Every country strikes to develop a good quality system of education so that its citizens successfully compete with other nationals in all spheres of life. The educational system in India like other countries consists of mainly three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary or higher education. The schools undertake the responsibilities of primary and secondary level of education. The higher education reactor again consists of two components – colleges and universities. Colleges have generally been entrusted with undergraduate level education, while the responsibility of postgraduate education and research is shouldered by the universities.

However, higher education in India has been very slow to recognize the importance of library as a vital auxiliary to the process of education. In the contemporary education setting in the country, it is painful to note that libraries are not getting the importance that they deserve. As a result, functioning of libraries in colleges in India has been very unsatisfactory, despite the fact that the UGC has been quite liberal in providing grants to colleges The progress of college libraries during the past two decades is very slow. Although UGC provides liberal grants to University and Colleges on regular as well was adhoc basis, yet libraries have not progresses much. The UGC is aware of the slow progress of college libraries. In addition to providing financial help for development, UGC organized seminars to keep college libraries aware of the new developments in the field.

The objectives of college library can be set out as follows: i. To provide the information resources necessary for the teaching learning process in the field of interest to the College Community. ii. To aid the teachers in keeping abreast of the development in their fields. iii. To open the door to the wide world of knowledge already condensed in the form of recorded information. iv. To encourage reading for pleasure, self-improvement, personal growth and sharpening of intellectual curiosity. A college library is expected to support the objectives of the college. 1.3 Functions of the College Library i. To acquire, process, organize and disseminate document to help the instructional programmes to the teachers. ii. To make the students as independent as possible in the use of library and to locate information indecently. iii. To instruct students in the effective and efficient utilization of library resources and services. iv. To encourage and educate how and where to find quickly and easily bibliographical materials. v. To cooperate with other libraries in the community region and elsewhere for the exchange

2

vi. To extend the hours of services as per the needs of users. vii. To encourage wide reading though very accessibly of materials, reader’s guidance displays and book discussions.

The institute is based on the motto “Vidya Dadati Vinayam”, taken from the sloka which says knowledge brings humility from which accrues capability which gives earning power wealth and dharma. In 1986, college was handed over to the DAV College Managing Committee Delhi, which is the biggest non-Government Education Society in India, running about 700 educational institutions across all parts of India and abroad. The college has Arts, Science and Commerce faculty for women. It has also started Post-Graduate classes in English, Math, Biotech and commerce. It works within the frame work of the system of Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana and Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.

College library is well stocked with latest books & journals on various subjects from general to text, reference books, encyclopedias important periodicals, daily newspapers ,wall street journal’s etc. There are about 50,000 books in the library and we subscribe to 30 magazines 20 journals and 11newspapers.It has a seat’s capacity of 150 readers. The library has an open shelf reference room for both postgraduate as well as undergraduate students. Keeping in mind the importance of computers in day to day life, all sections of the library have been linked though computer networks. Book bank facility is extended to needy and meritorious students and at present 250 students are being benefited though it.

The present study intends to investigate the actual collection and various services rendered by KVA DAV College for Women, Karnal as well as it intends to examine the use of the collection and services by the users of the library.

1. To know the use of library services by the users. 2. To know user’s views about library working hours. 3. To know user’s views about library collections. 5. To know user’s view about library staff. 6. To know the frequency of library use by the users. 7. To know user’s suggestions about improvement in library functioning.

1. Majority of the Users visits the Library Daily. 2. More than 50% users visit the Library to borrow the Text Books. 3. Majority of Users are satisfied with the Library Resources and Services provided to them. 4. Users are satisfied with the Library Timings.

6. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is confined to the students of KVA DAV College for Women, Karnal regarding the use of library resources and services.

In the present study, the investigator mainly applied questionnaire method for the purpose of collection of data. For drafting a systematic and effective questionnaire following guidelines are taken into consideration simple, precise and short worded questions in an unambiguous language. The preparations of questionnaire are designed keeping in mind different requirements of the respondents. Questionnaire includes questions about the services, attitude of staff and physical facilities. Most of the questions are of closed type. Total 100 questionnaires were distributed to a stratified sample of students in the college out of which 83 questionnaire were returned, this seems to be a good response. The questionnaire was distributed using Random Sampling method and all the respondents were approached during the working hours for filling up questionnaire.

