SUITABILITY OF CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC LIBRARY SPACES TO USER NEEDS AND PURPOSES: A CASE STUDY OF ERZURUM

Abstract

The library is a societal institution that hosts printed and electronic information sources and facilitates access to these resources when needed. One type of library, public libraries, is an important institution for the education and development of society. Public libraries serve as places where individuals, regardless of age and level, can benefit from library services free of charge, borrow and read books, as well as venues for various social and cultural activities such as conferences, exhibitions, and presentations. In this regard, why public libraries are generally preferred by users has been a subject of curiosity. The changing technology and lifestyle over time have also changed the purposes of library use and users' expectations from the library. The aim of this study is to determine the purposes of use of public libraries today by identifying the purposes of use of libraries. In this context, the "Erzurum Ismail Saib Sencer Provincial Public Library" and "Kazim Karabekir Public Library" in Yakutiye district of Erzurum were selected as the study area. Face-to-face survey was conducted with a total of 110 library users in two libraries, and 100 surveys were evaluated. The survey form was prepared with multiple-choice and Likert scale questions. The data obtained from the survey were analyzed using the SPSS 23 program. Frequency, percentage distribution, and arithmetic mean values were used in the evaluation of the data. In light of the obtained data, the relationship between the areas occupied by library sections within the building and the purposes of use by the public was analyzed. As a result of the evaluation, recommendations were made on which areas of the library should be developed and in which areas the public should be directed more based on the needs of the users.