Study of the use of children reference and information services at regional libraries in Singapore.

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the use of children’s reference and information services by children aged 7 to 12 at the regional libraries in Singapore. The results are useful for library management in understanding the information needs and seeking behavior of children, and in assessing the effectiveness of current services. Results of study showed that the respondents most preferred the Internet to get information on schoolwork, projects, personal interests and hobbies. The Internet was also the most preferred information format among the respondents. However, the Internet was the least used to locate information in the library. The responses from the survey also indicated that children were independent in their book selection, and preferred browsing the library shelves to get information on personal interests and hobbies, or to get a good book. Kids Ask! services were mostly used for obtaining information on schoolwork or projects. Moreover, many children were unaware of the whole range of services offered by Kids Ask! This study indicated that a marketing plan to promote Kids Ask!, and the implementation of free Internet access, are necessary steps forward to assist children obtain reference information in libraries.