ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION O F DATA
CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION O F DATA
4.0. INTRODUCTION
Analysis and interpretation has great significance in the research process. The main aim of analysis is to summarize the collected data so as to provide answers to the questions formulated. Interpretation is the search for broader meaning of the research findings (Saravanavel, 2005). Both the terms are interdependent.
The aim of this survey is to study An analysis of Knowledge resource management in Library, challenges and prospects with special reference of Private University in Rajasthan. The study focuses to identify the areas of KM application in University Libraries in Rajasthan, explores the tools used for KM in University Libraries in Rajasthan and also to identify how knowledge is being managed by the University Libraries in Rajasthan by in-depth interviews and close observations. Those experiences are also expressed in terms of quantity. It also aims to examine the skills and expertise needed by the University Librarians to manage knowledge and the major barriers to implementing KM in Libraries. The survey was conducted among the 33 Librarian and 300 students in the private Universities Libraries in Rajasthan. The data analysis for this study is presented in two sections, correspondingly to verify the hypotheses framed in line with the objectives framed for the study. The first section (A) Analyses the librarians opinion related to knowledge Resource Management and section (B) Analyses users opinion related to knowledge Resource Management.
The collected data contains both qualitative and quantitative data. Hence the study uses both qualitative and quantitative techniques for analysis. The statistical analysis comprised of two stages. The first stage examined the descriptive statistics of the measurement items and assessed the reliability and validity of the measure applied in this study. The second stage tested the proposed research model and this involves assessing the contributions and significance of the manifest variables path coefficients. SPSS 20.0 for windows was used to analyze the collected data. It examined the descriptive statistics of the measurement items and assessed the validity and reliability of the measure applied in this study.
The analysis has been done under the following headings namely.
Section: A Librarians
Personal information about the librarians
Book selection tools
Method of acquiring Knowledge resources
Communication methods to acquire Knowledge resources
Barriers to acquire Knowledge resources
Collection development
Library services
Self-appraisal of Knowledge Resource Management (KRM) skills among librarians
Evaluation methods adopted to evaluate the collection
Section B Users
Personal information about the users
Purpose of users who use the library
Usage of reading materials among users
Order of preferences given to overall library facilities by users
Difficulties faced in using library sources and services by the users.
Descriptive analysis of data in terms of frequency distribution and percent analysis is carried out and presented. Differential analysis has been done in terms of statistical techniques such as Chi-square test, Reliability Analysis, Cluster Analysis, and Proximity Matrix. Some tables have been represented in the form of graphs and diagrams for making the data analysis clear.
Sample Size
The questionnaires were distributed to the Librarians working in 50 private University. A total of 50 questionnaires were distributed, out of which, 33 filled in questionnaires were received and the response rate is found to be 67 % and second questionnaires were distributed to library user in different- different University students. Total 400 questionnaires were distributed, out of which, 304 filled in questionnaires were received and response rate is found 75%.
4.1 LIBRARIANS VIEW OF KNOWLEDGE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.
4.1.1 DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
The data collected from the librarians were further grouped into eight categories such as Gender, Age, Experience Qualification, Types of Institution , Location, Year of establishment and Courses offered and the same is shown in Table 4.1.
S. No Description Responses Percentage
1 Gender Male 27 81.81
Female 6 18.18
2 Age Below 35 0 0
35 + 33 100
3 Experience Below 10 years 12 36.4
10 to 15 years 13 39.4
Above 15 years 8 24.2
4 Educational qualification of librarians MLIS 24 72
Ph. D 9 18
5 Year of Establishment 1950 to 1990 8 24
2000 to 2010 9 27
2011 to above 16 49
6 Courses offered UG only 33 100
PG 33 100
Ph. D 33 100
7 Location Rural 17 53.1
Semi Urban 7 21.9
Urban 8 25
It is found from Table 4.1 that among the respondents, 81.8 percent of librarians are male and 18.18 percent of librarians are female. Further, 0 percent of librarians are below 35 years of age, and 100 percent of librarians are above 35 years of age. Regarding experience, 36.4 percent of the respondents had below 10 years experience in the field of Library Science and (39.4%) has an experience of 10 to 15 years and above 15 years experience of 24.2 percent. It is noted that 72 percent of librarians have M.L.I.S. Qualification and 18 percent of the librarians have Ph.D qualification. In the case of location of the institution, 53.1 percent of the respondents are from rural area, 25 percent are from urban locality and 21.9 percent are from semi urban area. It is found that 100 percent of University are offering courses at all levels (UG, PG and Ph.D).
It is inferred that majority of the respondents have research qualification is MLIS 72 percent and 18 percent respondents qualification is Ph.D., and higher percent of librarians above to the age group of 35 above years and half of the respondents are working in institutions located in rural areas.
4.1.2 BOOK SELECTION TOOLS
The study analysed book selection tool used by the librarian respondents. Five tools were identified and analysed on nominal scale. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and ranks are also assigned. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is shown in the Table 4.2.
Table 4.2 Book Selection Tools
S. No. Description Responses Mean SD Rank
1 Bibliographies 33% 5
2 Books in print 33% 4
3 Publishers & Book Sellers Catalogue 93% 1
4 Subject List 87% 2
5 Web OPAC 70% 3
(SD = Standard deviation)
It is inferred from the table 4.2 that 93 percent of the librarians used Publishers catalogue for book selection and this was ranked first , Subject lists (Syllabus references) (87%) are used as the second level followed by Web OPAC (70%). Books in print (33%) and Bibliographies (33%) are used by less number of librarians.
Table 4.2 shows that majority of the librarians are using publishers catalogue as a book selection tool and Books in print are used as the least book selection tool.
4.1.2.1 Book Selection Tools Vs Gender
The study is ascertained by gender. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and based on the calculation the ranks are assigned. The same is shown in Table 4.3.
Table 4.3
Book Selection Tools Vs Gender
S. No. Description Male: 26 Female : 7
Responses Mean SD Rank Responses Mean SD Rank
1 Bibliographies 33% 5
2 Books in print 33% 4
3 Publishers & Book Sellers Catalogue 93% 1
4 Subject List 87% 2
5 Web OPAC 70% 3
It can be seen from the table 4.3 that higher percent of the male librarians preferred Bibliography (56.1%), Books in print (22%) and Subject list (53.7%) to book selection when compared to female (33.3%, 13.9% and 44.4% respectively) librarians. Higher percent of female librarians preferred Publishers catalogue (91.7%) and Web OPAC (27.8%) when compared to the male (90.2% and 14.6% respectively) librarians.
It is found from the table 4.3 that majority of the male and female librarians used Publishers catalogue for book selection. The male librarians preferred Web OPAC as the least tool for book selection whereas the female librarians preferred Books in print.
4.1.2.2 Book Selection Tools Vs Experience
Book selection tools is further analysed among experience of the librarians on nominal scale. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and ranks are allotted based on the mean. The same is shown in Table 4.4
Table 4.4
Book Selection Tools Vs Experience
S. No. Description Below 10 Year 11-15 Year 16 to above Year Chi square
Responses Mean SD Rank Responses Mean SD Rank Responses Mean SD Rank 1 Bibliographies
2 Books in print
3 Publishers & Book Sellers Catalogue
4 Subject List
5 Web OPAC
It is seen from the table 4.4 that librarians with an experience of 5 -10 years (50%) and above 10 years (45.8%) have preferred Bibliography to book selection in the second rank whereas the librarians with below 5years (41.4%) experience are ranked the third. Books in print are used as a book selection tool among the librarians with an experience of below 5years (10.3%) and Above 10 years (16.7%) and they are ranked the fifth whereas the librarians with 5 -10 years (29.2%) experience get the fourth rank. Publishers catalogue is the most preferred tool for book selection among the librarians with below 5 years (86.2%), 5 -10 years (91.7%) and Above 10 years (95.8%) experience. Subject list tool is preferred by the librarians with an experience of Below 5 years (58.6%) in the second rank when compared to librarians with 5 -10 years (45.8%) and Above 10 years (41.7%) experience. Web OPAC of other libraries has been used as a book selection tool among the librarians with an experience below 5years (17.2%) and Above 10 years (16.7%) are ranked as the fourth whereas librarians with 5 -10 years (29.2%) experience get the fifth rank.
The Chi-Square test was thus administered to test significant difference between experience of librarians and the use of book selection tools. The calculated value 3.181 is less than the table value of 5.991 for degrees of freedom four at .05 significance level. Therefore, it is inferred that there is significant difference between experience of librarians and the use of book selection tools and the hypothesis is disproved.
