Reading Passage
Paragraph A
In 2004, the National Library Development Council (NLDC), headquartered at 52 Knowledge Street, Helsinki, Finland, initiated a programme to modernise public libraries in response to declining visitor numbers. At the time, annual library visits had fallen by 19% compared to 1998 levels. Early plans focused on digitising catalogues, expanding internet access, and redesigning library spaces to support community activities. Between 2005 and 2007, pilot libraries reported a 26% increase in user registrations, suggesting that modernisation could restore public engagement with library services.
Paragraph B
Implementation expanded nationwide in 2008, involving 146 public libraries across Finland. Self-service borrowing kiosks and digital lending platforms were introduced, allowing users to access over 2.3 million electronic titles. According to NLDC data, average loan processing time dropped from 4 minutes to under 40 seconds. Installation costs averaged 58,000 per library, funded through municipal budgets approved in June 2007. Surveys conducted in 2009 showed that younger users aged 1630 accounted for 44% of new memberships.
Paragraph C
Despite positive trends, challenges emerged during early rollout. A 2010 internal audit revealed that 35% of library staff required additional training to manage digital systems effectively. Smaller rural libraries also faced connectivity issues, limiting access to online resources. Concerns were raised about excluding elderly users unfamiliar with technology. To address these issues, NLDC launched nationwide training programmes in 2011 and introduced assisted digital services at branches in Lapland and North Karelia.
Paragraph D
Government backing increased after 2012, when the Finnish Ministry of Education allocated 185 million to support library innovation. By 2015, 71% of public libraries had completed digital upgrades. National statistics indicated that overall library visits rose from 41 million in 2010 to 54 million in 2018. These developments reinforced the role of libraries as multifunctional public spaces rather than solely book-lending institutions.
Paragraph E
The benefits extended into social and educational outcomes. A 2019 study conducted by the University of Turku found that communities with upgraded libraries reported a 12% increase in adult participation in lifelong learning courses. Additionally, library-hosted events contributed to a 9% rise in local cultural attendance between 2016 and 2020. Economic analysis estimated indirect community benefits valued at 96 million annually, primarily through increased local engagement.
Paragraph F
Future plans aim to integrate artificial intelligence into library services. NLDC intends to deploy AI-based recommendation systems by 2032 to personalise reading suggestions. As of January 2024, 49% of Finnish libraries regularly used advanced digital platforms. Pilot projects scheduled for 2027 in Tampere and Oulu will test automated language translation tools, supporting the long-term goal of inclusive access for multilingual populations.
Questions 1-4: Matching Headings
Instructions: Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list below. Write the correct Roman numeral.
List of Headings
i. Educational and community-level impacts
ii. Early planning to reverse declining usage
iii. Staff and access-related difficulties
iv. National expansion supported by public funding
v. Technological upgrades and user response
vi. Future integration of intelligent services
Question 1: Paragraph B
Question 2: Paragraph C
Question 3: Paragraph D
Question 4: Paragraph E
Questions 5-8: True/False/Not Given
Instructions: Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information, FALSE if it contradicts, or NOT GIVEN if there is no information.
Question 5
Public library visits increased immediately after 2004.
Question 6
Digital upgrades reduced loan processing time to under one minute.
Question 7
Elderly users were the main contributors to new library memberships.
Question 8
Government funding played a role in nationwide library upgrades.
Questions 9-12: Note Completion
Instructions: Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Question 9
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER.
?Average installation cost per library:
Question 10
?Percentage of staff needing training in 2010:
Question 11
%
?Total library visits recorded in 2018:
Question 12
million
?Annual community benefits estimated at:
Questions 13-16: Sentence Completion
Instructions: Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Question 13
Pilot libraries saw a percent increase in user registrations.
Question 14
Younger users accounted for percent of new memberships.
Question 15
Nationwide staff training programmes began in .
Question 16
Adult participation in learning courses rose by percent.
Questions 17-19: Summary Completion
Instructions: Complete the summary below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Library modernisation programmes focused on digital technology and community engagement. Early implementation required additional for staff to manage new systems. Government funding increased adoption, resulting in higher library and community participation. Future developments aim to integrate AI systems to create more user experiences.
Questions 9-13: Short Answer Questions
Instructions: Answer the questions below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Question 9
Where is the National Library Development Council headquartered?
Question 10
How many public libraries were involved in the 2008 expansion?
Question 11
Which university conducted the 2019 study on community outcomes?
Question 12
What percentage of libraries used advanced digital platforms in 2024?
Question 13
In which year are AI pilot projects scheduled to begin?