Users of Children Sections of Public Libraries: An International Reading Culture Research

This study was designed for learning the patterns of utilization of thechildren’s sections of public libraries and understanding the functionsand social elements that library users find in or bring to these sections.The study was designed as a qualitative case study for examining threepublic libraries (Erzincan, Essen & Niğde). Data were collected usingsemi-structured interviews with 72 children and 43 adults in 3 weeks ofobservation period. Findings for each of three libraries are given underthe headings of quality of spaces for children, social climate, andoverall picture of activities for children as the “within-case”. As to the“across-case” are reached the themes; preschool children, a place like abookstore, a place like a playground, and reading as a sub-skill foracademic success. Considering the functions of libraries in years, it isnecessary to involve experts, writers, teachers, and parents in theprocess as well.