The findings of a Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) survey show that nearly 80 percent of the respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with Macau’s public libraries, indicating that public libraries are increasingly recognised for their comprehensive range of services.
Commissioned by the Macao Polytechnic University (MPU), the survey was conducted with a total of 1,200 questionnaires, sent out between July 10 and August 31 last year, targeted at Macau’s population in general, including residents, students, parent-child groups, different ethnic groups and non-resident workers (NRWs), but only 1,006 valid questionnaires were returned.
The findings show a rising user rate of public libraries and the popularity of e-reading in Macau. Among the respondents, 73 percent indicated that they have used public library services, while another 80 percent said they had read books in the past year, with their annual reading volume and time spent at a medium level. In terms of e-reading, nearly 70 percent of the respondents have the habit of reading e-books or other e-resources.
According to the findings, the service hours, distribution locations, service attitude and efficiency of public libraries were favourably assessed by the respondents, who expressed their willingness to recommend public libraries to their friends and relatives, accounting for about 70 percent of the respondents.
Dissatisfaction with libraries was mainly due to their automated retrieval service and book reservation service, as well as the insufficient publicity of library activities.
The findings noted that the libraries’ borrowing systems were generally appreciated, but still 25.25 percent of the respondents expressed hope for the extension of longer borrowing periods, especially for non-local students.
The findings quoted respondents’ expectations on the enhancement of paper book services in public libraries focused on increasing the variety of books and speeding up the availability of new books, as well as the libraries’ online network coverage and convenience of the service. They also expressed various expectations on the enhancement of e-book lending services in public libraries, such as increasing the variety of e-books, optimising their e-book system and speeding up the availability of new books being their major demands.
The findings also show that respondents generally recognised the important role of public libraries in promoting reading culture and supported their role in developing Macau into a “City of Reading”.
According to the findings, respondents’ expectations for future development focused mainly on enhancing cooperation among libraries, bookshops, communities, enterprises and schools, organising international book fairs and upgrading both their software and hardware facilities
Friday’s IC statement, released along with the findings of the survey, highlighted the bureau’s commitment to continue strengthening the promotion of the government’s “City of Reading” concept, enhance the awareness and participation of all people in reading, and formulate differentiated promotional strategies targeting local residents, non-resident workers and students.
In addition, the bureau vowed to enrich its libraries’ collection resources, especially e-books and digital resources, while also organising more diversified and international reading campaigns.
This photo taken on Saturday shows the entrance to the public library in Taipa Central Park. – Photo: Tony Wong
