O papel social da Biblioteca Pública do Parque da Cidade de Natal/RN: um estudo de usuários

Abstract

A public library must be a space reserved for cultural, educational, and leisure purposes, as well as the promotion of individual and social development. In this perspective, given the relevance of this kind of space, and in order to discuss such theme, this research seeks to comprehend the social role of the Public Library of the “Parque da Cidade” in the city of Natal/RN, aiming to propose improvements in the services and products in favor of local and regional development. The specific objectives of this study are: a. discuss the history of the Brazilian Public Library, its function, social role, and the importance of green and sustainable libraries; b. carry out a user study with actual and/or potential users of the Public Library of the “Parque da Cidade” in Natal/RN; and c. propose actions, such as the creation (and/or improvement) of information services and products to be implemented by the Public Library of the “Parque da Cidade”, in Natal/RN. As methodological procedures, this is a research of a mixed nature (quali-quantitative), with predominance in the quantitative perspective and with a descriptive approach, in this case, in order to present the reality of the Public Library of the “Parque da Cidade” in Natal/RN. A bibliographic survey was carried out for the theoretical basis of this research. A survey was developed as an instrument for collecting data, consisting of nineteen open-ended and closed-ended questions with real and potential library users, of which the studied sample consisted of 190 users. For data analysis, descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and Bardin's (2011) perspective was used for content analysis in the case of open-ended questions. Based on the results of the research and bibliographic survey, an action plan was prepared with suggestions for products and services, as well as actions to improve the dissemination of activities and events promoted by the Library.