PUBLIC LIBRARY IN RESPONDING TO THE READING NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to determine the reading needs and interests of high school students in the Gymnasium A. G. Matoš Đakovo, whether the Đakovo City library meets them and whether the public library encourages young people to read for pleasure. Methodology. The research was conducted during May 2020 at the Gymnasium A. G. Matoš Đakovo. The research was based on an online survey which was completed by 75 students of the gymnasium. Results. The results have shown that the respondents think of reading as an escape from reality. Also, they consider that reading is fun and that it helps them develop skills. The results have shown that the respondents prefer to read the romance and crime genres, as well as books featuring characters with whom they can identify and books about everyday diffi culties. Furthermore, the research has shown that the majority of the respondents use the services of the public library and that they are satisfi ed with them, but that most of them do not attend the activities organized by the library. Some of the respondents are not users of the Đakovo City library because they do not read in their free time or fulfi ll their reading needs elsewhere. However, the results have shown that most respondents do not know whether the public library encourages them to read or what the library could do to encourage them to read more for pleasure. Limitations. The research was conducted online at the time when the classes took place online in virtual classrooms, resulting in a smaller sample than what could have been expected if the research had been conducted live in the school with direct contact with students. Practical use. The results can serve as a guideline for improving the existing and developing the future programs and services for young people in the public library in Đakovo. Value. The research provides an insight into the reading needs and interests of gymnasium students in the town of Đakovo and whether the public library fulfi lls them. This paper contributes to the existing knowledge about the reading needs and interests of young people in Croatia, as well as the role of public libraries in meeting the needs and interests of their young patrons.