Table No. 8.1 exhibits that the total population of the users taken up was 83 which included undergraduates and postgraduate from Arts, commerce and science faculty. 100 questionnaires were distributed and 83 were responses were received. The questionnaires distributed to undergraduates were 50 and the response was 48. Similarly 50 questionnaires were given to postgraduates and the response was received from 35. The total survey data collected from KVA DAV College, Karnal, and Haryana was 83 (83%). The response received 48 (96%) undergraduates and 35 (70%) postgraduates.

The users asked if they were making use of their library. The response from Table No. 8.2 indicates that 44 (91.70%) undergraduate and 35 (100%) postgraduate do make use of the library. The results reveal that maximum users used their college library and percentage of those who did not avail this facility, was less than even 5%. Table No. 8.3 Frequency of Library Visits Table 8.3 depicts that 31 (64.6%) of undergraduate and 22(62%) of postgraduate have visited the library daily. The data shows that undergraduates have visited their library more times as compared to Postgraduate. Less No. of users i.e. 4.2% undergraduates visits the library rarely.

The data indicates that 100% of undergraduates, 25 (52.1%) and 23 (47.9%) spend up to 1 hour and 1-2 hours in the library daily. From the 35 respondents, it has been found that 30 (85.7%) postgraduate spends their time in the library up to 1 hour daily.

Table 8.5 shows the purpose of visiting the library by users that majority of the users both undergraduate and postgraduate i.e. 37 (77.1) and 18 (51.4%) visit the library for reading text books. The other purposes

4

Table 8.6 indicates that most of the users i.e. 44 (91.7%) undergraduate and 27 (77%) postgraduates were satisfied with the collection and services of their library. But still 4(83%) undergraduates and 8(22.9%) postgraduate have given affirmative answers to the question that they use some other libraries in addition to their own college libraries.

Table 8.7 shows the reason behind using the other libraries i.e. 4 (80.0%) undergraduate and 8(88.9%) postgraduate users use the other libraries for better collection where as 2 (40.0%) undergraduate and 4(44.4%) postgraduate users use the other libraries for better services being provided there

replied that collection of library is good. It means users were satisfied with book selection policy of the library.

Table 8.9 shows that 48 (51.8%) undergraduate and 35 (42.2%) postgraduate were satisfied with the library collection of text books. The data indicates that out of the 83 respondents of the user’s 100% responded in affirmative and no one responded in negative. The table shows that majority of the users have replied that the collection policy of library is good.

Table 8.10 shows the frequency of using the library catalogue that majority of the users i.e. 42 (87.5%) undergraduate and 17 (48.6%) postgraduate sometimes use the library catalogue for locating the documents and only 1 (2.1%) undergraduate rarely use the library catalogue. A very small number of users i.e. 1 (2.1%) undergraduates and 5(14.3) postgraduate never use the library catalogue.

Table 8.12 reveals that majority of the users 48 (100%) undergraduate and 35 (100%) postgraduate were familiar with the instructional programme of the library.

Table No. 8.13 indicates that from 48 total undergraduate respondents, 47 (100%) responded that they were given instructions/orientation in the beginning of each academic session. 30 (100%) postgraduate user also responded that they have also received instruction in the beginning of the academic session.

Table No. 8.14 shows that majority of the users 47 (97.9%) undergraduates and 32 (91.4%) postgraduates takes help from the oral instruction being provided by the librarian. Only 1 (2.1%) undergraduates and 3(8.6%) postgraduate has received instruction from other resource persons in using the library.

The library provides information to its users in printed as well as in oral formal. Table no. 8.15 shows those 38 (79.2%) undergraduates and 17 (48.6%) postgraduate users have received library instruction though lecture method. 32 (66.7%) undergraduates and 17 (48.6%) postgraduate users have record instructors through documents.

Table no. 8.16 shows that 43 (89.6%) undergraduate and 35 (100%) postgraduate users are familiar with the instructional programme of the library. But below

6

Table 8.17 shows the percentage of users using various library services provided by their library. It has been found from the data that 46 (95.8%) undergraduate users are familiar with circulation service as compared to postgraduate which is 17 (48.6%). The majority of 47 (97.9%) undergraduates and 33 (94.3%) postgraduate users are familiar with the reference service as compared to other library services.

Table 8-18 shows the percentage of users using various literary services provided by their library. It has been found from the data that the circulation service was used by undergraduate 47 (97.9%) was more as compared to postgraduate which is 14 (40.0%). The majority of the users i.e. 45 (93.8%) undergraduate and 31 (88.6%) postgraduate have used the reference service as compared to other services provided by the library.

The library has provided charging and discharging facility of documents to the users so that users can use for search and getting the information. From taste 8.19 it has been found that 20 (41.7%) undergraduate and 20 (57%) postgraduate users borrow 1.5 books during a month. 6-8 books were borrowed by 23 (47.9%) undergraduates and 13 (37.1) postgraduate users have taken during a month.