It can be observed from the table 5.4 that majority of the librarians used Publishers catalogue for acquiring Knowledge resources for their libraries and Use the Books in print is the least method among the librarians with an experience Below 5 years and Above 10 years whereas librarians with an experience of 5 -10 years experience have used Web OPAC as the least.
4. 1.3 BOOK SELECTION METHODS
Five ways of book selection methods were identified and analysed on nominal scale such as Head of the Department (HOD), Faculty, Library Staff, Students and Management. Mean and Standard deviation are calculated and ranks are assigned based on the mean. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is given in Table 4.5.
Table 4.5
Books Selection Methods
S. No. Description Responses Mean SD Rank
1 Head of the Department (HOD)
2 Faculty
3 Library Staff
4 Students
5 Management
Table 4.5 shows that 94.8 percent of libraries are getting suggestions from the Head of the Department and 79.2 percent of librarians also collect views of Faculty members to select the documents. It reveals that 74 percent of librarians are also collecting suggestions from students to select the documents. 49.4 percent of College authorities (Management) are involved in book selection process. Further it reveals that Library staffs (39 %) also suggest documents that are to be acquired. The standard deviation ranges from 0.22 to 0.50. Cabonero and Mayrena (2012) found similar results that faculty members moderately participate in the selection of Knowledge resources through recommending recent and relevant titles of library resources in line with their field of expertise.
The Head of the Department is the key person involved in selection of the documents needed for the library based on the curriculum. It is followed by Faculty members of the department and Students. Library Staff also suggest the documents based on the users need and usage at the least level in the book selection.
4. 1.3.1 Book Selection Methods Vs Gender
Book selection methods is analysed among male and female librarians on nominal scale. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and ranks are assigned based on the mean. The same is shown in Table 4.6
Table 4.6
Book Selection Methods Vs Gender
S. No. Description Male: 26 Female : 7
Responses Mean SD Rank Responses Mean SD Rank
1 Head of the Department (HOD)
2 Faculty
3 Library Staff
4 Students
5 Management
Mean ( mean/ n)
It can be seen from the table 5.6 that 97.2 percent of the Head of the Department (HOD) who are highly involved in book selection process are female librarians working in the institutions whereas 92.7 percent of the Heads of the Department (HOD) who are highly involved in book selection process are male librarians working in the institutions. Higher percent of Faculty members who participate in the book selection process are male librarians (80.5%) rather than libraries in which female librarians (77.8%) work. It reveals that the participation of students in the book selection slightly varies in libraries where male librarians (73.2%) and female librarians (75%) work. It also reveals that college Management participated in the library book selection process where male (48.8%) and female (50%) librarians worked. It is observed from the table that 47.2 percent of Library staff members suggested library documents under the leadership of female librarians than male librarians (31.7%).
It is inferred that among male and female librarians, the first rank is occupied by the Head of the Department who is involved in the selection of the documents needed in the library. It proves that there is a slight difference in deviation on the basis of gender factor in the Book selection process.
5. 1.4 ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES
Acquiring Knowledge resources is a core activity of all libraries and its objective is to build up Knowledge resources in conformity with the objectives of the parent institution to meet the information requirements of the users. Seven methods were identified and analysed on five point scale such as Always, Often, Sometimes, Rarely and Never. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is given in the Table 4.8.
Table 5.8
Acquiring Knowledge resources
S. No. Parameter Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always Mean SD Rank
1 By standing vendor
2 By visiting to Book shop
3 By inviting book sellers to bring the books to the Library
4 By approval method
5 By Quotations
6 By organizing book exhibitions
7 By visiting book fairs / festivals / exhibitions
It is found from table 5.8 that 54.5 percent of librarians always invite book sellers to acquire Knowledge resources for the library. It is followed by Standing Vendor (40.3%), Visiting book shops (33.8%), Organizing book exhibitions (33.8%), Approval method (32.5%) and Quotations (29.9%). It is noticed that 23.4 percent of librarians rarely used visiting book fairs, festivals, exhibitions to acquire Knowledge resources.
Majority of the librarians are acquiring Knowledge resources for library by means of Inviting book sellers and it is followed by Standing vendor and Approval method. At the least level, Knowledge resources are acquired by librarians by visiting book fairs and exhibitions.
5. 1.4.1 Acquiring Knowledge resources Vs Gender
Acquiring Knowledge resources is analysed among the male and female librarians on five point scale. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and the ranks are assigned. The same is shown in Table 4.9.
Table 5.9
S. No. Parameter Male: 26 Female : 7
N R S O A M SD R N R S O A M SD R
1 By standing vendor
2 By visiting to Book shop
3 By inviting book sellers to bring the books to the Library
4 By approval method
5 By Quotations
6 By organizing book exhibitions
7 By visiting book fairs / festivals / exhibitions
Acquiring Knowledge resources Vs Gender
(A=Always; O= Often; S= Sometimes; RA = Rarely; N= Never; M = Mean; R= Rank)
It is found from table 4.9 that Standing vendor (47.2 %) and Visiting book fairs, festivals and exhibitions (25%) are always used in acquiring Knowledge resources by female librarians when compared to male librarians (34.1% and 24.4%. respectively). It further indicates that a greater percent of librarians who always acquire Knowledge resources through Visiting Book shop (36.6%), Inviting book sellers (56.1%), Approval method (36.6%), Quotations (34.1%) and Organizing book exhibitions (39%) are males when compared to female librarians (30.6%, 52.8%, 27.8%, 25% and 27.8% respectively).The standard deviation is less than 2 and it ranges from 1.02 to 1.61. Male and female librarians always invite sellers to library for acquiring Knowledge resources is ranked first. Quotations method is the least preferred method among male and female librarians.
4. 1.4.2 Acquiring Knowledge resources Vs Location
Acquiring Knowledge resources is further analysed on the basis of location of library on five point scale. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and the ranks are assigned. The same is presented in Table 4.10.
Table4.10
Acquiring Knowledge resources Vs Location
S. N Parameter Rural : 17 Urban : 8 Semi Urban : 7 Chi square
N R S O A M SD R N R S O A M SD R N R S O A M SD R 1 By standing vendor 2 By visiting to Book shop 3 By inviting book sellers to bring the books to the Library 4 By approval method 5 By Quotations 6 By organizing book exhibitions 7 By visiting book fairs / festivals / exhibitions (A=Always; O= Often; S= Sometimes; RA = Rarely; N= Never; M = Mean; R= Rank)
The results in table 4.10 show that in rural libraries, 53.8 percent of the librarians always invite booksellers followed by Standing vendor (48.7 %), Quotations (35.9 %) and equal number of response (33.3%) was received for the remaining methods i.e. Visiting book shop, Approval method and Organizing book exhibitions. Further table 5.10 shows that 68.8 percent of the semi urban college librarians always invited book sellers, 43. 8 percent of the librarians always preferred Standing vendor and Organizing exhibitions followed by Visiting book shop (31.3%), Approval method (31.3%) and Visiting book fairs, festivals and exhibitions (31.3%) and Inviting quotations (25%).45.5 percent of urban college librarians always invited book sellers to library for acquiring Knowledge resources. 27.3 percent of urban college librarians never employed quotations method .
Table 4.10 reveals that acquiring Knowledge resources by means of Inviting sellers is always preferred among the librarians who are working in rural institutions. It is followed by Approval method, Visiting book shop, Organizing exhibitions, Standing vendor and quotations. For acquiring Knowledge resources, the librarians who are working in semi urban institutions invite sellers to library followed by Standing vendor, Approval method, Quotations, Visiting book fairs, festivals and exhibitions, Visiting book shop and Organizing book exhibitions. Further, it reveals that Inviting sellers is also always preferred by the librarians who are working in Urban based institutions followed by standing vendor, approval method, visiting book shop, organizing exhibitions, visiting book fairs and quotations.
Chi-square test was used to test the significant difference in the modes of acquiring Knowledge resource and location of the college libraries. The calculated value of 10.096 is less than the table value of 15.507 for degrees of freedom eight at .05 significance level. Therefore, it is inferred that there is significant difference in mode of acquiring Knowledge resource and location of the college libraries. Hence, the hypothesis is not proved.
4. 1.5. MODE OF COMMUNICATION TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES
The study analysed the mode of communication to acquire Knowledge resources by the librarians in the library. Five modes are identified and ascertained on three point scale such as Good, Average and Poor. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and ranks are also assigned. The same is shown in Table 4.11 and Figure 4.1.
