Las bibliotecas en la sociedad de consumo: estudio de caso de las bibliotecas de la Universidad de la República (Uruguay)

A study carried out in order to obtain the title of Master in Information and Communication (FIC, Udelar) is presented. It states that libraries and their current link with users is the product of the contemporary social model, influenced by characteristics of the consumer culture that are its own, with technology taking on special relevance. Its current use and image, its relationship with users, reading behaviors and information search were explored. An online survey was applied, between July and August 2017, aimed at degree students from the University of the Republic. It was observed that libraries are mostly associated with “books”, and that, although they are considered important, their use is usually sporadic, they are more used as «physical space». Although the ergonomics of reading are modified, they acquire a function of “last resort” to access material not available by other means, ceasing to be the only source of information and authorized reading center, starting mostly information searches through Google. Although they are recognized as more reliable and with better quality information, the Internet is more appropriate to lifestyles. Therefore, the confirmed hypothesis is estimated.