Childhood Socialization: Its Effect on Adult Library Use and Adult Reading

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between certain childhood experiences and adult use of the public library and adult reading. Data were gathered via a nationally representative interview conducted by the Survey Research Center of the University of Michigan. The interview con...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Library quarterly (Chicago) 1984-07, Vol.54 (3), p.245-264
Main Authors: POWELL, R. R, TAYLOR, M. T, MCMILLEN, D. L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adults
Childhood
Children
Childrens libraries
Demography
Documentation institutions
Exact sciences and technology
General aspects
Information and communication sciences
Information science. Documentation
Information use
Information work
Libraries
Libraries. Virtual and electronic libraries. Media centers. Documentation centers
Library materials
Michigan University Survey Research Center
Parents
Public libraries
School libraries
Sciences and techniques of general use
Surveys
Use
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Summary:This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between certain childhood experiences and adult use of the public library and adult reading. Data were gathered via a nationally representative interview conducted by the Survey Research Center of the University of Michigan. The interview contained 25 questions relating to current reading habits, library use during the previous year, and childhood experiences related to reading and library use for the respondent and the respondent's parents. In addition, demographic data were obtained for the respondents. On the basis of usable responses obtained from 342 persons (95 percent of the persons interviewed), it was determined that heavy library users and readers were not unlike those characterized by earlier studies. A substantial number of childhood variables did prove to have statistical relationships with reading and library use. The results clearly indicated the importance of social learning and parents as primary agents in the development of reading and library habits.
ISSN:0024-2519
1549-652X
DOI:10.1086/601500