Opening Doors to Children
Reading, Media and Public Library Use by Children in Six Canadian Cities
By Adele Fasick, André Gagnon, Lynne Howrth, Ken Setterington
Includes data from Regina.
A national study “…to provide libraries and the creators of Canadian materials for children with relevant data to help them better meet the informational and recreational needs of children.” The researchers looked to see whether there were differences in the way children viewed and used libraries compared to a previous study done in 1977. They looked at differences between boys and girls, between different cities, and between French and English-speaking children. Children who used the library more frequently were compared to those who used the library less frequently. The study also looked at reading interests, reading time for those who were busy or not busy with scheduled activities, effects of access to the Internet, and effects of summer reading clubs.
Perceptions of Libraries, 2010: Context and Community
U.S study for Online Computer Library Centre (OCLC)
“OCLC’s newest membership report, Perceptions of Libraries, 2010, a sequel to the 2005 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, is now available. The new report provides updated information and new insights into information consumers and their online habits, preferences, and perceptions. Particular attention was paid to how the current economic downturn has affected the information-seeking behaviors and how those changes are reflected in the use and perception of libraries.
This OCLC membership report explores:
• Technological and economic shifts since 2005
• Lifestyle changes Americans have made during the recession, including increased use of the library and other online resources
• How a negative change to employment status impacts use and perceptions of the library
• Perceptions of libraries and information resources based on life stage
The report is based on U.S. data from an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of OCLC. OCLC analyzed and summarized the results in order to produce this report.
