Public Perceptions of Library Use:

Abstract

This study surveyed adults in Sydney, Australia in order to determine their perceptions of the benefits and negative benefits associated with public library use. In the qualitative stage of the investigation, positive and negative consequences were elicited for sixteen library activities. The findings showed that most respondents perceived that they would receive positive consequences if they were to engage in the activities. Results also suggest that there is a limited set of salient consequences for each activity, and some consequences are common across a number of activities. In the second stage, a mail questionnaire was used to quantify perceptions of the "goodness" of the consequences and the likelihood of their occumng. Generally, the results confirmed the qualitative findings and showed that most consequences were perceived to be positive and likely to occur.