The users asked whether they are satisfied with the number of books issued to them and loon period of library. Table 8.20 shows that hundred percent users were satisfied with the number of books being issued to them. Majority of the users 24 (72.7%) undergraduates and 29 (90.6%) were satisfied with the loan period of books issued to them.

Table 8.21 shows the user perception about arrangement of books on shelves 37 (77.1%) undergraduates and 24 (68.6%) postgraduate all found that arrangement of books on shelves was very helpful to them in locating the reference books. Only 11 (22.9%) undergraduates and 11 (31.4%)

Table 8.22 Number of Users Availing Reprography Services

Table No. 8.22 indicates that hundred percent users were aware about the reprography service provided by their library. 38 (79.2%) undergraduate and 28 (80%) postgraduate users were accessing reprography service only 10 (20.8%) undergraduate 7 (20%) postgraduate users were not availing this facility in their library.

Table 8.23 shows the satisfaction level of users were availing the reprography service provided by their library. 36 (75%) undergraduate and 30 (88.2%) postgraduate were satisfied with the reprography service. Only 12 (25%) undergraduate and 2 (5.9%) postgraduate were partially satisfied with reprography service provided by their library.

Table 8.24 shows that 36 (75%) undergraduates and 22 (62.9%) postgraduates users found working hours of library very convenient. Only 12 (25%) be 9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Table 8.25 shows the usage and satisfaction level of users with working hours of their library opened during the vacations. Majority of the users i.e. 35 (72.9%) undergraduate and 27 (77.1%) postgraduate users were using the library during vacations.

Table No. 8.26 reveals that majority of the users i.e. 45 (93.8%) undergraduate and 34 (97.1%) postgraduate were aware of internet service provided by their library. Internet services were used by 44 (93.6) undergraduate and 31 (88.6%) by postgraduate user in their library. Only 3 (6.4%) undergraduate and 4 (11.4%) postgraduate users were not using internet service in their library.

8

The library has provided library services so that users can use for search and getting the information. Table 8.27 shows the satisfaction level of users using various services provided by their library. Majority of the users i.e. 48 (100%) undergraduate and 13 (76.5%) postgraduate were satisfied with the circulation service in their library. 23 (95.8%) undergraduate and 12 (66.7%) postgraduate users were satisfied with the inter library loan (ILL) service in the library.

Table shows that most of the users i.e. 92 (87.3) undergraduate and 34 (97.1%) postgraduates were satisfied with working hours of library. Table No. 8.28 shows that hundred percent users were aware of their library computerization services. Table indicates that

Table 8.29 shows the percentage of users using internet service for academic work, personal work and entertainment. It has been found that users do not use internet service for entertainment. The internet services were used for an academic work by 43 (89.6%) undergraduates and 31 (91.2%) postgraduates. The users use internet service for academic work more as compared to personal work. Table No 8.30 Preference in Searching the Requisite Information by Users

The library provides information to its users in provided as well as in electronic format. The users are using both the formats. They were asked which format they prefer to use. Table No. 8.30 shows that 33 (68.8%) undergraduates and 20 (58.8%) postgraduate and user preferred to use the provided documents from their library. The electronic format was used by 15 (31.3%) undergraduate and 14 (41.2%) postgraduate users in their library.

Table 8.31 shows that users are using documents provided by their library. The users were asked about the physical condition using the books. From the data it is evident that undergraduate 29 (60.4%) users feel that physical condition of the books was excellent. 19 (54.3%) postgraduate users feel that physical that physical condition of the books was very good. The table shows that the majority of the users in the college library i.e. 36 (75%) undergraduate and 33 (94.3%) postgraduate never found the pages missing from the books.

Table no. 8.32 shows that in the college library most of the users i.e. 48 (100%) undergraduate and 33(97.1%) postgraduate have taken assistance from library stall for the use of library resources and services. The table indicates that the majority of users i.e. 42 (87.5%) undergraduate and 31 (91.2%) postgraduate have taken assistance for locating books 33 (68.8%) undergraduate and 27 (79.4%) postgraduate have asked for assistance to consult the reference books. Table No. 8.33 Satisfaction Level of Users with the Attitude of Library Staff in Providing Library services providing library services. Only 1 (2.1%) undergraduate and 2 (5.7%) postgraduates were partially satisfied with the attitude of library staff.

