Use of Public Library Services by the Distance Learners of Bangalore University

Mahesh G T; Dr. Adithya Kumari H

doi:10.14429/djlit.38.2.11952

Mahesh G T Department of Studies in Library & Information Science, University of Mysore, Mysore - 570 006, India
Dr. Adithya Kumari H University of Mysore, Mysore

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.38.2.11952

Keywords: Public libraries, Information services, Distance learning, Distance learners, Higher education

Abstract

The present paper investigates the distance students’ use of public libraries for their academic purposes and converse the public library as a alternate for instructive or University libraries. The current research study is based on a comprehensive survey of distance education students from Bangalore University. The data collection was carried out by personally distributing the questionnaire to the randomly selected students and the sample consists of students from both undergraduate and post graduate. It is found from the study that 1309 (90.60 %) distance learners who used public libraries during contact classes and 786 (54.4 %) of the respondents spent 0-1 h in the library. Majority of the distance learners i.e. 941 (65.10 %) responded effective for book borrowing services from the public libraries in seeking information, 1220 (84.40 %) opined effective for reference services. It is observed from the study that distance students have a tendency to look at libraries as a complete and do not make apparent difference between different types of libraries, expecting the entire system to be flawless. The paper lifts the significant executive inquiry and apprehension in relation to both the operation of public libraries and the service level given to diverse section of learning students. It is strongly recommended that library instruction programme should be organized by the public libraries for distance learners that create the responsiveness and use of library and information services effectively.

Author Biographies

Mahesh G T, Department of Studies in Library & Information Science, University of Mysore, Mysore - 570 006, India

Mr Mahesh G.T. obtained MLISc from the University of Mysore, Mysore. Presently pursuing PhD in Library and Information Science from the University of Mysore, Mysore. Currently working as Librarian at Government First Grade College, Saligrama, K R Nagara, Mysore. He has more than 5 research papers and over 10 popular articles to his credit. My area of expertise include: Information seeking behaviour, user behaviour, library automation and resource sharing, cloud computing, library administration and management, e-learning.

Dr. Adithya Kumari H, University of Mysore, Mysore

Dr Adithya Kumari presently working as Associate Professor at the Department of studies in Library and Information Science, University of Mysore, Mysore having more than 20 years of teaching experience. She has contributed in many national/ international publications, presented and published more than 50 research articles. Her areas of interest include academic librarianship, web 2.0, digital libraries, scholarly communication, and effectiveness assessment.