Libraries in the mind: how can we see users' perceptions of Iibraries?

Abstract

The applicability of research findings in the social sciences in general. and in librarianship in parti cular, has been questioned. The problem is discussed of identifying practical ways of generating information about users' perceptions of a library without being subject to such criti cisms. Techniques of 'mental mapping' are suggested as potentially fruitful. Trials of them in one library are reported and analysed. Short comings and limitations are found, but useful and defensible information is also gathered for a small outlay of staff time or resources.