Not Using the Library? Why Not?
Published on 15 December 2022
Are you not using the library? Why not? That is the question the Waitaki District Libraries team are asking in their new survey for non-library users.
Waitaki Libraries Manager, Jenny Bean said, “Earlier this year, over 400 library users were surveyed to see how the library and its services impacted their lives. This time, we want to hear from people who do not use the library.”
Research student, Hannah Acheson has developed a 5-minute survey to help the library understand the barriers people are facing in their decisions not to come to the library, how the services provided can make a difference and be more valuable to the community.
Jenny Bean continued, “We have six libraries across the Waitaki District, and all are welcome to visit and use the resources available. But we really want to understand the reasons behind why people may not connect with the library.”
Libraries are community hubs and a safe space for those in our community to find information and connect. Waitaki District Libraries provide Justice of the Peace Services, free WIFI, books, magazines, DVDs, Wriggle and Rhyme, computers, and printing services, just to name a few.
Waitaki District Mayor and Reading Ambassador, Gary Kircher said, “Reading is important to me, and my family and our libraries provide easy and free access to books for any of our people. But libraries are also community spaces that we want people to utilise and enjoy. I encourage non-library users to participate in the survey to assist Jenny and her libraries team in providing the best possible services to the community.”
The survey is available through survey monkey and printed copies are available from Waihemo Service Centre, Kurow Information Centre, Community House, and Waitaki District Council HQ.
If you have difficulty accessing these places, please contact Waitaki District Libraries via 03 433 0850 or Waitaki District Council HQ on 03 433 0300 who can post a survey to you.
The survey is live now and will be active until Friday 20 January 2023 and in appreciation of responses, a $50 Prezzy Card is on offer.
Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QXT2PSH
ENDS