First-Year Students' Perspectives on Library Use: A Survey-Based Study

This study examines the perspectives, habits, and expectations of first-year students regarding library usage at Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis Mahavidyalaya, an undergraduate college under the West Bengal State University for the academic years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The transition from school to college presents students with new academic challenges, and the library often becomes a pivotal support resource. This study gathers information about students' past experiences with school and public libraries, present library use patterns, and future expectations by surveying them during the initial library registration process. A survey based study was carried out with a structured questionnaire consisting of 15 questions to 270 students across both academic years. Analysis of the data shows that people strongly value library resources, prefer print and digital versions, and have high expectations for study spaces, computer and internet access, and support systems. The study offers actionable recommendations to improve library services and user engagement. The results emphasize how academic libraries must change to meet students' changing information needs.