The pie charts given illustrate a comparison of the proportions of visitors to libraries that cater to the masses in Britain in terms of the purposes of their visits in two distinct years, 1991 and 2000.
From an overall perspective, it is evident that leasing or returning books was the most prevalent reason for visiting public libraries in both years. Moreover, a new category of borrowing and returning videos came into use in 2000.
In 1991, the percentage of library users visiting in order to borrow and return books was largest, at 65%. The figure for those coming to the library to read newspaper and magazine was lower, at 15%. The other two categories both accounted for the lowest proportion, at 10%.
The percentage of library users with the purpose to study witnessed a notable fall to just 2% in 2000. There was a fluctuation of 10% in the data on those using this public service to obtain information and borrow or return book to 20% and 55%, respectively. In addition, 15% of people went there to read newspapers or magazines in 1991, and this figure decreased to just 5% in the final year. In 2000, public libraries allowed their users to borrow or return videos, and the data on this service was 18% in the same year.