Exploring the Social Impact of Public Libraries from the Perspective of Potential Users

Abstract

This paper examines potential users’ perceptions of public libraries’ social impact and reasons for nonuse in Guangzhou, China. Based on a survey (N = 1111), the study finds that perceptions vary by age, education, and occupation. Key reasons for not using libraries include distance, internet accessibility, and time constraints. Users recognize libraries’ role in providing diverse information, improving reading skills, and ensuring free information access, but their impact on social interaction and community activities is minimal. This may stem from differing concepts of “community” between East and West, as Chinese public libraries traditionally focus on reading promotion. However, in recent years, they have repositioned themselves as “urban living rooms,” actively fostering community engagement and social interaction.

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