The Bibliothèque publique d'information-Brantôme Experiment: A Case of Restructuring its Public by its Supply ?

Inquiring of its public is a tradition of the Bibliothèque publique d'information: from 1978 to 1995 four large inquiries were carried out by survey. A fifth study, begun in December 1998, was effected under peculiar circumstances. Since September 1997, in effect, the BPI has welcomed its public in temporary locations situated close to the Pompidou Centre which is currently undergoing refurbishment. We can assume that this transfer hasn't been without its effects on the frequentation and practices of its users, but the results of the inquiry are more than a little surprising. If it appears that this modification in the supply of the service has had an influence on the make-up of the public, as was probably foreseeable, the evolution has not necessarily been in the sense expected.
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