Table 5.12 Mode of Communication
S. No. Parameter Never Rarely Some Time Often Always Mean SD Rank
1 Face to face
2 Postal/ Courier
3 Postal/ Courier
4 Fax
5 Email
Table 4.12 and Figure 5.1shows that comparatively higher percent (54.5%) of librarians always preferred phone communication to acquire Knowledge resources. It is followed by Face to Face (50.6%), Postal (50.6%) and e- mail (22.1%) communication. Fax (66.2%) communication is a rarely preferred mode of communication by the librarians. The standard deviation ranges from 0.56 to 0.76.
Majority of the librarians preferred placing order for Knowledge resources through Phone (Land line and Mobile) communication. It is also observed that least number of librarians have ordered Knowledge resources through Fax.
4.1 Mode of Communication
4.1.5.1 Mode of Communication Vs Gender
The mode of communication preferred by the librarians is analysed on the basis of gender. The mean and standard deviation are also calculated and ranks are assigned. The same is shown in Table 4.13.
Table 4.13
S. No. Parameter Male Female
Never Rarely Some Time Often Always Mean SD Rank Never Rarely Some Time Often Always Mean SD Rank
1 Face to face
2 Postal/ Courier
3 Postal/ Courier
4 Fax
5 Email
Mode of Communication Vs G
Majority (61%) of male librarians have always preferred Phone communication. It is followed by Face to face communication (58.5%), Postal/ Courier (53.7%), E- mail (26.8%) but 65.9 percent rarely preferred to use fax communication. On the other hand, analysing the data given by the female librarians, it is clearly evident that almost an equal number of female respondents (47.2%) have always preferred Phone communication and Postal / Courier for acquiring Knowledge resources followed by Face to face communication (41.7%) but Fax (66.7%) and Email (47.2%) have been rarely preferred by female respondents. The standard deviation ranges from 0.54 to 2.61 in three point scale.
It is inferred that male librarians prefer to use Phone communication but female librarians preferred Postal communication. Fax communication is the least preferred mode of communication among the male and female librarians.
4.1.5.2 Mode of Communication Vs Experience
The mode of communication preferred by the librarians is analysed based on their experience. The mean and standard deviation are also calculated and ranks are assigned. The same is presented in Table 4.14.
Table 4.14 Mode of Communication Vs Experience
S. No. Parameter Below 10 Year 11-15 Year 16 to above Year Chi square
Never Rarely Some Time Often Always Mean SD Rank Never Rarely Some Time Often Always Mean SD Rank Never Rarely Some Time Often Always Mean SD Rank 1 Face to face
2 Postal/ Courier
3 Postal/ Courier
4 Fax
5 Email
It can be seen from the table 5.14 that 58.3 percent of the librarians with more than 10 years experience always use Face to face communication than the librarians with 5 10 years (50%) experience and librarian with less than 5 years (44.8%) experience. 66.7 percent of librarians with 5 - 10 years experience always used postal communication extensively to acquire communication when compared to librarians with less than 5 years of experience (48.3%) and librarians with more than 10 years (37.5%) experience. It reveals that 58.6 percent of librarians with less than 5 years experience always use Phone communication when compared to librarians with 6- 10 years (54.2%) experience and librarians with more than 10 years (50%) experience. 54.2 percent of librarians with 5 - 10 years experience often use e- mail communication compared to librarians with more than 10 years (37.5%) experience and librarians with less than 5 years experience (31%) experience. Fax communication is rarely used by all librarians.
Chi-Square test was administered to find out whether there is any significant relation between experience of librarians and mode of communication used by them in acquiring Knowledge resource. The calculated value 5.553 is less than the table value 9.488 for degrees of freedom four at .05 significance level. It is inferred that there is a significant relation between the experience of librarians and mode of communication in acquiring Knowledge Resources. Hence, the hypothesis is proved.
It is evident from the table 5.14 that Phone communication is preferred by librarians who have an experience below 5years whereas librarians with 5 to 10 years experience have preferred Postal communication and librarians with more than 10 years experience have preferred Face to face communication for acquiring Knowledge resources. Fax communication is not effectively used by librarians.
4.1.6 BARRIERS TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES
Struggles are always there in all processes. This study has analysed various barriers faced by the librarians in acquiring Knowledge resources for libraries. Six barriers are identified and ascertained on five point scale such as Always, Often, Sometimes, Rarely and Never. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest. The mean and Standard deviation is calculated, and ranks are assigned and shown in Table 5.16 and Figure 4.2.
Table 5.16
Barriers to Acquire Knowledge Resources
S. No. Barriers Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always Mean SD Rank
1 Policy of the Institution
2 Inadequate funds
3 Lack of co-operation
4 Lack of Books Selection Sources
5 Lack of equipments
6 Language barriers
Figure 4.2 Barriers to Acquire Knowledge Resources
Table 4.16 and Figure 4.2 depicted that 51.9 percent of the librarians always encountered Language barrier in acquiring Knowledge resources which is followed by inadequate funds (49.4%), Lack of book selection sources (44.2%), and Lack of equipments (35.1%). After analysis, it has been found that Lack of co-operation (9.1%) is not a major barrier to acquire Knowledge resources.
It is inferred that Language barrier is the major barrier encountered by the librarians in acquiring Knowledge resources because majority of the book sellers and publishers are located in places like New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, etc.
4.1.6.1 Barriers to Acquire Knowledge Resources Vs Gender
The study analyses the barriers confronted by male and female librarians in acquiring Knowledge resources. The mean and Standard deviation are calculated and ranks are also assigned and shown in Table 4.17.
Table 4.17
Barriers to Acquire Knowledge Resources Vs Gender
S. No. Barriers Male Female
N R ST O A Mean SD Rank N R ST O A Mean SD Rank
1 Policy of the Institution
2 Inadequate funds
3 Lack of co-operation
4 Lack of Books Selection Sources
5 Lack of equipments
6 Language barriers
(A = Always; O = Often; S = Sometimes; RA= Rarely; M = Mean; R = Rank)
It can be seen from the table 5.17 that higher percent of male (34.1%) and female (44.4%) librarians never faced any problem associated with Policy of the institution in acquiring Knowledge resources. With respect to Inadequate funds, comparatively higher number of female librarians (66.7 %) has been always affected than male librarians (34.1%). It is further found that nearly equal percent of male (41.5%) and female (47.2%) librarians have always faced the problem of Lack of book selection sources. Female librarians (38.9%) have always faced problem in using equipments than the male librarians (31.7%). It is noted that more than 50 percent of male (51.2%) and female (52.8%) librarians have always encountered the problem through language barrier.
It is inferred that language is the major barrier encountered by male librarians whereas female librarians encountered inadequate funds. Lack of co-operation offers fewer barriers among male and female librarians.
4.1.7 MANAGEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE RESOURCE COLLECTION
Management of knowledge resource collection is an essential process in all types of libraries then only library professionals have to fulfil the users need and visions of institutions. Six major categories are identified and ascertained on five point scale such as More effective, Effective, Neutral, Less effective and More Less effective. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and ranks are assigned. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest. The same is shown in Table 4.19 and Figure 4.3.
Table 4.19
Management of information source collection
S. No. Description MLE LE N E ME M SD R
1 Planning and Policy Making
2 Collection analysis
3 Collection Maintenance
4 Budgetary Control
5 Liaison (User, Publisher, Management, Librarian)
6 Resource Sharing policy & method
S. No. Description More Less effective Less effective Neutral Effective More effective Mean SD Rank
1 Planning and Policy Making
2 Collection analysis
3 Collection Maintenance
4 Budgetary Control
5 Liaison (User, Publisher, Management, Librarian)
6 Resource Sharing policy & method
Figure 4.3 Management of Information Source Collection
Table 4.19 and Figure 4.3 depicts that 68.8 percent of librarians have effectively planned and maintained the collection. It further reveals that Collection analysis (75.3%), Budgetary Control (64.9%) and Liaison with User, Publisher, Management, and other Librarians (67.5%) are effectively done by the librarians but 53.2 percent of librarians shared the collection (Resources) in a neutral way and 55.8 percent of librarians have maintained collection in more effective.
Majority of the librarians have given importance (first rank) for proper maintenance of collection in libraries. It is followed by Planning and policy making related to development of library activities, Collection Analysis and Liaison. It further stated that Budgetary Control and Resource Sharing are the least preferences given by librarians because most of the library budget is maintained by authorities of the college.
5.1.7.1 Management of information source collection Vs Gender
Management of information source collection is analysed between male and female librarians and the same is shown in Table 4.20. Mean and standard deviation are also calculated and it is ranked based on mean.
