Nobody's business ? : business use of public libraries in Taranaki, New Zealand

Abstract

This research project focused specifically on the Taranaki province in New Zealand and aimed to gather data about businesses and their use or non-use of public libraries. The purpose was to provide answers to questions regarding information and businesses with a view to assisting public libraries with service development. The project utilised a mixed methods approach. A postal survey gathered predominately quantitative data from businesses and a small number of follow up interviews provided qualitative data. The study found that the internet, informal sources and books and magazines were important information resources for businesses. The importance of informal sources matched the results of previous research. It was discovered that public libraries are not widely used by businesses in Taranaki with 27% of businesses reporting usage in the previous 12 months. Library users are more likely to be found amongst smaller, younger businesses, and the study recommended that service development should be targeted towards them. The importance of the need for promotion of library services to business groups was also highlighted.