of the year for participating in education may also be useful for the organisation of other library events.

08.04.2015