Table 4.20
Management of information source collection Vs Gender
S. N Description Male Female
MLE LE N E ME Mean SD Rank MLE LE N E ME Mean SD Rank
1 Planning and Policy Making
2 Collection analysis
3 Collection Maintenance
4 Budgetary Control
5 Liaison (User, Publisher, Management, Librarian)
6 Resource Sharing policy & method
(ME = More effective; E = Effective; N = Neutral; LE = Less effective; MLE = More Less effective; M = Mean; R = Rank)
It is witnessed from table 4.20 that Collection Maintenance is maintained by both male (61%) and female (50%) librarians more effectively. Planning and policy making, Collection analysis, Budgetary Control and Liaison have been done by male (61%, 75.6%, 61% and 75.6% respectively) and female (77.8%, 75%, 69.4% and 58.3% respectively) librarians effectively. Nearly an equal percent of male (53.7%) and female librarians (52.8%) have maintained resource sharing as neutral.
Proper maintenance of library collection has been ranked as first by both male and female librarians. Secondly, Planning and Policy making have been done effectively by male librarians but Liaison have been done effectively by female librarians. Least importance has been given to Resource sharing by male and female librarians.
4.1.8 LIBRARY SERVICES
The study ascertained services provided by the librarians on five point scale such as More effective, Effective, Neutral, Less effective and More less effective. The services are grouped into eight major categories. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and based on that the ranks are given. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is shown in Table 4.22 and Figure 4.4.
Table 4.22
Library Services
S. No. Services More Less effective Less effective Neutral Effective More effective Mean SD Rank
1 Lending service
2 Reference service
3 Referral service
4 Inter Library Loan service
5 Consortium (UGC Info net / N-List) service
6 Online service
7 Current Awareness Service (CAS)
8 Reprography service
Figure 4.4 Library Services
It can be seen from the table 4.22 and figure 4.4 that 63.6 percent of librarians are more effective in providing lending services to the users. 93.5 percent of librarians are effective in providing reference services to the users. It is followed by Referral (76.6%), Current Awareness Service (76.6%) and Reprography (55.8%). Only few librarians pointed that they are providing Inter Library Loan (23.4%), Consortium (UGC Info net / N-List) (24.7%) and Online service (28.6%) effectively.
It is found from table 4.22 that Lending service is primly provided by the librarians in more a effective way. Reference, Referral, Reprography and Current Awareness service are provided effectively by the librarians. Inter Library Loan and Consortium (UGC Info net / N-List) services are provided by the library in neutral level and Online service is less effective.
4.1.8.1 Library Services Vs Location
The study is further extended to identify the level of services provided by the library on the basis of location. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and based on that the ranks are provided and the same is shown in Table 4.23.
Table 4.23
S. No. Services Rural : 17 Urban : 8 Semi Urban : 7
MLE LE N E ME M SD R MLE LE N E ME M SD R MLE LE N E ME M SD R
1 Lending service
2 Reference service
3 Referral service
4 Inter Library Loan service
5 Consortium service
6 Online service
7 Current Awareness Service (CAS)
8 Reprography service
Library Services Vs Location
(ME = More effective; E = Effective; N = Neutral; LE = Less effective; M = Mean; R = Rank)
Table 4.23 depicts that 69.2 percent college libraries located in rural are felt, Lending services is a more effective service than Urban (59.1%) and Semi urban (56.3%) located college libraries. Rural (92.3%), Semi urban (93.8%), Urban (95.5%) located college librarians are provided with Reference service which is effective. It further reveals that 81.3 percent of Semi urban college libraries are effectively provided Referral service to the users when compared to Rural (79.5%) and Urban (68.2 %) college libraries.
Majority of the Rural (56.4%), Semi urban (62.5%) and Urban (40.9%) libraries are provided with Inter library loan service in neutral. Majority of the Rural (41%), Semi urban (62.5%) and Urban (45.5%) libraries are provided with Consortium services in a neutral way. Online service provided by the rural (56.4%), semi urban (37.5%) and urban (45.5%) college libraries in less effective. Rural (84.6%), semi urban (75%) and urban (45.5%) college libraries provided with CAS by effective.
It is clearly evident from the table 5.23 that Rural college libraries are provided with Lending and Reference services in an effective whereas Inter library loan and Online services are the least. The Lending and Reference services in semi urban college libraries are given more importance whereas Inter library loan, Consortium service and Online services are considered the least. In urban colleges Lending service and Current Awareness Service are given more importance whereas Inter library loan, Reprography service and Consortium service are treated as the least service in libraries.
4.1.11 PRESERVATION OF KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES
Preservation of information source is an important aspect of library and Knowledge Resources management. Preservation is the task of minimizing or reducing the physical deterioration of documents.
The study is to analyse various methods to be considered by the librarian respondents to preserve the Knowledge Resources. Seven variables were identified and ascertained on nominal scale. Mean and standard deviation are calculated and the ranks are assigned based on the same. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is given in Table 4.31.
Table 4.31
Preservation of Knowledge Resources
S. No. Methods Responses Mean SD Rank
1 Utilization of professional preservations /conservators
2 Cleaning and Dusting
3 Good ventilation
4 Proper shelving
5 Training to users and library staff
6 Humidity measures
7 Digital Preservation
Table 4.31 pointed that 93.5 percent of librarians used Cleaning and dusting and Proper shelving as major techniques to preserve the Knowledge Resources. It is followed by Good ventilation (90.9%), Training to users and library staff (68.8%). 35.1 percent of librarians measured humidity level. It reveals that 28.6 percent of librarians used Professional preservators and conservators to preserve the Knowledge Resources. 23.4 percent of librarians used digital preservation techniques. Ovowoh and Enemute (2010) stated that good ventilation is paramount in preserving library materials and will make for longevity of the information materials.
It is clearly evident from the table 4.31 that Cleaning and dusting and Proper shelving are the major factors which influence to preserve Knowledge Resourcess followed by good ventilation and digital preservation is the least factor used by librarians.
4.1.11.1 Preservation of Knowledge Resources Vs Gender
Preservation of Knowledge Resources are analysed by gender. The mean and standard deviation are calculated. Ranks are assigned based on the above and presented in Table 4.32.
Table 4.32
Preservation of Knowledge Resources Vs Gender
S. No Methods Male 26 Female 7
Responses Mean SD Rank Responses Mean SD Rank
1 Utilization of professional preservations /conservators
2 Cleaning and Dusting
3 Good ventilation
4 Proper shelving
5 Training to users and library staff
6 Humidity measures
7 Digital Preservation
It is observed from the table 4.32 that 30.6 percent of female librarians use professional preservators and conservators to preserve Knowledge Resources and 26.8 percent of male librarians use their services. Above 90 percent of male (90.2%) and female (97.2%) librarians use cleaning and dusting process in their libraries. It indicates that 97.6 percent of male librarians shelve documents properly and then female librarians (88.9%). Both male (92.7%) and female (88.9%) librarians maintain good ventilation in their libraries. It also reveals that 69.4 percent of female librarians give tips to users and library staff related to use of Knowledge Resources. Minimum percent of male (34.1%) and female (32.1%) librarians measured humidity in the library. Further, it reveals that less number of male (29.3%) and female (16.7%) librarians preserve digital content in the library.
It is observed that male librarians use Proper shelving technique to preserve the Knowledge Resources but female librarians use Cleaning and dusting process. Good ventilation is the second process used among male and female librarians. Utilization of professional preservators/ conservators is the least process used by male librarians but Female librarians use digital preservation.
4.1.11.2 Preservation of Knowledge Resources Vs Location
The study is further extended to location. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and the ranks are assigned based on mean and standard deviation. The same is presented in Table 4.33.
Table 5.33
Preservation of Knowledge Resources Vs Location
S. No Methods Rural : 17 Urban : 8 Semi Urban : 7
Responses Mean SD Rank Responses Mean SD Rank Responses Mean SD Rank
1 Utilization of professional preservations /conservators
2 Cleaning and Dusting
3 Good ventilation
4 Proper shelving
5 Training to users and library staff
6 Humidity measures
7 Digital Preservation
It can be seen from the table 5.33 that 97.4 percent of Rural libraries use cleaning and dusting process in their libraries when compared to Semi urban (93.8%) and Urban (86.4%) college libraries. Semi urban (98.8%) college libraries are more highly maintained ventilation in libraries than Urban (90.9%) and Rural (89.7%) libraries. Above 90 percent of Rural (94.9%), Semi urban (93.8%) and Urban (90.9%) college libraries have arranged documents properly. Urban (77.3%) libraries more highly train users to handle the library sources than the Rural (66.7%) and Semi urban (62.5%) college libraries. It is inferred that 59.1 percent of Urban College libraries measure humidity in libraries and less number of Rural (23.1%) and Semi Urban (31.3%) College libraries measured humidity. It is viewed that 50 percent of Urban College libraries use professional preservators and conservators in preservation of library sources and less number of Rural (20.5%) and Semi urban (18.8%) college libraries use Professional preservators and conservators. Minimum number of Rural (17.9%), Semi urban (18.8%) and Urban (36.4%) College libraries apply preservation technique in digital resources.
