1. [insert header here]
BIBLIOSTATS
Year 1 National Citizen Survey Results

2. THE TYPICAL LIBRARY USER
From December 2009 to January
2010, Bibliomist conducted a survey of
citizens across Ukraine to assess
perceptions of libraries, library usage
and value, and internet and computer
usage and skills. The survey aimed to
create an accurate, geographically and
demographically representative picture
covering all of Ukraine. Bibliomist
conducted in-person interviews with
2530 people, distributed among every
oblast and among population centers of
all densities.

3. SURVEY RESULTS
The survey found that library visitors have many similar traits:
Library visitors are more likely to be internet users with
higher informational literacy scores
People visit libraries to find information, use computers,
conduct leisure activities, and help improve their schoolwork
or job status
Library visitors primarily use the library to borrow books
rather than use other services
Seven out of 10 library visitors are between the ages of 14 and 45.
Over 60% of survey respondents aged 14 - 45 have visited a library
in the past 12 months.
* Survey of Ukrainians ages 14+

4. LIBRARY USER DEMOGRAPHICS
When broken out by age, there are four main groups of
library visitors, as shown in the graphic on the right.
Library visitors come primarily from younger age groups,
with higher informational literacy scores and higher
rates of internet use. Seven out of 10 library visitors are
between the ages of 14 and 45 and over 28% of survey
respondents in those age groups have visited a library in
the past 12 months. Statistical analysis suggests that
youth, along with higher rates of internet use—
irrespective of age—are significant drivers of library
visitation.

5. LIBRARY USER DEMOGRAPHICS
AGE:14-29 AGE: 30-44 AGE: 45-59 AGE: 60+
45.3% 23.88% 16.86% 13.96%
Higher informational Primarily use Use diverse library
Primarily use
library book lending literacy scores library book lending services
Use diverse library services Lower informational
services literacy score
services Primarily female
Very high rates of Higher median income visitors Lower internet usage
internet use

6. WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE LIBRARY VISITATION?
• People who have access to the internet are more likely
to visit libraries than those who do not have access
to the internet
• Younger visitors, those aged 14-26, are more active
library users than older groups
• Females are more active library users than males
• People with higher informational literacy scores are
•more likely to visit libraries than those with lower scores
• Rural villages and towns see higher visitation rates than
•urban areas
• People with higher educational levels are more likely to
•visit libraries than those with lower levels

7. WHY DO PEOPLE VISIT LIBRARIES?
Survey respondents reported visiting libraries for the following reasons:
As a leisure activity to find and borrow interesting books, find
information about a hobby or personal interests
As an open place where children can go to receive help in learning
To meet with other people and share information and experiences
To receive help from a librarian with schoolwork or professional
learning

8. LIBRARY SERVICE USE:
BOOK BORROWERS
In service use, library users fall
USERS OF OTHER
into two categories: those who
borrow books and those who use
SERVICES
many different services. The
respondents who are “book
borrowers” (42% of library users)
check out books from libraries but
do not use any other services.
Those who belong to the second Read periodicals in Borrow many books
group (58% of library users) use at library; use librarian help Use virtually no
to find information other library services
least one other service in addition Read fiction in library;
to borrowing books, including use e-catalog; arrange
meetings at library
reading periodicals or fiction in Participate in library
the library, participating in events, events
Use library computers
or using computers. Borrow books

9. PRELIMINARY IMPLICATONS
Unsurprisingly, those with higher education levels, greater
access to the internet, and higher informational literacy are
more likely to be library users. These groups are likely to be
enthusiastic about computers and libraries, and will be an
effective outreach source.
For the majority of visitors—those who use services as well
as borrow books—the library has the potential to be more
than a “museum of books,” and librarians will have the
opportunity to build on these visitors' perception of the
library as multifunctional community space in transforming
it to a more dynamic institution meeting community needs.
Librarians should reach out to these visitors to encourage
usage of new computers, and learn from their needs to
adapt other services.

10. PRELIMINARY IMPLICATONS (CON’T)
The 40% of library visitors who do not currently use the
internet are a clear demographic target for libraries
participating in the Bibliomist program. These visitors tend
to be older, female, and have lower education levels,
suggesting that they would benefit significantly from new
services.
People visit libraries both for leisure activities and to gain
information to improve their lives; librarians can market the
new computers to attract both types of visitors.

11. Contact:
Web: www.bibliomist.org & www.irex.org/programs/gl/index.asp
Email: gl@irex.org
Blog: www.irexgl.wordpress.com