Reading Habits of Users of Public Libraries

This research study was commissioned by the Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (Pustaka) to investigate library users’ reading habits and leisure time activities in the state of Sarawak. Pustaka wanted to enhance reading effort and inculcate reading habits among the users. It was in line with the policy of the government that had made a significant move to promote literacy and encourage life-long learning. For instance, a total number of membership for all these libraries in 2012 was 10.01 million (35.8%) out of a total population of 28.5 million (NLM, 2013). Based on this report, the increased number of libraries and their membership in Malaysia were in line with the aim of Vision 2020: to achieve the status of a developed nation in 2020. The ‘positive’ trends reflect attempts by the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals in promoting Bangsa Membaca, Bangsa Berjaya (A Reading Society: A Successful Society).

Objectives of the Study

The main aim of the project was to examine the reading habits among library users in Sarawak. The detailed objectives of the proposed improvement project were:

a) To investigate the reading habits and leisure time activities of the library users
b) To determine the extent of the reading habits based on diverse influences
c) To explore the extent of the reading habits of library users (students, working adults and citizens)
d) To design and develop a questionnaire to understand the present state of the users’ reading habits and issues
e) To analyse and write the results
f) To present a comprehensive report on reading habits

Target Participants

The scope of work covered the following target participants of twenty one libraries in Sarawak:

1) Kuching Division - DBKU City Library, Bandar Baru Samariang Village Library and Taman Palma Indah Village Library
2) Sri Aman Division - Sri Aman Public Library, Batu Lintang Village Library and Lingga Public Library
3) Sarikei Division - Sarikei Public Library, Jakar Village library and Selalang Village Library
4) Sibu Division - Sibu Public Library, Bahagia Jaya Village Library and Bawang Assan Village Library
5) Bintulu Division - BDA Public Library, Bintulu (HQ), BDA Public Library, Sebauh Branch and BDA Public Library, Jepak Branch
6) Miri Division - Miri Public Library, Beluru Public Library and Batu Niah Public Library
7) Limbang Division - Limbang Public Library, Kpg. Gedong Village Library ang Kpg. Pahlawan Village Library

The research project employed multifaceted data collection approach, using data from fieldwork comprising:

a) visits to benchmarked libraries
b) literature review; observations
c) three kinds of interview schedules (head librarians, library assistants and the library users)
d) The research project followed whole and holistic methodology combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection tools
e) Finally, SPSS software was used to analyse the plethora of useful data