Library and Information Science

As public libraries are generally expected to play an important role in the coming age of life-long education, it becomes necessary to collect realistic information and data in this respect. A survey of the situation of public libraries from students’ viewpoint will deserve attention. Correspondence students of the Keio University were approached during summer school 1978, and about one third (ca. 1100) of them filled up the questionnaire.

The result shows: frequent visits to public libraries 26%, occasional 39%, non-use 35%, to obtain materials directly related to their study 56%, for background reading 22%, reading space only 24%, etc. Together with other data and analyses, it was made clear that the students are highly motivated (more than 10 times the average adult reader) and strongly feel shorter service hours and poor collections. Geographical differences were evident, and Tokyo area is significantly better served by public libraries.