Could blockchain technology revive Spain’s libraries?
Christina Comben
Coin Rivet
September 5, 2019
Blockchain in Spain has the potential to disrupt many public and private services. This Mediterranean country, which has previously kept a low profile when it comes to innovation, is now one of the pioneers in fintech.
Spain has taken blockchain implementation seriously. This new approach toward modern technology could give the country a whole new face.
Blockchain and digitisation could help revive many of Spain’s dusty and highly bureaucratic public services, including its libraries.
Public library attendance in Spain
In 2017, the average Spanish citizen read an average of five hours and 48 minutes a week. This may not seem like that much, yet Spain ranks among the top 20 countries in the world that read the most.(1) Moreover, many people still use public libraries – most of them teenagers and young adults aged between 14 and 35.(2)
Public libraries, especially in the large cities of Spain(3), have been implementing a series of measures to meet the needs of the younger generations. Most of them have enriched their collections with eBooks, magazines, works of art, travel guides, and even films to improve the user experience. Most have study areas with free WIFI and provide additional services to encourage reading and studying.
The National Library of Spain has been working on a digital library that currently includes over 218,000 titles. This is proof that Spain is aware that the country’s reading habits are changing and is taking measures to keep up.
However, the situation is far from perfect, and the public lending service saw a substantial decline in 2018(4). It may be the time for Spain’s libraries to dig deeper into what the public wants and adjust their services even further. Technology like blockchain in Spain could fill the gap and bring readers even closer to public libraries.
How blockchain in Spain could change libraries
From smart contracts to tracking transactional data, blockchain technology can benefit Spanish society in more ways than one. IT professionals working in private and public libraries could use it for building and securing data centres, record keeping, and many other applications besides.
Here are a few ways that Spanish libraries could benefit from implementing blockchain-based solutions.
Sharing information outside the physical library
Blockchain technology can support applications that enable sharing data and files outside the library’s walls within an autonomous system. While this service could be seen as a threat to the concept of the library itself, it could also enable people to get information faster. They could use their devices to access digital files in complete safety or find information about books in a library without human interaction.
Furthermore, the system could help the government or special libraries. A blockchain-based network could improve the security of classified data in a wide range of information-sharing scenarios.
Keeping accurate records
Blockchain has become synonymous with security, privacy, and efficiency. Inside libraries, the technology could generate a revolution in the ways these institutions manage digital rights and preserve documents.
When libraries use blockchain to track their activities, they can guarantee the accuracy of their records. There’s less likelihood of having to handle corrupted files or interrupted research workflows when everything is recorded on the blockchain.
Identity management
As more libraries use electronic resources to enhance their services, managing access to information can become a challenge. Many librarians struggle with implementing the right policies to ensure that only users who comply with the terms and conditions can access specific information.
Blockchain in Spain could change some of the methods used in this field by streamlining processes. It could help automate many tasks, leaving specialists with more time for the human side of the job – the one that includes judgment, research, and understanding the content.
Is blockchain ready to disrupt Spanish libraries?
Spain is currently a leading European country in blockchain implementation. Politicians may be struggling to reach agreements in many areas, but they all encourage blockchain adoption in this country.
Blockchain in Spain is expected to increase efficiency and transparency in government administration and, most probably, can be used for public libraries successfully as well.
But are its libraries ready to embrace change at this level? Implementing blockchain technology involves working with project managers, programmers, and inter-disciplinary teams.
For now, many libraries don’t have the infrastructure for developing and managing software and dApps. So, they’ll need to rely on independent providers or invest many of their resources in research and tech programmes.
Either way, this would be a long-term project that required governmental support – but the investment could pay off with excellent results for both the institutions and end-users.
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The Importance Of Reading
Being able to read is one of the most important basic skills that a person can learn today. In fact, reading is crucial to being able to relate to and take part in society. It is required for reading traffic signs, medical instructions, and news stories. Additionally, accessing information online or in books and magazines helps keep people educated and informed about the world around them. The human brain needs constant development and reading is just the activity to help. Reading helps people create a more active imagination and leads to higher levels of creativity as well. So, where in the world do people spend the most time reading?
Countries That Spend The Most Time Reading
The World Culture Score Index conducted a global study to measure the amount of time that people around the world spend reading on a weekly basis. The results of this study do not specify what type of material is being read, which could be anything from online news to work e-mails and magazines to books in print. Additionally, the study does not report specific information about the people surveyed (like age, educational level, or sex) or how many people were surveyed. The findings are as follows:
India
India topped the list with its citizens reporting an average of 10 hours and 42 minutes a week spent reading. Achieving the number 1 position on the list is quite an accomplishment for this country, which has a literacy rate that is lower than the global average (only 74%). This rate has, however, increased by more than 6 times since the country gained its independence in 1947, which could be an indicator of an increasing interest in reading. This time spent reading does not necessarily reflect the amount of time reading printed books, however, and may include time spent reading online or in electronic format.
