N. Parvathamma ¹, Gavisiddappa Anandhalli ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Library and Information Science, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga 585 106, IN
2 Department of Library and Information Science, Karnataka State Women’s University, Bijapur, Karnataka State, IN

Abstract

Library use study helps in understanding the pattern of use of reading materials and provides basis for developing need-based document collection and redesigning their services. Results of the study of use of reading materials by B.E. and M.Tech. students, and teachers, and opinion of librarians regarding the use of reading materials by students and teachers in 50 Engineering Colleges in Karnataka State, including three deemed universities are presented. Majority of students and teachers visit library at least once in a week and on an average, they spend less than two hours during each visit. Purpose of visit to library is mainly to borrow text books. Students and teachers vary in their approach to locate reading materials in the library. Students directly go to the shelves and search for reading materials, while teachers consult OPAC to locate required reading materials. Students are found to use informal channels like discussion with friends and teachers, while teachers depend more on books and journals to satisfy their information needs. While B.E. students use reading materials mainly to prepare for examination and seminars, M.Tech. students use them for completing their project work. Teachers use the reading materials in the library mainly for teaching, preparation of research articles and research project reports. Text books and Indian journals are the most frequently used documents in the library. All the users are satisfied with the text book collection and Indian journals in their libraries. A strong positive association is found in the opinion among students, teachers and librarians regarding the above aspects, except the adequacy of document collection where there is only a marginal association.

Keywords

Library Use Study, Use of Reading Materials.

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N. Parvathamma ¹, Gavisiddappa Anandhalli ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Library and Information Science, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga 585 106, Karnataka, IN
2 Proudadevaraya Institute of Technology, Tungabhadra Dam, Hospet, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

In the last few years, librarians of the academic institutions are more worried by their patrons' delinquent acts which have begun to threaten the resources and services of their libraries. Of the 1254 students sampled from eight engineering colleges in Karnataka State, India, 515 (41 %) admitted to stealing books, 536 students (42.7%) admitted to mutilating books, while 564 students (45%) admitted to have intentionally misplaced books at least once in their libraries, Non-delinquent students amounted to 690 (55%) of the sample. When students come acros's books being stolen/mutilated/misplaced by their friends they would either ask them to stop such act report to librarian, or just ignore it. The study revealed that high cost of books lack of photocopying facility and library environment are the major reasons for such delinquent acts of the students. Warning the delinquent students against such acts, withdrawal of their library membership, or imposing penalty are the punishment suggested by students and librarians. Preventive measures suggested include provision of more copies of text books. provision of photocopying facility at affordable cost, and organizing regular library tour and orientation talks in the library. A positive association is observed in the attitude of students and librarians in the above areas, even though the extent of association varies.

Keywords

Theft, Mutilation, Misplacement of Books, Delinquent Activities, Engineering College Libraries, India, User Studies.

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