Information needs and use pattern of users in Anna University library an analytical study

Abstract

This study basically aims at finding out the information seeking pattern and uitlisation of the Anna University Library user community. This research work is based on a practical application, rather than atraditional approach of conducting a survey of existing situation. The study is focused only on the two major types of users namely, Students and Faculty of Anna University, Chennai. Faculty includes Professors, Associate Professors/Readers, Assistant Professors/Lecturers and Student category includes Research Scholars, Postgraduates (PG), and Undergraduates (UG). The specific objectives are: (i) to identify the different types of user groups of the University Library, Anna University, Chennai; (ii) to ascertain the information needs of the users of different categories; (iii) to find out the information seeking pattern amongst the different user groups; (iv) to identify the use pattern of the different types of users (v) to elicit opinions of the users about the services and current developments in the Library and (vi) to offer suggestions and solutions for betterment of the Library and its services. To achieve these objectives, the Researcher has conducted a questionnaire survey The data collected through questionnaires are tabulated and analyzed with the help of SPSS, Version 13 and various statistical tools like ANOVA, Category Analysis, Chi-square, Descriptive Statistics, Standard deviation, and t test. Interpretations are drawn based up on the analysis. The findings and observations are the result and outcome of the interpretations made during the course of analysis. The thesis concludes with scope for further studies such as a study on the access pattern of the e-resources and usage pattern of internet or intranet. With India on the threshold of a very positive growth rate in the near future, making available most recent and also historic information on any topic of interest becomes a very vital requirement. And libraries are the natural choice for this goal. newline newline newline