Perception of library users regarding the role of public libraries in the sharing economy era in DKI Jakarta Province,Indonesia

Abstract

The sharing economy is an economic system that facilitates the collaborative utilization of resources to optimize asset usage. Libraries represent a historical example of the application of the sharing economy. Despite libraries implementing related services, users have not fully realized the significance of sharing economy practices in libraries. This study was conducted to analyze library users’ perceptions regarding the role of public libraries in the era of the sharing economy and to determine the relative value preferences considered necessary for Public Libraries in the DKI Jakarta Province. The research method employed a quantitative approach with surveys distributed to 248 respondents across five public libraries in the DKI Jakarta Province, including Cikini Library, East Jakarta City Administration Library, Central Jakarta City Administration Library, West Jakarta City Administration Library, and North Jakarta City Administration Library. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was also utilized to identify each library’s priority values and roles by calculating the weighted scores of each respondent’s answers. The study reveals that most library users are unaware of the concept of a sharing economy. Yet, they recognize the similarities between the offerings of public libraries and the sharing economy. Personal characteristics of library users, such as visit frequency and location, influence their perceptions of the concept and role of public libraries in the sharing economy era. Overall, the five Public Libraries in DKI Jakarta Province exhibit varying levels of perception toward implementing the public library’s role in the era of the sharing economy.