Do Public Libraries Tickle the Taste Buds of Browsers?

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research paper was to investigate the way in which adult fiction books are made available by the public library as this creates barriers to library users’ ability to find fiction books easily. The relationship between library users’ and the library services provided including the arrangement of the adult fiction shelves was examined.

Methodology: Qualitative methods were used in this research to interview 12 adult library users’ in two rural public libraries. Six library users’ were interviewed at the Rangiora library and six at the Amberley library. All of the participants were approached in the fiction shelves of their respective libraries.

Findings: Finding fiction books in the public library is a cross related process where a combination of tools are used. This research has revealed barriers library users’ face when searching for fiction books as well as the effectiveness of certain library services such as, the recently returned shelves and display shelves. Browsing was found to be an important book finding tool in the library but improvements could be made to enhance this process such as, organising parts of the adult fiction shelving by genre.

Value: There are few studies completed recently in New Zealand in this area so this research adds to this area of study. It was designed to assist librarians’ to discuss options for enhancing user access to the adult fiction collection. It provides recommendations to improve the ease of finding fiction books through enhancing library services. This research ensures the views of library users are included in library service delivery. This is essential with community engagement becoming an important aspect of Council strategies.