Libraries, computers, reading. Quick report on the results of a survey conducted by the National Széchényi Library and TÁRKI Social Research Centre
NAGY Attila - PÉTERFI Rita
Könyvtári Figyelő 2006/1 6 Könyvtári Figyelő (Library Review) vol. 16. (52.) 2006. no. 1. pp. 31-45.
TÁRKI Social Research Centre has been conducting longitudinal household monitoring surveys since 1992. In 2005, on the initiative of the National Széchényi Library, 10 questions on reading habits and library use, as well as 10 questions on computer and Internet use were added to the permanent topics. The survey was carried out between 16 th September and 15th October 2005. The sample consisted of 3674 citizens over 18, in order to make the results comparable with the data obtained from previous reading surveys over the past four decades. This quick report highlights the most spectacular changes and tendencies. As for the proportion of book readers within the surveyed sample, the percentage of non-readers has increased from 40% to 60% since the 1960s. 80% the of non-readers do not use computers either. When taking a closer look at the content of reading, it can be noted that instead of the classical orientation of the 1960s, readers show a preference towards national and international popular fiction, however, a slight improvement in quality book reading can be stated too. The reading of newspapers and magazines has been decreasing continuously. In respect of sources of reading, the number of books obtanied by library loan has decreased by 66% and the motivation for buying books has weakened as well. The usage data of library services show stagnation. Who is the average library user? She is a woman, aged between 18 and 29, and she is most likely member of several libraries. Questions were asked about the latent library users (e.g. family members), the frequency of library visits, and the range of services used. The responses revealed a significant setback in the requests for reference services. As opposed to this, the use of computers has increased and shows a close connection to library use. However, the percentage of the culturally disadvantaged – in this context the non-readers - is increasing, the maintained usage data of library services is probably due to the expansion of higher education, while the use of Internet shows stagnation.
