Library Resources and Services Usage by Undergraduate and Post Graduate Medical Students of a Medical College in Maharashtra: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: As medical science is a continuously advancing discipline, use of the medical library by students is very important for updating their knowledge and competence. Objectives: To study the pattern of library usage by undergraduate and postgraduate medical students and to compare library utilization across academic years. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among undergraduate and post graduate students in a medical college. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Total 250 students (231 undergraduate and 19 post graduate students) participated in the study. 34% of undergraduate and 21% post graduate students were found visiting library daily. Increasing trend was observed in daily visits of the students as academic years progress. Students spent significantly more time during examination days in the library as compared to usual days. The primary reason for visiting the library was to prepare for the examination. 73.20% students reported that recent editions of books and journals were available in library. Most of the students were satisfied about the library services. Conclusion: Students are utilizing library facilities and services to a great extent but still there is a need to sensitize students to use library for activities such as research, reading recent journals, preparation of seminar.