Beyond Intrinsic Interest: How Different Motivations Shape Library Engagement Among Older Adults

The reading behaviors and library use of older people have not received sufficient attention in academic research. This study conducted a questionnaire survey (N = 487) in eastern China to examine the relationships between reading motivation, reading self-efficacy, library use, positive affect, and life satisfaction among older adults. The results revealed that reading motivation does not have a direct effect on library use; instead, it operates through the complete mediation of reading self-efficacy. Interestingly, compared to intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation has a greater impact on reading self-efficacy, which may be a phenomenon unique to East Asia. In addition, library use is positively correlated with positive affect among older adults, suggesting that libraries have the potential to play a more significant role in the context of rapid aging in developing countries. To enhance their services, libraries should consider strategies to better support the extrinsic motivations of older people and foster their positive affect.