Services for Young Children in the Bangkok Discovery Learning Library

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to analyze services comprising learning materials, activities promoting learning, and knowledge provision provided for young children in the Bangkok Discovery Learning Library. The 347 samples comprised library staff and library users. The research tool employed was a questionnaire, with data collection taking place in 2019. Data were analyzed by frequency distribution and percentage method.

The findings showed that, firstly, with regard to learning materials, there was a system which allowed parents to borrow books on behalf of their children (96.6, and that, although the variety of items in the collection was a concern (79.7%), librarians acted as advisors (94.6%). Secondly, with regard to activities promoting learning, it was determined that art and handicraft workshops were arranged (82.6%), and that schools comprised the library network (93.3%). Lastly, in relation to knowledge provision, staff training was in the form of personnel development (71.8%).

The results from the library users’ questionnaire showed that parents were primarily responsible for checking items out for their children (63.6%). Furthermore, they received advice about how to select suitable materials (81.3%). In terms of activities promoting learning, children sought participation in art and handicraft workshops (60.6%).

Finally, with respect to knowledge provision, library staff and library users shared similar opinions that librarians were knowledgeable in their ability to give advice on materials selection for children (84.6%, 57.1%) and provide guidelines on library use (95.3%, 75.8%), and that, finally, they gave advice on additional resources such as museums (91.3%, 73.2%).