What are the leisure choice, reading and library habits of Vietnamese students in the age of Internet?

Tóm tắt

Literature review exposed that an understanding of the Vietnamese students reading habits and their preferences would help related stakeholders to take necessary measures for reading promotion, book publication and design library services in Vietnam. This study aimed to investigate Vietnamese students’ desired leisure activities which are related to their attitudes, purposes, preferences and tastes in reading and library habits. The research was conducted during 2013 to 2016 mostly from Hồ Chí Minh City area. Few (less than 5%) responses came from Mekong Delta area such Vĩnh Long and Long An.

Quantitative methodology and questionnaire approach were followed for this study. A total of 631 usable responses received, comprising 244 university and 387 high school students. The study revealed that reading is still a considerable leisure choice among Vietnamese students besides browsing the Internet; listening to music; socializing with friends and watching tivi. Moreover, in depth data analysis show that less than 10 percent school and university students are keen on using their school, university and local public libraries as their reading venues.

The study also identified causalities for the slow improvement of reading habits of Vietnamese students. These are the availability of so many Internet-based leisure options; schools and universities are less operational to make reading a central element of learning, and the limited possibilities for libraries reaching out the broader community to nurture reading and library habits at an early age. It is suggested that more strategic and innovative library activities with proactive service staff are needed to increase library users and help them cultivate reading habits.