Bpi visitors

A national mission of Études et Recherche to study audiences and their uses

Created shortly before the Bpi opened in 1976, the Études et Recherche department conducts qualitative and quantitative sociological studies on the Bpi’s audiences. In 2024, these audiences represented 1.3 million visits, or just over 4,000 daily visits to the premises. The Bpi regularly conducts surveys to gather information on the profiles, practices, and representations of its users. It also conducts applied studies on practices (use of digital resources, exhibition visits, etc.) and types of audiences (students, internet users, etc.).

The Études et Recherche department is also entrusted by the Ministry of Culture with a national mission: in this context, it leads national research programs on the use of public libraries and cultural practices, particularly reading. It publishes these various research projects and disseminates them to stakeholders in public reading and culture, so that this knowledge can inform their thinking and enrich their professional practices.

With its expertise in quantitative and qualitative sociological analysis, the Études et Recherche department supports public library professionals who conduct audience surveys.