Identifying and Prioritizing the Barriers of Youth Tending to Use Public Library Services

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this research is to identify and prioritize barriers and problems young adults face using services of public libraries in Semnan. Method: This applied study is descriptive. This research focuses on the youth generation between the age of 17 and 40 in Semnan. Simple Random Sampling is used. 450 questionnaires were distributed of which 389 were returned and used. In addition to descriptive statistics AHP technique was used to prioritize barriers. Findings: The most important obstacle was “lack of enough books for young people “ the other factors such as : “ failing to update references materials” , “lack of motivation and time to study “and “ lack of proper physical condition of libraries” were in the other orders respectively. Originality/value: The results of this research can help libraries in removing barriers and creating favorable conditions to attract the youth to libraries.

Keywords

• the public library
• barriers of study
• analytical hierarchy process