Public libraries play a key role in creating reading environment and promoting reading skills as well as constantly emphasizing the importance of the native language. Modern times brought increased interest in reading literature in foreign languages, thus imposing upon public libraries important additional tasks. That was the reason why my survey concentrated on reading habits in English language among patrons of public libraries in Radovljica, Kranj and Jesenice. The purpose of the survey was to identify the proportion of library users who read in English language and their reasons and satisfaction with the libraries' collection of books in English language. As a method of the study a questionnaire was used as well as the method of a semi-structured interview made by the acquisition managers. A sample of people from the survey consisted of 416 patrons of the public libraries in Radovljica, Kranj and Jesenice. The results of the study show that the patrons of all chosen libraries are fairly satisfied with the stock of English books; that older people read in English as well and that users who read books in English, are generally in the habit of purchasing them. The survey gave an insight into a subjective assessment of reading habits in the English language in chosen public libraries. It is safe to assume that the number of English readers will be trending up. It is thus libraries' duty to accept and follow those changes when acquiring new materials in order to keep the present and gain new libraries' users.
|