The Effect of Z-Libraries (Enhanced Libraries) on the Reading Level and Creative Reading of the Students at High Schools: Çankaya Sample

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the significant increase in the reading level of the students at high schools after the establishment of the Z-Libraries and to show whether creative reading is carried out more consciously at high schools that have Z-libraries.

For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to 400 students in 4 different types of high schools with a similar score range in Çankaya, the district of Ankara. The fact that there is Z-library in the researcher’s institution, and the researcher’s review of records of the books borrowed before the Z-library was established, and the records of the books borrowed after the Z-library was established, have given the researcher the opportunity to make more effective observations. Data analysis was carried out with the SPSS program.

The questionnaires applied, the research conducted and the results of the participated observation can be interpreted in this way: Students at the high schools that have Z-library read more and fulfil creative reading more consciously. At the same time, they are aware of the benefits and environment provided by Z-library, and they use the library more effectively than the students who use the library at other high schools that have an ordinary library.

As a result, with its wide-range of access to knowledge, with its ergonomic design and the diversity of collections and its systematic functioning, Z-Libraries not only provide students with a good reading habit, but also enable them creative reading awareness. It is no doubt the library type that serves the needs of the 21st century should be the Z-Libraries based on technology.