Thailand
Thailand is the country with the second highest number of hours spent reading. Here, survey respondents reported that they spend a weekly average of 9 hours and 24 minutes reading. Additional surveys have found that approximately 88% of the population reads book in print and spend around 28 minutes a day reading them. This means that significantly more time is spent reading online. As seen in India, smartphones and tablets have changed reading habits in Thailand as well. In fact, the amount of time spent reading books in print has decreased from reports published in previous years.
China
The third greatest amount of time spent reading is in China, where survey respondents report spending around 8 hours every week partaking in this activity. This country has a 96.4% literacy rate, which is higher than the global average of 86.3%. Of this time, only around 11 minutes a day are spent reading newspapers and magazines. In a study conducted by the OECD, researchers found that over 90% of students in Shanghai, China report reading for entertainment purposes, which is an increase over previous years. This increase indicates that perhaps reading is gaining popularity among the citizens of this country.
Other countries included in the survey results can be found in the chart published below.
Top 6 Public Libraries in Madrid, Spain
El Retiro
Biblioteca Pública Municipal Eugenio Trías
Address: Paseo Fernán Núñez, 24, Madrid, Spain
Opened in 2013, and yes, you guessed it, within the famously beautiful Parque de El Retiro of Madrid. This predominantly glass library is one of the most stunning in Spain. Dedicated to the Spanish philosopher Eugenio Trías, the library is home to a large book collection, as well as a variety of newspapers and magazine editions, and the lower level has free Wi-Fi, computer rooms, cubicles and quiet study rooms. Given its prime location, the library has become a hot spot for students, so be sure to get there early to guarantee a spot! If you want to practise your Spanish after classes this is a good place to be. To ensure you do so, here are the opening times: 08:30-21:00 Monday – Friday, 09:15-17:45 on Saturday, and 9:15-13:45 on Sunday.
Lavapiés
Biblioteca Uned, Escuelas Pías
Address: Calle Sombrerete, 15, 28012 Madrid, Spain
If you live near Lavapiés or Embajadores, chances are UNED is the public municipal library closest to you, and if not, it is certainly worth the trip! Just bring your Passport along with you and within minutes you can easily obtain a library card. Arguably the most beautiful library in the whole of Spain, with low hanging lights and brick walls, the library has multiple floors with high quality couches and never ending rows of cosy cubicles (each with an individual light), so you’re guaranteed to find sufficient working space in this gorgeous quaint space. The library also offers a vast collection of works on Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology, and Social Work, along with its free Wi-Fi and being within good access to eduroam Wi-Fi (for those European university students). The Lavapiés library is one of 3 UNED campuses, so by obtaining a library card you will be able to access the others! The library is unfortunately closed on the weekends, however it has late opening hours of 09:00-21:45 Monday – Friday.
Alonso Martinez
Biblioteca Pública Municipal Mario Vargas Llosa
Address: Calle Barcelo, 2 28004 Madrid, Spain
Located in the Chamberí neighbourhood, the architectural beauty of this public library perhaps epitomises its cultural and artistic location, situated near the Museo de Romanticismo and Museo de la historia de Madrid. With long tables, white walls, large and quiet study spaces and tranquil computer rooms, this library presents itself as the perfect place to buckle down to some hard work. Being totally free to the public, there is no need to stress about bringing your passport or any form of ID along with you! Despite its potential for productivity, it seems as though you need to make the most of the weekdays (when the library is open from 08:30-21:00), as the library is unfortunately closed on the weekends. Work on your Spanish homework from the classes here!
La Latina
Biblioteca Pública Municipal Iván de Vargas
Address: Calle San Justo, 5 28005 Madrid, Spain
Opened in 2001 - after being converted from a 17th- century building to a stylish modern building - La Biblioteca Pública Municipal Iván de Vargas is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from Plaza Mayor, Madrid! The three-floor story building has quiet, spacious study areas with free Wi-Fi access, so there is really no excuse for procrastination! It is perhaps its famous “Sala Madrid”, located on the second floor, which is the library’s most amazing and unique feature. In it you will find around 2,500 films, e-books, travel guides, and works of art, architecture, literature and history unique to the city! It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the culture of this wonderful city. And to top it off the library is open everyday, from 08:30-21:00 Monday – Friday, 09:10-17:50 on Saturday, and 9:10-13:50 on Sunday.
Salamanca
Biblioteca Pública Manuel Alvar
Address: C / Azcona, 42 28028 Madrid, Spain
Close to Diego de Leon metro station this 7 floor library, managed by the Community of Madrid, is certainly the place to go and study. Home to hundreds of thousands of resources (including internet access), the library has plenty of places to study - from private cubbies to tables to cushioned chairs – while also offering the chance to partake in a variety of cultural and social activities, such as book clubs, workshops and exhibitions. Perhaps what makes this library so popular with students is not that it remains open on weekends and holidays (from 11:00-19:00), but that it extends its hours into the early mornings during exam periods (typically in February)! Open from 09:00-21:00 during the weekdays, this library certainly boasts the resources to create the perfect, student-friendly environment!