Table no. 8.34 shows that 47 (97.9%) undergraduate and 31 (88.6%) postgraduate users responded positive that they were quite satisfied with resources and services of their library. Only 4 (11.4%) postgraduate were partially satisfied with their library resources and services.

The library has provided other facilities so that user can use these facilities. Table no. 8.35 indicates that

1

satisfied with calling facility only 9(32.1%) undergraduate were satisfied and 6(20%) postgraduate users were partially satisfied with the drinking water facility in their library.

1. Majority of the users 31(64.6%) undergraduates and 22(62.9%) postgraduates of KVA DAV College for Women, Karnal are visiting daily and considerable number of users i.e. 15(31.3%) undergraduate and 13(37.1%) postgraduates visit the library weekly. 2. Quite a large number of users in the college library i.e. 25(52.1%) undergraduate and 30(85.7%) postgraduates use the library up to one hour for reading/studying. 3. A number of users in the college i.e. 37(77.1%) undergraduate and 18(51.4%) postgraduates visit the library for getting the Text Books issued while a number of users i.e. 34(70.8%) undergraduate and only a few 3(8.6%) postgraduates go to the library for reading the magazines. 4. Most of the users i.e. 44(91.7%) undergraduate and 27(77.1%) postgraduates are satisfied with the collection and services of their library and they do not use the other library. 5. Majority of the users of the college library i.e. 42(87.5%) undergraduate and 17(48.6%) postgraduates sometimes use the library catalogue for locating the documents. 6. More than half of the users in the college library i.e. 33(68.8%) undergraduate and 19(54.3%) postgraduates borrow the subject books from the library. 7. Quite a large number of users in the college library i.e. 16(33.3%) undergraduate and 15(42.9%) do not request for reservation of books because they have shown unfamiliarity with the facility. 8. Most of the users were of the view that library staff was helpful in their search for required information. 9. 100 percent users in the college are familiar with the instructional programme of the library. Majority of the users take help from the oral instructions. 10. Majority of the users have replied that collection of the college library is good. library books very good. 12. Library staff is very helpful as replied by the majority of the users i.e. 43(89.6%) undergraduate and 35(100%) postgraduates. 13. Most of the users i.e. 36(75.0%) undergraduate and 22(62.9%) postgraduates are satisfied with working hours of the library.

10. TESTING OF HYPOTHESES

The following hypotheses were framed after review of literature. The development of hypothesis is important since it provides the focal point for research. Hypothesis testing results ultimately in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it or making amendment in it. Hypothesis One: Majority of the users visit the library daily. Majority of the users 31(64.6%) undergraduates and 22(62.9%) postgraduates of were visiting the library daily.

Most of the users i.e. 36(75.0%) undergraduate and 22(62.9%) postgraduates were satisfied with working hours of the library hence the hypotheses framed by the researcher has been tested and accepted

On the basis of my personal observation and the response of the users my suggestions for of the improvement of the library are as follows

Observing the total strength of students, the numbers of staff members are less; there is only one librarian and three non professional people in the KVA DAV College for women library. Hence, the

The seating arrangement should be increased as there are 1600 students and only 300 seats are available in the Library.

The users have demanded the increase in subject-periodicals and reference books. Although maximum users feel that other collection of the library is good. Yet some of them suggested that library should improve the collection of text books, general books and books of general awareness. They also added that latest editions of the books should be purchased by the library. Some of the users suggested that library should provide books according to their syllabus.

The library should have a proper catalogue.

There should be a separate reference desk and an assistant librarian to provide the required information.

The college library is not providing inter library loan facilities. It is also observed that most of the users are not aware of provision of this facility in the library. It is therefore suggested that library should provide this facility to the users as per their requirements.

It is observed that of the college library lacks furniture and it is suggested that the library should purchase more furniture for comfort of the users. Extension of the library building is must to cope up with the requirements of the users. There is a need for a separate periodical section also.

The college library should provide all the facilities of the computerization system.

Library should be opened in evening and on holidays.

There should be a provision for proper Drinking Water Facility.