It is evident from the table 5.33 that Rural college libraries use Cleaning and Dusting process in preserving Knowledge Resources, Semi Urban College libraries highly use Cleaning and Dusting, Good ventilation and Proper shelving process to preserve Knowledge Resources and Urban college libraries follow Good ventilation and Proper shelving process in preserving Knowledge Resources.
4.1.12 KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SKILL
Knowledge Resources Management skill is defined as developed capacities used to collect, create, organize, use and disseminate Knowledge Resourcess efficiently. The study is analysed level of various skills possessed by librarians related to Knowledge Resources Management. Ten skills were identified and ascertained on three point scale such as Good, Moderate and Poor. Mean and standard deviation are calculated and the ranks are assigned based on the same. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is shown in Table 4.35.
Table 4.35
Knowledge Resources Management Skill
S. No. Skills Moderate Good Very Good Excellent Mean SD Rank
1 Collection Management skill
2 Collection development skill
3 Service skill
4 Preservation skill
5 Maintenance skill
6 Record management skill
7 Budget skill
8 Negotiation skill
9 Liaison skill
It is clear from the table 4.35 that librarians have possessed a good level of Collection management skill (46.8%) and ranked first followed by Services skill (39%) with second rank. Third rank of Knowledge Resources Management skill possessed by librarians is Maintenance skill (35.1%). It is learnt that Collection Development skill (72.7%), Record maintenance skill (74%), ICT skill (62.3%), Budget skill (59.7%) and Liaison skill (55.8%) are possessed by librarians at moderate level. It further reveals that librarians have possessed Preservation (35.1%) and Negotiation skill (40.3%) at a poor level.
It is observed from the table 4.35 that majority of the librarians are highly skilled in collection management. It is followed by Service skill, Maintenance skill, and Collection development skill, Record management skill, Budget skill and Liaison skill. The librarians do not have a good level of skill in Preservation and Negotiation.
4.1.12.3 Knowledge Resources Management Skill Vs Gender
Knowledge Resources Management skill is analysed by gender. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and the ranks are assigned. The same is presented in Table 4.37.
Table 5.37
Knowledge Resources Management skill Vs Gender
S. No. Skills Male 26 Female 7
Moderate Good Very Good Excellent Mean SD Moderate Good Very Good Excellent Mean SD
1 Collection Management skill
2 Collection development skill
3 Service skill
4 Preservation skill
5 Maintenance skill
6 Record management skill
7 Budget skill
8 Negotiation skill
9 Liaison skill
It is clear from the table 4.37 that male librarians (51.2%) have a good level of Collection management skill whereas female librarians (52.8%) have a moderate level. Collection development and ICT skill are possessed by male (70.7 % and 68.3% respectively) and female (75 % and 55.6% respectively) librarians at a moderate level. Female librarians (61.1%) have possessed Maintenance skill in the second rank whereas male librarians (63.4%) are in the third rank at a moderate level. It is further analysed that 46.3 percent of the male librarians are highly skilled in service rather than the female librarians (30.6%). Preservation skill is also possessed at a moderate level by male (48.8%) and female (38.9%) librarians. The record management skill among the librarians has a moderate level with slight improvement in female (75 %) librarians rather than male ones (73.2%).
It is learnt from the table 5.37 that male librarians are highly skilled in Collection maintenance followed by Service and Maintenance skill whereas female librarians practise Collection maintenance followed by Maintenance and Service skill. It is concluded from the table 4.37 that Budget, Negotiation, Liaison skills are needed to improve the male and female librarians.
4.1.12.5 Knowledge Resources Management Skill Vs Experience
S. No. Skills Below 10 Year 11-15 Year 16 to above Year Chi square
ME G VG E M SD R ME G VG E M SD R ME G VG E M SD R 1 Collection Management skill
2 Collection development skill
3 Service skill
4 Preservation skill
5 Maintenance skill
6 Record management skill
7 Budget skill
8 Negotiation skill
9 Liaison skill
(G = Good; MO = Moderate; P = Poor; M = Mean; R = Rank)
It can be seen from the table 4.39 that 62.5 percent of librarians with 6-10 years experience have a good level of Collection management skill whereas 41.7% of librarians with Above 10 years experience have a good level of skills and 37.9 percent of librarians with below 5 years experience have a good level of skills. Collection development , ICT, Service, Maintenance and Record Management skill are possessed by majority of librarians with below 5 years (72.4%, 65.5%, 72.4%, 65.5% and 79.3% respectively), librarians with 5 10 years (79.2%, 66.7%, 50%, 54.2% and 66.7% respectively) and above 10 years (66.7%, 54.2%, 50%, 66.7% and 75% respectively) experience at a moderate level. 70.8 percent of librarians with 5- 10 years experience have possessed Budget skill at a moderate level rather than librarians with above 10 years (62.5%) and librarians with below 5 years (48.3%) experience. Further it reveals that 44.8 percent of librarians with below 5 years experience are felt that they in need of training in preservation skill when compared to those librarians with 5 to 10 years (33.3%) and above 10 years (25%) experience. 51.7 percent librarians with below 5 years experience felt that they were poor in Negotiation skill rather than those librarians with above 10 years (45.8%) and 5 to 10 years (66.7%) experience at a moderate level.
Table 4.39 points out that librarians with below 5 years experience felt that they were highly skilful in Overall maintenance followed by Collection Management skill, Collection development skill and they wanted to develop Preservation and Negotiation skill. Librarians with 510 years experience felt that they were very good in Collection maintenance skill followed by Service and maintenance skill and they preferred to develop Preservation, Liaison and Negotiation skill. Librarians with above 10 years experience felt that they were highly skilled in Service, Collection Management and Collection development.
The Chi-Square test was thus administered to test the significant difference between the experience of librarians and Knowledge Resources Management skills possessed by librarians. The calculated value 6.930 is less than the table value of 9.488 for degrees of freedom four at .05 significance level. Therefore, it is inferred that there is a significant difference between the experience of librarians and Knowledge Resources Management skills possessed by librarians and the hypothesis is proved.
4.1.13 EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE RESOURCESS
Five methods of evaluation were identified and analysed on five point scale such as Most frequently use, Frequently use, Neutral, Never and Almost never. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is given in the Table 4.40. Mean and Standard deviation are calculated and ranks are assigned based on the mean.
Table 4.40
Evaluation of Knowledge ResourcessS. No. Methods Never Never Almost Neutral Frequently use Most Frequently use M S D R
1 User survey
2 Personal Communication
3 Circulation Statistics
4 User statistics
5 Feedback through Email
It is clear from the table 4.40 that 67.5 percentage of library professionals frequently conducted user survey to know their needs and satisfaction, 42.9 percentage of library professionals frequently communicate with user to know their needs and satisfaction, All library professionals are maintained Circulation statistics , minimum number of library professionals never maintained user statistics (6.5%) and 49.4 percentage of librarians never got feedback through e mail from the users related to know their needs and satisfaction.
Majority of the library professionals have found the usage of Knowledge Resources through circulation statistics followed by user statistics. Feed back through email is least adopted method to evaluate Knowledge Resources.
4.1.14 Problems Faced by Libraries in Satisfying User Needs
S. No Challenges Undecided Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Strongly Agree M S D R
1 Advancement in technology
2 Changing user behavior and expectations
3 Information explosion
4 Lack of proper infrastructure
5 Lack of Qualified and skilled library staff
6 Limited library budget
7 New patterns of scholarly publishing/communication
8 Reforms in higher education
4.2. USER OPINION TO KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
4.2.1 DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
Each library user respondent was asked seven demographic questions such as Gender, Age, Marital status Discipline, Designation, Location and Types of the institution and the same is shown in Table 4.42.
