Public library circulation records: What do they reveal about users’ reading preferences?

Abstract

This study investigates the reading preferences of young users of public libraries located in different districts of Tehran. The study uses a quantitative bibliometric method. It was carried out through an analysis of the online borrowing data recorded in the circulation departments of six Tehran public libraries ranked 3 by the Iran Public Libraries Foundation. The books borrowed by 12–18-year-old library users were analysed using Excel. The data shows that the users, regardless of their gender, preferred to borrow books not related to their coursework (non-supplementary books). Novels, adventure stories and fantasy were the genres most preferred by the users. Male and female youth, however, exhibited different reading preferences.

Keywords

Reading preferences library circulation records public libraries Tehran Iran

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