From the findings of this study, one can conclude that majority of the users were quite satisfied with resources and services of the library and they visit the library daily. Users were satisfied with the working hours of the library. It has been observed from the analysis that users make use of various resources and services as per their needs. However, it is found that many of the resources, especially electronic resources and services are used to a lesser extent due to lack of awareness and training. The present building of the college library is not sufficient to fulfill the requirement of the users. Therefore, it is important that proper funds be allotted regularly for the library. The library should provide Inter Library Loan (ILL) facility to the users as per their requirements. The present building of the college library are not sufficient to fulfill the requirement of the users. Some users have expressed that the present sitting capacity of the library is not according to the requirement. It observed that the strength of the staff in the college library is inadequate according to the requirement of the users Information collected from the users has revealed that most of the users are unaware of the services being provided by the library. Many of users do not know how to use catalogue. The main source of revenue for the college library is the library fees collected from students, supplemented by Govt. and U.G.C. grants. These finances are not adequate to organize proper library services. The administration of the college must understand that library is an integral part of educational process. A good library collection and effective services would help to improve the quality of education and importance of the institution. Therefore, it is important that proper funds be allotted regularly for the library. In the library, collection of reference and general books is poor and outdated. These books are very useful in general study and research works. To cope with the library work and to fulfill the needs of the growing number of readers the computerization of the library is very essential. It enables us to implement Ranganathan’s five laws of library science, specially the fourth law “Save the time of the reader“. Although the college library have adopted Computer system, but due to the lack of sufficient budget and staff training computer are not utilized according to the need of the users.

READINGS

1

• Bouazza, Abdelmajid and Mufaraji, Moosa,(2005). Use of School Libraries by Teachers: The Case of Oman. Libri, 55(2), 140-147.

• College Echoes, (2006-2007). Annual Magazines. Karnal: KVA DAV College for Women.

• Columbia Encyclopedia, (1967). VI. New York: Columbia University.

• Dutta, D N. (1975). Library and their Users. Calcutta: The World Press.

• Ennis Kathy, Ed. (1995). Guidelines for College Libraries: Recommendation for Performance and Resourcing. Ed.5. London : Library Association.

• Giansheel, ( 2006-2007). Annual Magazines. Ambala City: DAV College Lahore.

• Harrod, L M, (1971). Librarian Glossary and Reference Book (pp 804). London: Andre Denstch..

• Hyden, Helen etc., (2005). User Survey at Waterford Institute of Technology Libraries. New Library World, 106(1), 43-57.

• Kabir, S. Humayoon, (1990). Historical and Survey Method of Research in Library and Information Science: A Comparative Study. ILA Bulletin, 26,(1), 39.

• Khanna, J K, (1984). Fundamental of Library Organization. New Delhi: ESS-ESS.

• Krishan Kumar,(1992). Research Methods in Library and Information Science. New Delhi: Har Anand.

• Line, Mourice B, (1969). Library Surveys (pp. 64). London: Clive Bingly.

• Lohar, M S and Kumbar, Mallinath, (2002). Use of Library Facilities and Information Resources in Sahyadri College, Shimogo (Karnataka): A Study. Annals of Library and Information Studies, 49(3), 73-87.

• Maheswarappa, B S and Havanur, B K, (1998). Use of Information Sources Versus the Personal Attributes of Biological Scientists in a University Environment in India: A Case Study of Karnataka University, Dharwad. Annals of Library Science and Documentation, 45(3), 85-101.

• Mouly, George J, (1978). Educational Research: The Art and Science of Investigation (pp. 12). Boston: Allyn and Unwin.

• Powell, Ronald R, (1985). Basic Research Methods for Librarian (pp. 112). New Jersey: Ablex.

• Rajgopal, B, (1989). User Survey of Srikrishna Devaraya University Library. Library Herald, 28 (1-2), 17-25.

• Random House, (1969) Dictionary of the English Language. College Edition. New Delhi: Allied.

• Sengar, K P and Gautam, J N, (2005). Information Seeking Behavior of Medical Professionals Working with Public Sector Institute / Hospital (PGIMER, Chandigarh) and Private Sector Institute / Hospital (EHIRC, New Delhi): A Comparative Study with Reference to their Library Use. Library Herald, 43(2), 92-108. Banwet, D K and Datta, B, (2000). Effect of Service Quality on Post-Visit Intentions: The case of a Library. Annals of Library and Information Science and Documentation, 47(2), 41-48.

• Singh, Gurdev, (2002). Use of College Libraries by Faculty Members of University of Delhi. Library Herald, 40(4), 263-270.

• Singh, S P, (1999). IIT library (Kanpur): Users Assessment of Collection and Reader Services. Annals of Library Science and Documentation, 46(4), 139-156.

• Singh, S P,(1998). Survey of IIT library (Delhi). Library Herald, 35(3-4), 79-114.

• Trehan, G L, (1969). Administration and Organization of College Libraries in India.

• Trehan, G L, (1985). College Library Management. New Delhi :Sterling.

 Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, (1966) (pp. 2303). Encyclopedia Britannica, Chicago.