Table 5.42
Demographic Profile of the Users
S. No. Description No. of Respond Percent
1 Age Up to 21
22-25
Above 25
2 Nativity Rural
Semi Urban
Urban
3 Gender Male
Female
Table 4.42 shows that 62.3 percent of library user respondents are females and 37.8 percent of library user respondents are males, 58.3 percent of respondents belong to science discipline and 41.8 percent of respondents hail from arts. Equal percent of respondents (40%) are undergraduate and postgraduate students and 20 percent of respondents are faculty those who are teaching arts and science in colleges. 47.8 percent of respondents are from rural areas, 36 percent are from semi urban colleges and the remaining 16.3 percent are from urban colleges. Regarding marital status, 72.3 percent of respondents are unmarried and 27.8 percent are married. 39 percent of the respondents are in the age group of 22-25, 35 percent are in the age group of below21 and 26 percent are in the age group of above 25.
The table 4.42 shows that majority of the respondents are females and also majority of the respondents are from rural colleges. Equal share of respondents is from both undergraduate and postgraduate level. It is further inferred that most of the respondents are from science discipline.
5.2.2 LEVELS OF USER
The study analysed various levels of users related to Knowledge Resources Management.
Table 4.43
Levels of Users
S.N Description No. of Respond Percent
1 Mode of accessing reading materials Direct access
Library catalogues
Library staff
2 Level of staff support Always
Some Time
Never
3 Frequency Use of Library Daily
Regularly
Rarely
It is inferred that 43 percent of library users access Knowledge Resources with the help of library catalogue. Users felt that library professionals always support to use Knowledge Resources. 61.5 percent of the users are skilful in evaluation of Knowledge Resources Management.
5.2.3 PURPOSE OF LIBRARY VISIT
The study analysed reasons for library visit by the respondents. Six sources are identified and opinions received from the respondents are ascertained on a three point scale such as Always, Sometimes and Rarely. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and ranks are also assigned. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is shown in the Table 4.44.
Table 4.44
Purpose of Library Visit
S. No. Purpose Never Rarely Some time Time to Time Always M S D R
1 General reading
2 Preparing class notes
3 Borrowing materials
4 Reading Newspaper
5 Higher education and Placements
6 Preparing Research papers
It is found from the table 5.44 that 68.8 percent of respondents always visit library for Preparing class notes, 66 percent of respondents always visit library for Borrowing books, 60 percent of respondents always visit library for General reading. It is also found from the table that 49.8 percent of respondents always visit library for reading newspaper, 47.3percent of respondents sometimes visit library for Higher education and Placements and 24.5 percent of respondents rarely visit library for Preparing Research papers. Lata and Sharma (2013) report that majority of users (58.95%) visited the library for borrow books and this study also revealed that majority of users visit library (94.7% exclude of rarely) for Borrowing books from the library.
Table 4.44 shows that majority of the respondents visit library for preparing class notes in library followed by Borrowing library books and General reading. Preparing research papers is the least reason for library visit among the respondents.
4.2.3.1 Purpose of Library Visit Vs Gender
The reasons for library visit by the respondents extended to gender. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and the same is shown in Table 4.45 along with ranks.
Table 5.45
Purpose of Library Visit Vs Gender
S. No. Purpose Male Female
N R ST Time to Time A M S D R N R ST Time to Time A M S D R
1 General reading
2 Preparing class notes
3 Borrowing materials
4 Reading Newspaper
5 Higher education and Placements
6 Preparing Research papers
(N= Never; A = Always; ST= Sometimes; RA= Rarely; M= Mean; R = Rank)
It is observed from the table 4.45 that 61.4 percent of female respondents always visit library for General reading more than the male respondents (57.6%). Preparing class notes (70.9%) and Borrowing books (70.2%) are major purposes of library visit by the male respondents rather than the female (67.5%, 63.5% respectively) respondents. 53.6 percent of male respondents always visit library for Newspaper reading a little more than the female (47.4%) respondents. 53 percent of male respondents sometimes visit library for using Higher education and Placements more than the female (43.8%) respondents and 26.1 percent of female respondents rarely visit library for Preparing Research papers more than the male (21.9%) respondents. It is clear from the table that majority of the male respondents visit library for borrowing books from the library followed by Preparing class notes whereas female respondents used library for Preparing class notes followed by library books. Higher education and Placements is the least purpose of library visit among male respondents whereas female respondents are Preparing research papers as the least.
5.2.4 USEFULNESS OF KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES
The study is analysed of the usefulness of Knowledge Resources by the respondents. Seven sources were identified and opinions received from the respondents are ascertained on a three point scale such as Always, Sometimes and Never. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and ranks are also assigned. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is shown in Table 4.48.
Table 5.48
Usefulness of Knowledge Resources
S. No. Sources Never Rarely Some time Time to Time Always Mean S D Rank
1 Text Books
2 General books
3 Newspapers/Magazines
4 Journals
5 Reference sources
6 E-Resources
7 Thesis/ Reports / Dissertations
It is inferred from the table 4.48 that the Textbooks (79.3%) are the most used Knowledge Resources by the respondents followed by News paper/magazine (68%). Reference sources (58.8%) like Dictionaries, Encyclopaedias and etc., are positioned in the third rank followed by General books (54.5%), Journals (52.3%) and majority of the respondents used e-resources (59.3%) sometimes. Thesis, reports and dissertation (14.8%) are the least used Knowledge Resources by the respondents. Simisaye (2012) found similar results that users always consulted library textbooks.
It is concluded from the table 4.48 that the syllabus oriented studies, textbooks are the major Knowledge Resources used by the academic library users followed by newspaper/magazine. May be because of the lack of research aptitude and lack of facilities e-resources and thesis, reports and dissertations are the least used Knowledge Resources.
5.2.4. 2 Proximity matrix for Usefulness of Knowledge Resources
The proximity matrix test has been administrated among the variables to identify the one-to-one relation between the variables and the same is shown in table 4.49. Table 4.49 Proximity matrix for Usefulness of Knowledge Resources.
Table 5.49
Proximity matrix for Usefulness of Knowledge Resources
S. No. Sources Text Books General books Newspapers/Magazines Journals Reference sources E-Resources Thesis/ Reports / Dissertations
1 Text Books
2 General books
3 Newspapers/Magazines
4 Journals
5 Reference sources
6 E-Resources
7 Thesis/ Reports / Dissertations
From the Table 4.49, it can be seen that the following pairs are closely associated.
Usefulness of Newspapers and General books
Usefulness of Journals and General books
Usefulness of Reference sources and Text books
Usefulness of E resources and Journals
Usefulness of E resources and Thesis
From the Table 4.49, it can be seen that the following pairs are not closely associated.
Usefulness of Journals and Newspapers
Usefulness of E resources and Text books
Usefulness of Thesis and Text books
4.2.4.3 Usefulness of Knowledge Resources Vs Gender
The study is extended to gender. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and the ranks are assigned. The same is shown in Table 4.50 and A2.1
Table 4.50
Usefulness of Knowledge Resources Vs Gender
S. No. Sources Male Female
M S D R M S D R
1 Text Books
2 General books
3 Newspapers/Magazines
4 Journals
5 Reference sources
6 E-Resources
7 Thesis/ Reports / Dissertations
It is inferred from the table 5.50 and A 2.1 that majority of male (80.1%) and female (78.7%) respondents used textbooks and ranked first followed by Newspaper/magazine ((Male70.2%) (Female 66.7%)). Male respondents ranked General books (59.6%) as the third, whereas female respondents ranked Reference sources (61%) as the third ranked Knowledge Resources. Both male (51.7%) and female (52.6%) respondents ranked Journal as the fourth rank. Male respondents give the fifth rank to Reference source and female respondents ranked General books as fifth. Both male (25.2% and 10.6% respectively) and female (27.7% and 17.3% respectively) respondents were ranked in the sixth and seventh rank as e-resources and thesis, reports and dissertation respectively are used in the sixth and seventh rank.
In brief, Textbooks and Newspaper/magazines are ranked first and second as the most useful Knowledge Resources by both the male and female respondents. Similarly e-resources and Thesis, reports and dissertation are the least used Knowledge Resources by both male and female respondents and they are ranked as the sixth and seventh respectively.
4.2.5 SATISFACTION LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE RESOURCESS
The study analyzed the satisfaction of Knowledge Resourcess among the library users. Ten sources are identified and ascertained on the five point scale such as Highly Satisfied, Satisfied, Neutral, Dissatisfied and Highly dissatisfied. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest. The mean and standard deviation are calculated, ranks are assigned based on the mean and the same is shown in Table 4.52.
