Public Libraries Use: Intensifying and obstructing Factors

Present paper is an applied research aimed at studying users’ barriers and difficulties in using public libraries in 2013-2014.
We used survey method and research population consists of all users (23,153) of Iran’s Hamadan province public libraries. Simple random method was used for sampling and the sample consists of 289 members. Research tool is a researcher made questionnaire that constructed on the basis of Pateman & Vincent (2010) Model. Reliability of questionnaire measured by Cronbach’s alpha (0.86) and validity of it approved by related faculty members.
Findings: Findings indicated that there is a significant correlation between such independent variables as “people’s proper economic situation”, “social pedagogical foundations”, “family”, “librarians’ awareness”, “proper location of library” and “users’ gender” with a dependent variable namely “the rate of going to public libraries”. These independent variables were considered as intensifying factors in public library use. On the other hand, no significant correlation was found between such independent variables as “users’ distance/proximity to public libraries”, “the level of provided services by public libraries”, “people’s bad economic situation”, “user’s age and education” and dependent variable “public library use”.
Origin/Value: We tried to show important role of people’s proper economic situation, social pedagogical foundations, family, librarians’ knowledge and proper location of library. Public library administrators can concentrate on these elements to improve public library use.