The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) commissioned the Macao Polytechnic University to conduct the “Macao Public Library Survey” in 2024, aiming to provide scientific citation for the future development of public libraries, as well as to provide data for supporting the strategy of building Macao as a “City of Reading”. The survey covered residents’ usage and satisfaction with the public library services, reading habits and preferences, as well as their knowledge and expectations of the “City of Reading”.
A total of 1,200 questionnaires were distributed, targeting Macao’s general population, including general residents, students, families, different ethnic groups and foreign employees. 1,006 valid responses were subsequently received, yielding a validity rate of 84%, which provides a reliable data basis for the research.
The survey results showed that the average score of the overall satisfaction with the public libraries given by the respondents was nearly 4 points (out of 5 points). Nearly 80% of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall services of the public libraries, including service hours, distribution locations, service attitude and efficiency. They were also willing to recommend the public libraries to family and friends, showing the general public library services gained a wide recognition. In addition, the survey also revealed that 73% of the respondents had used the public library services, a high usage rate. In respect of e-reading, about 70% of the respondents said that they have a habit of reading e-books or other electronic resources, reflecting that e-reading is becoming more popular in Macao.
Besides, the survey results showed that residents’ reading interests are mainly aimed at leisure and relaxation, as well as obtaining information. Nearly 80% of the respondents said that they had read books in the past year, and their annual reading volume and time were at the moderate level, reflecting a relatively high reading engagement among Macao residents. This lays a good foundation for promoting the development of Macao as a “City of Reading”. In addition, the respondents generally acknowledged the important role of the public libraries in promoting the reading culture and held a positive attitude towards the contribution of public libraries in building Macao as a “City of Reading”.
In the future, the public libraries will optimise its development through diversification and digitalisation. Based on the survey results, IC will continue to strengthen the promotion of the concept of the “City of Reading”, enhance the public’s awareness and participation in reading, and develop a promotional strategy which differentiates various groups such as local residents, foreign employees and students. Meanwhile, the libraries will enrich the collection resources, especially e-books and digital resources, improve the digital services for the convenience of the public, and optimise the experience of using library resources through the combination of technology and innovation. In addition, diversified and international reading activities will be held to facilitate cultural exchanges and cooperation, creating an inclusive reading environment and promoting Macao’s transformation into an influential “City of Reading”. This survey results will serve as an important citation for optimising the public library services in the future and for supporting the strategy of building Macao as a “City of Reading”, contributing to enhance the public’s cultural literacy and participation.
The result of the survey has been uploaded on the website of the Macao Public Library of the IC (www.library.gov.mo), and is available for the public to browse and download.