Table 4.52
Satisfaction level of Knowledge ResourcessS. No. Area of Satisfaction Highly Dis Satisfied Dis Satisfied Neutral Satisfied Highly Satisfied M S D R
1 Adequacy of Knowledge Resources
2 Collection quality
3 Classification of sources
4 Cataloguing of sources
5 Arrangement of Knowledge Resources
6 Infrastructure facilities
7 Maintenance of library
8 Working Hours
9 Service quality
10 Staff attitude
It can be seen from the table 4.52 that 90.1 (including Highly satisfied and satisfied) percent of respondents satisfied Staff attitude, 87.6 percent of respondents satisfied Quality of services provided by the libraries, followed by Maintenance of library (84.6%), Adequacy of Knowledge Resources (82.1%). It is further inferred that 14.8 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with Cataloguing of sources. 9.5 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with library working hours and Classification of sources.
Majority of the respondents are highly satisfied with Staff attitude to satisfy various sources and facilities. It is followed by Service quality, Maintenance of library and Adequacy of Knowledge Resources.
4.2.5.1 Satisfaction level of Knowledge Resources Vs Gender
The study is further extended to gender. The mean and standard deviation are calculated based on mean and standard deviation and the ranks are assigned. The same is shown in Table 4.53 and A3.1.
Table 4.53
Satisfaction level of Knowledge Resources Vs Gender
S. No. Sources Male Female
M S D R M S D R
1 Adequacy of Knowledge Resources
2 Collection quality
3 Classification of sources
4 Cataloguing of sources
5 Arrangement of Knowledge Resources
6 Infrastructure facilities
7 Maintenance of library
8 Working Hours
9 Service quality
10 Staff attitude
Table 4.53 and A3.1 shows that Adequacy of Knowledge Resources (85.5%), Collection quality (83.2%), Arrangement of Knowledge Resources (84.4%) and Maintenance of library (86.3%) are satisfied by female respondents in the highest rank rather than the male (76.2%, 87.4%, 80.8%, 81.4% respectively) respondents. Infrastructure facility (80.8%), Working hours (85.4%) and Service quality (88.8%) are satisfied by male respondents in the highest rank rather than the female respondents (81.9%, 86.3%, and 86.8% respectively). Staff attitude (first rank), Classification of Knowledge Resources (eighth rank), Cataloguing of Knowledge Resources (tenth rank) are satisfied by male (88.1%, 79.5% and 67.5% respectively) and female (88.1%, 79.9% and 67.5% respectively) respondents in equal rank.
Staff attitude is highly satisfied by majority of the male respondents which is followed by Quality of service, maintenance of library. Staff attitude is also highly satisfied by majority of the female respondents which is followed by Maintenance of library and Quality of service. Cataloguing of sources is the least satisfied source among the male and female respondents.
5.2.5.3 Satisfaction level of Knowledge Resources Vs Nativity
The study is extended to Nativity. The mean and standard deviation are calculated, and based on the calculation the ranks are assigned. The same is given in Table 4.55 and A3.3.
Table 4.55
Satisfaction level of Knowledge Resources Vs Nativity
S. No Sources Rural Semi Urban Urban
M S D R M S D R M S D R
1 Adequacy of Knowledge Resources
2 Collection quality
3 Classification of sources
4 Cataloguing of sources
5 Arrangement of Knowledge Resources
6 Infrastructure facilities
7 Maintenance of library
8 Working Hours
9 Service quality
10 Staff attitude
(M = Mean; R = Rank)
It is found from table 4.55 and A3.3 that Adequacy of Knowledge Resources are satisfied by rural (82.2%) and semi urban (82.7%) college respondents in the fourth rank whereas urban (80%) college respondents are in the sixth rank. Collection quality satisfied semi urban (86.2%) college respondents in the fifth rank whereas rural (77.5%) and urban (80%) college respondents are in the eighth rank. Classification of sources satisfied urban (81.5%) college respondents in the fifth rank whereas semi urban (82.7%) college respondents are satisfied in the seventh rank and rural (11.5%) college respondents are dissatisfied in the ninth rank. Majority of the rural, semi urban and urban college respondents are not satisfied with Cataloguing of sources. Infrastructure facilities satisfied rural (57.1%) and semi urban (63.2%) college respondents in the sixth rank whereas urban (53.8%) college respondents are in the seventh rank. Maintenance of library are satisfied by rural (85.9%) and semi urban (83.4%) college respondents in the second rank whereas urban (83.1%) college respondents in the third rank. Semi urban (11.1%) and urban (7.7%) college respondents are not satisfied with (ninth rank) Library working hours and rural college respondents are satisfied in the seventh rank. Service quality highly satisfied urban (87.7%) college respondents whereas rural (87.5%) and semi urban (87.5%) college respondents are satisfied in the third rank. Staff attitude is satisfied by rural (90.1%) and semi urban (91%) college respondents in the first rank whereas urban (87.7%) college respondents in the second rank.
It can be seen from the table 5.55 and A3.3 that majority of the rural and semi urban college respondents are satisfied with Staff attitude followed by Maintenance of library, Service quality and Adequacy of Knowledge Resources whereas urban college respondents rest satisfied with Service quality, Staff attitude followed by Maintenance of library. Majority of the rural, semi urban and urban college respondents are not satisfied with Cataloguing of sources.
4.2.6 ORDER OF PREFERENCES (IMPORTANCE) IN VARIOUS RESOURCES AND SUPPORTING SERVICES AMONG THE USERS
The study analyzed the order of preferences (importance) in various resources and supporting services among the users on five point scale such as Highly preferred, Preferred, Neutral, Not preferred and Highly not preferred. The data were grouped into twelve categories and under three groups such as Knowledge Resources, Facilities and Human resources. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is shown in table 5.57.
Table 5.57
Order of Preferences given to the Library Resources among Users
S. No. Area of Importance Highly not preferred Not preferred Neutral Preferred Highly preferred M S D R
1 Right selection of Knowledge Resources
2 Relevancy of sources
3 Print sources
4 Electronic sources
5 Fast access of Knowledge Resources
It is noted that 87.3 percent (including highly preferred and preferred) of the respondents prefer to right selection of Knowledge Resources, 84.5 percent of respondents prefer to available source in a library related to their academic needs and 82.5 percent of the respondents prefer to print resources. 47.5 percent of the respondents give preference to e- resources and 78.5 percent of the respondents agree to prefer Fast access of Knowledge Resources in the libraries. In available facilities, five categories were identified and the highest preference is given by the respondents to overall performance of the library (88.6%) followed by Solving of academic problems (85.3), Convenience of library system (83.1%), Library hours (81.3%) and Technical assistance (79.3%). In human resources, 91.3 percent of the respondents prefer Cooperation of library staff in using library and 87.8 percent of the respondents prefer motivations by library professionals.
4.2.6.1 Order of Preferences given to the Library Resources among Users Vs Gender
The study is ascertained by gender. The mean and standard deviation are calculated, and based on the calculation the ranks are assigned. The same is shown in Table 4.58 and A 4.1.
Table 5.58
Order of Preferences given to the Library Resources among Users Vs Gender
S. No. Area of Importance Male Female
M S D R M S D R
1 Right selection of Knowledge Resources
2 Relevancy of sources
3 Print sources
4 Electronic sources
5 Fast access of Knowledge Resources
It is inferred from the table 4.58 and A 4.1 that nearly equal percent of male (87.4) and female (87.2%) user respondents prefer right selection of Knowledge Resources. Relevancy of sources is ranked second by male (88.1%) respondents whereas female (82.4%) respondents preferred to be in the eighth rank. An electronic resource is the least preference among male (47%) and female (46.6%) librarians. It further reveals that fast access of Knowledge Resources are preferred by male librarians (78.8%) in the tenth rank and female librarians (78.3%) preferred the eleventh rank. Technical assistance given by the library is preferred by male librarians (83.5%) in eighth rank whereas female librarians (76.7%) are ranked ninth. Male (86%) respondents have given preference to Library hours in the sixth rank whereas female (78.3%) respondents give importance to the tenth rank. It is inferred from the table that Convenience of library system is preferred among the male respondents (80.2%) in the eleventh rank whereas female respondents (84.8%) preferred the sixth rank. Both male (88.1%) and female (88.8%) respondents give equal importance (4th rank) to Overall performance of library activities. It is seen from table that male (85.4%) respondents prefer to use library for Solving academic problems in the eighth rank whereas female (85.2%) respondents prefer the fifth rank. Both male (88%) and female (93.2%) respondents prefer Co-operation of library staff in the first rank, Motivational factors are preferred by the male (86.7%) respondents in the fifth rank whereas female (88.3%) respondents gave the second rank.
