1. Benchmarking in Knowledge Growth: Workable Best Practices for Innovation Assoc. Prof. Dr Arif Jawaid and Dr Parveen Kaur

2. Organisation of Presentation
Objectives of the project
Benchmarking research approach
Conceptual Model (1, 2, 3)
Face to face interviews
Findings
Recommendations

3. Introduction to the Study
This study was embarked by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (PNS) to explore the extent of library users’ reading habits and library provision in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Specifically PNS’ aim was to investigates the ‘present state’ of library user’s reading habits in the urban and rural areas in Kuching, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang.

4. Methodology Main Objectives
To identify the reading habits among users of public libraries
To examine and identify the emerging needs of public library users
To propose strategies for optimizing the use of the library resources
Methodology
Initial fieldwork:
Literature review, benchmarking, visits to town and village libraries, informal interviews and discussions and document analysis. Eight libraries were visited in Sarawak.
Formal fieldwork:
Three interview schedules along with the prompt list (questionnaire) (January-March 2015).

5. Background of the Study
Users
Evidence from the Literature
1.Self of a person
1.1. passion for reading
IFLA (2002)
Gleed (2013)
Rosenfeld (2007)
Brozo et al (2007)
Passion as motivator
Reading for pleasure
Increases literacy skill and achievement
Adolescent girls more than boys
1.2. Interest in reading
Hughes-Hassell &
Shahriza and Hasan (2007)
Rodge (2007)
Belloni & Jongsma (1978)
Variety of sources of reading
Real experience
Many complex skills
Consistency in reading
Life long learning
1.3.Language and Culture
UNESCO (2012)
Linda S.K (1995)
Special attention to marginalised group
Culture influence behaviour and communication pattern
1.4. Hobby
Palani (2012)
Table 1 : An Overview of Users’ Habits and the Extent

6. Jawaid’s Models

7. Figure 1: Conceptual Model to Generate Questionnaire for Head Librarian

8. Figure 2: Conceptual model to generate questionnaire for librarians

9. Figure 3 : An Overview of Variables Affecting Reading Habits

10. Self (Interest/ Hobby/ Passion)
Findings
Self (Interest/ Hobby/ Passion)
Questions
Response 1
Enjoy Coming to Library
Yes (93%) 2
Purpose of Going Library
Getting Info (71%) 3
Use Library
Read Books of interest
(81%) 4
Favourite Place
Anywhere (59%) 5
Main Source of Information
Reference (67%) 6
Reading Influence
Self (81%)

11. Self (Interest/ Hobby/ Passion)
Findings
Self (Interest/ Hobby/ Passion)
Questions
Response 7
Reading on their Own
Yes (97%) 8
Sharing Ideas
Friends (88%) 9
Favourite Hobby
Reading (73%) 10
Reason for Interest
Pleasure (81%) 11
Procurement of Reading Habits
Buy own (77%) 12
Read in Library
2-3 hours (58%)

12. Self (Interest/ Hobby/ Passion) Areas of Concern
Findings
Self (Interest/ Hobby/ Passion) Areas of Concern
Questions
Response 1
Frequency of Visit
1 x 1 week() 2
Reading Materials at Home
N/paper and Magazines (66%) 3
Reading out of Library
Sometimes

13. Self (Language and Culture)
Findings
Self (Language and Culture)
Questions
Response 1
Preferred Language
Bahasa Malaysia (BM) (90%) 2
Reason
Understand Better (88%) 3
Reading on Own culture
Yes (94%) 4
Reading on Other Culture
Yes (85%)

14. Overview of Recommendations
Award for Users
Award for Librarians
Award for Head Librarians
Award Schemes (of achievement, of excellence)
Users’ reading habits
Users’ reading frequency
Users’ reading choices
Scaffolding of the Users
Proactive role
Know the products
Act as a teacher and promoter
Library Services
Improve connectivity
Encourage the use of ICT
ICT Support
on reading process (SQRRR)
on the use of ICT
Training (for users, for librarians)
Equal facilities
Equal services
Equating Rural-Urban Facilities
Follow benchmarked libraries
Maintain the infrastructure and services
Physical Infrastructure
Address users’ needs
Accommodate users’ interests and levels
Differentiated Reading Activities and Campaign

15. Thank you