Os faróis do saber e seus agentes de leitura em Curitiba – Paraná

Abstract

The objective of this dissertation is to provide a profile of the Faróis do Saber (Knowledge Lighthouses) of the city of Curitiba in Brazil and of their information professionals aiming at promoting greater visibility to this successful public initiative that involves public and school libraries. The research questions include, among others: what are their characteristics as information centers for public school students and for the community in general? What are the basic activities regularly promoted by the Faróis do Saber? How do they use information and communication technology (ICT) in these activities? What are the general characteristics of the information professionals (reading agents) working in these institutions, what is the profile of their information literacy, as well as their evaluation of the Faróis do Saber? As these institutions have a hybrid function as school and public libraries, we consider the literature that reflects about the functions of the public library as a social space and as a space for the promotion of reading abilities. The pedagogical functions of the school libraries, how ICT resources can be used in school and community libraries and what are the required information competences of information professionals in these contexts are also discussed. Empirical data were obtained from documents obtained from the Municipality, from an interview applied to the general manager of the Faróis do Saber and from a questionnaire applied to information professionals responsible for daily activities. The analysis of the interview indicate that the manager tries to involve the community in the activities promoted and that he is concerned with the effective use of the digital equipment provided, as well as with the promotion of activities planned for specific user groups. Data obtained from the reading agents reveal that the main regular activities are the promotion of reading. These professionals perceive the importance of the Faróis for the city and of their work for the community and in citizenship building. They also consider that computer and internet use and collection development should receive more attention to guarantee the sustainability of the institution. Pedagogy is the more frequent professional background and they usually have some specialization in their curricula. As a whole data obtained suggest that there is space for actions involving several cultural activities, as literary creation, with more intensive use of ICT.