Users satisfaction of library resources and services at university of horticulture science, Bagalkote, Karnataka

A user satisfaction survey is one of the most crucial tools for assessing the level of service provided by a library. The objectives of this study were to find out the purposes of using a library and to evaluate user satisfaction towards the library services and library resources of the University of Horticulture Science, Bagalkote, Karnataka. The population of the study was the students pursuing their under graduation, post-graduation and PhD who had registered in the library of the University of Horticulture Science, Bagalkote, Karnataka. Total sample size was 610 inclusive of all the three categories of students (UG, PG, Research scholars). Purposive sampling technique was utilized to get a representative sample. Primary data were collected with the help of a survey using a structured questionnaire, designed specifically for the purpose. Analysis of primary data was done using frequency tables and basic descriptive statistics such as mean, Std. Deviation etc. User satisfaction was evaluated under two parameters (a) Library services; (b) Library resources, covering a wide range of attributes focusing on library facilities, staffs, website and Information access, print and online resources etc. It was identified that the respondents used the library for different purposes. Study results indicated reading journals/newspapers, preparing assignments/reading notes, using computers to access information, and access to internet as the major purposes of using the library. The results of the study also revealed that on average, the respondents were generally satisfied with the library facilities and library resources as a whole. While the respondents generally perceive library services positively, there were some areas that users were not much satisfied with, particularly, CDs/DVDs and conference/seminar proceedings, annual reports, subject gate ways, Interlibrary loan and selective dissemination of information (SDI), bibliographic service, reprographic service, document retrieval speed, service quality, staff knowledge, and fairness of treatment where improvements can be made to enhance user satisfaction and consistency in experiences.