Bibliographic information provider Bowker, a business unit of ProQuest, has formed a partnership with Library Journal to publish Patron Profiles, a new online quarterly featuring research on public library patron behaviour. The aim is to share expertise and present timely, accurate and ongoing information through the new subscription-supported online service. It is expected that public library directors and decision makers will, for the first time, have direct access to critical information related to library patrons' evolving usage patterns, shifting behaviours and media preferences.
For each quarterly issue, Patron Profiles surveys 1,500 individual library users of balanced demographic backgrounds from eight regions of the US about their experiences and expectations regarding the big questions and trends in libraries. For the 2011-2012 survey year, the focus is on important digital themes and new reading technologies that are affecting today's library usage. These include: e-book usage; mobile devices, mobile content and library apps; library websites and virtual services; and media consumption and the library user. In the coming years, other significant topics will be explored.
Library Journal and Bowker PubTrack claim to constantly refine and update research methodology, composition of respondent panels and questions asked in an effort to offer library stakeholders the most accurate information possible in the quarterly. By surveying this critical market segment, they seek to offer up-to-the-minute data and expert analysis about what current and potential library patrons like and dislike about library services, and the actions that should be taken in response.
The premier issue of Patron Profiles will be available online in October.
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