Immigrants’ attitude to the Czech libraries

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to identify whether or not there is a link between using a library in the country of origin and in the Czech Republic, how immigrants perceive Czech libraries and which are the potential reasons for not using library services. Design/methodology/approach – Authors used seven language mutations of an online questionnaire focused on immigrants living in the Czech Republic. The additional qualitative part consists of semi-structured interviews with eight respondents. Findings – With regard to the results of the study, respondents used libraries in their country of origin more than in the Czech Republic. The immigrants mostly view the Czech libraries positively. One of the principal reasons why the immigrants do not use library services in the Czech Republic is that they obtain literature in alternative ways. Research limitations/implications – The questionnaire distribution was the most difficult part of the whole study because there was no direct way to target the immigrant population. Only limited conclusions can be, therefore, drawn about the immigrant user group in general. The results cannot be considered as representative for all the immigrants living in the Czech Republic. Originality/value – The study’s findings show the immigrants’ behavioural patterns in the libraries and identify reasons why they are not using library services in the Czech context. This study can be used to develop other more comprehensive research in the Czech Republic.