4.2.6.3 Order of Preferences given to the Library Resources among Users vs Nativity
The study further is ascertained by nativity of the respondents. The mean and standard deviation are calculated, and based on the calculation the ranks are assigned. The same is presented in Table 4.60 and A 4.3.
Table 4.60
Order of Preferences given to the Library Resources among Users Vs Nativity
S. No. Area of Importance Rural Semi Urban Urban Chi square
M S D R M S D R M S D R 1 Right selection of Knowledge Resources
2 Relevancy of sources
3 Print sources
4 Electronic sources
5 Fast access of Knowledge Resources
It is inferred from the table 5.60 and A 4.3 that Right selection of Knowledge Resources has been given preference in the first rank by semi urban located college (90.3%) respondents whereas rural located college (87.4%) respondents are in the second rank and urban located college (80%) respondents in the seventh rank. Relevancy of Knowledge Resources has been given preference in the second rank by urban college (87.7%) respondents whereas rural (82.7%) and semi urban college (85.5%) user respondents have given in the seventh rank. Print resources were preferred in the fourth rank by rural college (84.9%) respondents whereas urban college (73.8%) respondents in the sixth rank and semi urban college (83.3%) respondents in the tenth rank. Electronic resources were preferred among rural (55%), semi urban (56%) and urban (41.4%) college library user respondents in the twelfth rank. It further reveals that Fast access of Knowledge Resources was preferred by rural (79.6%) and semi urban (77%) college respondents in the eleventh rank whereas urban college (84.7%) respondents preferred the fourth rank. Technical assistance was preferred by semi urban college respondents the eighth rank (82.7%) whereas rural (79.5%) college respondents are in the tenth rank and urban (70.7%) college respondents are in the eleventh rank. Library hours were preferred among rural (82.7%), semi urban (81.3%), urban (77%) college library user respondents in the ninth rank. Convenience of library system was given importance by semi urban (86.8%) college respondents in the sixth rank whereas rural (82.7%) college library user respondents are in the eighth rank and urban (75.3%) college library user respondents are in the tenth rank. Overall performance has been given preference in the first rank by urban (90.8%) college respondents whereas semi urban (91%) college respondents have also given preference to be in the second rank and rural (85.8%) college respondents are in the sixth rank. Solving academic problems has been given preference in the fifth rank by rural (83.7%) and semi urban (88.2%) college user respondents whereas urban (83.1%) college respondents have given preference in the eighth rank. Co-operation of library staff was preferred in the first rank by rural (93.7%) college respondents whereas semi urban (88.9%) and urban (89.2%) college respondents preferred it in the third rank. Motivational factor was preferred in the third rank by rural (87.9%) college respondents whereas semi urban (88.2%) college respondents are in the fourth rank and urban (86.2%) college respondents get the fifth rank.
It is found from the table 5.60 and A 4.3 that Co-operation of library staff has been given higher priority in rural college library respondents whereas right selection of Knowledge Resources is the highest preference given by semi urban college library respondents. Overall performance is given the highest preference by urban college library respondents and Electronic resources have been given the least preference among rural, semi urban and urban college library user respondents.
Chi-Square test was administered to find out the association between order of preferences in various resources and supporting services among the nativity users. The calculated value of 27.971 is greater than the table value of 15.507 for degrees of freedom four at .05 significance level. It is inferred that there is no association between the order of preferences in various resources and supporting services among the nativity users. Hence, the hypothesis is proved.
4.2.7 DIFFICULTIES IN USING LIBRARY SERVICES
The study ascertained difficulties faced in using library services by the users on a three point scale such as Always, Sometimes and Never. The services are grouped into nine major categories. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and based on that the ranks are given. The weightage is assigned from the least to the highest and the same is shown in Table 4.61.
Table 5.61
Difficulties in Using Library Services
S. No. Difficulties Never Rarely Some time Time to Time Always M S D R
1 Lending service
2 Reference service
3 Referral service
4 Inter library loan
5 Consortium service
6 Online service
7 Current Awareness Service (CAS)
8 Reprography service
9 Cataloguing service
It is inferred from the table 4.61 that library user respondents always faced problems in using Online service (46.5%) in libraries. Library user respondents always faced problem in the second rank in Inter library loan (32.3%), followed by Cataloguing service (30.5%), Consortium (19%) CAS (28.5%) and Reprography service (23.5%). Further, it is inferred that 71.8 percent of respondents never faced problems in using Lending service, 69.8 percent of respondents never faced problems in using Reference service and 67.5 percent of respondents never faced problems in using Referral service.
It is found from the table 4.61 that using Online service is always a problem among the users followed by Inter library loan, Catalogue, Consortium, and Current Awareness Service. Lending service, Reference service and Referral service are not the major problems among the users.
4.2.7.1 Difficulties in Using Library Services Vs Gender
The study is extended to gender. The mean and standard deviation are calculated and based on the calculation the ranks are assigned. The same is shown in Table 4.62 and A5.1
Table 4.62
Difficulties in Using Library Services Vs Gender
S. No. Difficulties Male Female
Never Rarely Some time Time to Time Always M S D R Never Rarely Some time Time to Time Always M S D R
1 Lending service
2 Reference service
3 Referral service
4 Inter library loan
5 Consortium service
6 Online service
7 Current Awareness Service (CAS)
8 Reprography service
9 Cataloguing service
Table 4.62 and A5.1 inferred that Lending service (73.5%), CAS (64.2%), Reprography service (64.9%) and Cataloguing service (32.1%) are never more highly faced difficulties among male respondents than the female (70.7%, 57.4%, 53.8% and 27.8% respectively) respondents. Referral service (69.1%) and Reference service (69.9%) are never highly faced difficulties among female respondents rather than the male (64.9% and 69.5% respectively) respondents. Using Inter library loan service (40.6%) and Consortium service (44.6%) are sometimes problems faced more by female respondents than the male (26.5% and 40.4% respectively) respondents. Online service is always a more highly faced difficulty among male (49.7%) respondents than the female (44.6%) respondents.
Table 4.62 and A5.1 depicted that the opinion on the variables of difficulties in using is almost similar as identified by both male and female. It is proved that there is no significant deviation between gender in facing difficulties related to the use of various library services provided by the libraries.
5.2.7.3 Difficulties in Using Library Services Vs Nativity
The study is further ascertained by nativity of institution. The mean and standard deviation are calculated, and based on the calculation the ranks are assigned. The same is presented in the Table 4.64 and A5.3.
Table 4.64
Difficulties in Using Library Services Vs Nativity
S. No. Difficulties Rural Semi Urban Urban
M S D R M S D R M S D R
1 Lending service
2 Reference service
3 Referral service
4 Inter library loan
5 Consortium service
6 Online service
7 Current Awareness Service (CAS)
8 Reprography service
9 Cataloguing service
It is found from the table 5.64 and A5.3 that Lending service is an easily utilized service among rural (never = 73.8%), semi urban (never = 70.8%) and urban (never = 67.7%) college respondents. 71.5 percent of semi urban college respondents never faced a problem in using Reference service whereas 69.1 percent of rural college respondents never faced a problem and 67.7 percent of urban college respondents never faced problems. Regarding Referral service, 69.4 percent of semi urban college respondents never faced problems rather than rural (68.6%) and urban (60%) college respondents. Most of the rural (33%), semi urban (31.9%) and urban (30.8%) college respondents always faced problems in using Inter library loan service and it occupies the second rank. The opinion of Consortium service is that it is used with difficulty by the third rank among semi urban (17.4%) and urban (18.5%) college respondents whereas rural (20.4%) college respondents are in the fourth rank. It is further found that Online service is always difficult among rural (46.6%), semi urban (47.2%) and urban (44.6%) college respondents and occupied the first rank. Rural (58.6%), semi urban (66.7%) and urban (49.2%) college respondents never faced difficulties in using Current Awareness Service. 67.7 percent of semi urban college respondents never faced difficulties in using Reprography service whereas 58.6 percent of rural college respondents never faced difficulties and 52.8 percent of urban college respondents never faced difficulties. 53.5 percent of semi urban college respondents never faced difficulties in using Cataloguing service whereas 44.6 percent of urban college respondents never faced difficulties and 39.3% percent of rural college respondents never faced difficulties.
It is found from the table 5.64 and A5.3 that rural college respondents highly faced problems in using Online service, Inter library loan, Cataloguing service whereas semi urban and urban college respondents faced problems in using Online service, Inter library loan, Consortium. Referral service and Reference service are convenient services among rural college respondents whereas Lending service, Reference service and Referral service are the convenient services among semi urban college respondents. Lending service, Reprography service and Reference service are the convenient services among urban college respondents.
