[Working Paper] Library Use and Information Seeking Behavior of Public Library at Mandalay

Abstract

Public libraries enhance community quality of life and serve as centers offering financial and social benefits for community development. This study aims to describe public perceptions of libraries and how library and community characteristics influence library use. Data were collected from purposive samples of thirteen librarians, eighteen users, and twenty-seven non-users in Mandalay through in-depth interviews and participant observation at libraries. The information needs of different user types are determined by their respective personal profiles. The majority of non-users rely on the Internet, newspapers, radio, and TV to fulfill their information needs, as these resources provide fast and easy access to rich data sources. Library users, while also utilizing these resources, seek information from printed books more frequently than the Internet or social media, deeming printed materials more reliable than online sources. However, a segment of non-users is disinclined to seek information from any of these sources. The study finds that elderly, female, married, and middle-aged workers experience greater difficulty accessing libraries compared to other demographics. Furthermore, people face challenges accessing libraries due to struggles with making a living and a lack of reading as a hobby. The study also reveals that library use correlates with the library's location and visibility. Library activities and the availability of Wi-Fi attract more visitors. Moreover, technology and entertainment significantly impact library usage. Finally, users perceive that they gain social, financial, physical, mental, and cognitive benefits from library use at the individual, community, and national levels.

Key words: Public library, Information needs, Use of library, Impacts, Mandalay, Library use

Author

Yone Kyi Yar was founded by university students and active youth in Mandalay on July 22, 2011. Initially, its primary activities included weekly book clubs, group discussions, and topic presentations. By the end of 2013, members of Yone Kyi Yar decided to advance further. Consequently, Yone Kyi Yar rented a building and established a free public library and training center in Mandalay to better serve the community, subsequently expanding its activities to include intellectual talks and capacity-building training.