Iglesia
Biblioteca Pública Central
Address: CALLE FELIPE EL HERMOSO, 4, 28010 Madrid, Spain
Opened in 1971, this library is located in the prime neighbourhood of Chamberí, close to Iglesia station (and Academia Contacto). With over a hundred thousand books and DVDs, there are certainly plenty of resources through which you can immerse yourself in Spanish culture. The library also offers quaint study areas with good Wi-Fi connection. Open Monday – Friday from 09:00-21:00 and on Saturday from 09:00-14:00, just bring along a form of ID (preferably passport) to gain complete access!
The new ‘barometer’ report on reading habits in Spain for 2018 shows a growing engagement with readership, older teens reading less.
By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson
Women Lead Men in Reading Books
Iannouncing results today (January 22) of its new “Barometer of Reading Habits” study for 2018, the Federación de Gremios de Editores de España (Federation of Spanish Publishers’ Guilds) is cheering one finding that 67.2 percent of Spain’s population report having read books in 2018.
That figure, the federation reports, is an increase of 1.4 percent over 2017’s figure.
The survey from which today’s data is derived is a study sponsored by the directorate-general of books and reading in the ministry of culture and sports, and was conducted with a sample of 5,000 respondents by Conecta Research & Consulting.
Particularly encouraging are numbers suggesting that leisure-time readership is growing across all age and educational demographics, although a lack of time is being cited by respondents as the primary reason not to have a “habit of reading.”
Selected Top-Line Observations of Spain’s Study
Digital and print reading trends. From Spain’s ‘Barometer of Reading Habits,’ 2018, Federation of Spanish Publishers’ Guilds
44.5 percent of readers surveyed reported that they read regularly or occasionally in two or more languages: 21.3 percent usually read in English, 20.3 percent in Catalan / Valencian, and 4.2 percent in French.
92.4 percent of the population reported it reads in the Castilian language.
A growing number of readers, skewing somewhat younger than committed print readers, reported that they read in digital formats. This group accounts for 23.2 percent of respondents, with 6 percent saying they read only digital and 17.2 percent saying they read in both formats.
Digital readers are being described by the federation as more “intensive,” reporting that a digital reader will read 13.2 books per year, compared to 11.2 books for a print-only reader.
Digital readers reported that their personal libraries have 269 books on average compared to the 230 books for print readers.
79 percent of digital books read in the past year were obtained without paying for them: only 21 percent of respondents’ digital books were said to have been purchased.
2.5 percent of the survey population aged 14 or older said they listen to audiobooks at least quarterly.
1.1 percent of audiobook listeners said they listen to an audiobook at least once per week.
Reading among children was seen as widespread up to age 14, after which a decline is seen both in reading and in library usage.
Young and old respondents said they see reading as an activity that “contributes to a more open and tolerant attitude,” is “an exciting and stimulating activity,” and “helps us understand the world around us.”
Readers consider their love for reading began at age 15.
The number of self-described book buyers rose to 62.4 percent over 61 percent in 2017.
Self-described book buyers reported purchasing an average of 10.3 in 2018, up from 9.4 books in 2017.
The public library service drew an 8.1-percent approval rating, but the lending service saw some decline in 2018.
Women Reading More Than Men
Female and male reading patterns. From Spain’s ‘Barometer of Reading Habits,’ 2018, Federation of Spanish Publishers’ Guilds
Women accounted for 67.2 percent of leisure readers, with men coming in at 56.2 percent—roughly an 11-percent gender gap.
Men, the research indicates, are more readers of newspapers, comics and websites, blogs and forums, by comparison to women, the study researchers say. And that sort of difference was most evident in the 25-to-39 age group, demonstrating some 15.9 percent difference between book-reading women and media-reading men.
In questions on respondents’ attitudes about reading, reading women said they see reading as an “exciting and stimulating activity that makes you happier.” Men said they saw other leisure activities as more exciting, and that reading books isn’t required to have a cultured lifestyle.
Young Readers and Digital
Trends in leisure reading in younger readers. From Spain’s ‘Barometer of Reading Habits,’ 2018, Federation of Spanish Publishers’ Guilds
The study found that teenagers 15 to 18 said they read some 33 percent of their books in digital formats.
For younger children, aged 10 to 14 years, the percentage of digital reads climbs to 37.6 percent.
In overall reading—meaning both for pleasure and for school work—86.7 percent children 10 to 14 reported that they’re reading. In the 15-to-18 age group, that figure fell to 75.8 percent.
All younger readers surveyed said they prefer reading at home to anywhere else
Regional and Linguistic Distinctions
Madrid, Basque Country and La Rioja were the regions with the highest percentage of buyers of non-textbooks. Cantabria and Valencia were the communities with the highest average numbers of purchased books, at 10.5 and 9.2 books per capita respectively.
The Canaries and Castilla y León are remain communities with the lowest percentages of buyers. Castilla-La Mancha is the community in which the fewest books on average (5.9 per person) were purchased.
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