Users’ perspectives of public library for a knowledge-based society: Implications for developing countries
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70759/28bx2t54Keywords:
Library environment, library digitalisation, knowledge management, library and community developmentAbstract
Rationale of Study – In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, knowledge has become a commodity and a capital that provides the basis for a knowledge-based society (KBS). Public libraries, however, are trying to stay relevant as a knowledge hub in such societies by expanding their roles in local communities. This research investigated the relationship among demography, accessibility, environment, digitalisation, and the library’s perceived role in a KBS.
Methodology – Following cross-sectional quantitative research design, data was collected from 112 respondents using a structured questionnaire survey on the premises of the Pabna Government Public Library in Bangladesh. The 9-item scale showed acceptable internal consistency (α = .713) and using SPSS 25, descriptive analyses, Chi-square test, and Spearman correlation were carried out.
Findings – The role of a public library in terms of readership and awareness in the community had a statistically significant (p-value <0.001) positive correlation with accessibility (ρ=.334) and library environment (ρ=.513). At the same time, a negative association was observed with respondents’ level of education (ρ=-.265, p-value <0.01). However, a weak relationship existed between profession and perception of the library environment (ρ=.186, p-value <0.05).
Implications – In similar developing country contexts, libraries must attract diverse users beyond educated youths and create a conducive library environment where it becomes a part of their community. Public libraries can consequently stay relevant and contribute to building a KBS.
Originality – This paper reports the findings of an original study regarding users’ perceptions of public libraries in KBS from a developing country perspective.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Miraz Hosen, M. Jonayed (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.