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Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal) Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

11-29-2020

Utilization and User Satisfaction of Public Library Resources and

Services: A Case Study of City Central Library, Shimoga, India.
Anusha BN
Government First Grade College and Post Graduate Study Centre, Bapuji Nagar, Shimoga, Karnataka, India,
anushapoweraaaa@gmail.com

Shivananda K. Bhat Dr
Department of Library & Information Science and Health Sciences Library Kasturba Medical College
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal – 576 104, Karnataka, India,
shiva.bhat@manipal.edu

. Mahabaleshwara Rao Dr
Associate Professor and Deputy Chief Librarian Department of Library & Information Science and Health
Sciences Library Kasturba Medical College Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal – 576
104, Karnataka, m.rao@manipal.edu

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BN, Anusha; Bhat, Shivananda K. Dr; and Rao, . Mahabaleshwara Dr, "Utilization and User Satisfaction of
Public Library Resources and Services: A Case Study of City Central Library, Shimoga, India." (2020).
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 4698.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4698
Utilization and User Satisfaction of Public Library Resources and Services: A
Case Study of City Central Library, Shimoga, India.

Anusha BN
Assistant Librarian
Government First Grade College and Post Graduate Study Centre,
Bapuji Nagar, Shimoga, Karnataka, India
anushapoweraaaa@gmail.com

Dr. Shivananda Bhat K. *

Associate Professor and Chief Librarian
Department of Library & Information Science and Health Sciences Library
Kasturba Medical College
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Manipal – 576 104, Karnataka, India
shivanandabhatk@gmail.com; shiva.bhat@manipal.edu

Dr. Mahabaleshwara Rao

Associate Professor and Deputy Chief Librarian
Department of Library & Information Science and Health Sciences Library
Kasturba Medical College
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Manipal – 576 104, Karnataka
baikadi@yahoo.com; m.rao@manipal.edu

* Corresponding author

Abstract
The Public library plays a pivotal role in modern society. Public libraries, by providing free
access to the resources, support all groups of users like students, teachers, researchers, physically
challenged people, retired people, businessmen, homemakers, etc. The present study investigates
the utilization and user satisfaction of public library resources and services at City Central
Library, Shimoga, India. The study examines the various resources available and the services
rendered by the City Central Library, Shimoga. Questionnaire-based survey was used to collect
data for the present study, where 100 questionnaires representing 80% were received out of 125
questionnaires distributed. The data were analyzed and interpreted with the help of SPSS
software (version 6.0) and MS-Excel. It was found that majority of the users (50% above) were

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satisfied with the resources, facilities and services provided by the library. It was discovered by
the study that the library is extensively used by the users of all age groups.

Keywords: Public Library, User Satisfaction, Public Library Users, Public Library Resources,
Public Library Services, City Central Library, Shimoga.

1. Introduction
Public Library, which is also known as people’s university, plays a vital role in society in
providing information for education, recreation and research. Public libraries create and promote
reading habit among the people in society. Public libraries by providing free access to the
resources, support all groups of users like students, teachers, researchers, physically challenged
people, retired people, businessmen, homemakers etc. Public libraries, through their resources
and services are attracting the people towards them and also are embracing technologies to meet
the information needs. City Central Library, Shimoga, is located in Karnataka state in India. It
was established in the year 1979. It is situated in the center of the town with many higher
secondary schools and colleges in its surroundings. The total area of the library is about
10000sq.ft.with a seating capacity of 150. It is a well-equipped library having 47500 books, 48
magazines, and 21 newspapers. A separate section having books for the preparation of
competitive examinations and a section for children having an excellent collection of storybooks,
children Encyclopedia, child craft, Questions and Answer books, maintained by the library.
There is a separate section for Braille books in the library. The library has ten branch libraries
located in the various parts of Shimoga City. On average 750 users are visiting the library per
day. The library is kept open on all days in the year between 8.30 am to 8.00 pm except on every
Tuesday and on Government declared holidays.

2. Objectives of the Study

The objectives of the study are as follows:
1 To know the frequency of visits to the library.
2 To determine the main purpose of a visit to the library.
3 To assess the time spent in public libraries by the users.

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 4 To know the type of resources used by the users
5 To understand the services used by the users.
6 To ascertain the level of satisfaction with library resources, services, and Infrastructure.
7 To know the problems faced by the users in making use of the library.

3. Literature Review

Basil EnemuteIwhiwhu1 stated that since collection, facilities, and services influence users’
satisfaction, they need to be given top priority. The study recommended the need of financial
assistance from the Government for collection development and for implementation of ICT
facilities for the proper functioning of the library. Ashish Kumar Sharma 2 discovered that public
libraries are playing very important role in development of society by providing information for
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educational needs of the society. IkenweIguehi Joy and Adegbilero- IwariIdowu reported that
user satisfaction of public library services had become a major concern in recent times. Public
libraries should provide up-to-date information and collection should be kept up-to-date by
weeding out unused and very old books which are not required by the users. Attention should be
given to physically challenged people in providing services to them. The public library should
implement special programs to attract people, including those who are not formally educated.

Isabella Mary A and S. Dhanavandan 4 stated that women should get benefit by libraries without
any barriers and public libraries should provide equal facilities to men and women. The study
conducted by Kefas Gilbert 5 indicated that the majority 59 (78.67%) of the respondents are not
satisfied with the library resources as they are not as per their needs. The study recommended
having a collection development policy in the library. The study conducted by Chuma Opara
NadozieIfeka E. Okeke and Nnamdi E. Onyekweodiri6 insisted on automation of the public
libraries and provision of internet service in the public libraries. According to Tarvinder Singh
Handa 7 in India, more people are living in rural areas, and technologies are not implemented in
libraries. Hence they should be provided with modern technology and highlighted the role of the
librarian in attracting rural people to the rural public libraries.

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Poonam Bhardwaj and Dharmesh Kumar 8 reported that most of people visit public libraries to
read newspapers and magazines but they don’t have time to use the other public library services.
The study conducted by N.Lakshmi and T.Kavitha 9 showed that Government has to support to
raise and upgrade public libraries to international standards by computerizing and networking of
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library collection under the globalized ICT environment C.Kasimani and N.Rajendran stated
that Public library is a backbone to a developing society.” Rabia Aslam.and Naveed E. Seher 11
pointed out that emphasis is to be given on user satisfaction. Garvita Jhamb and Arun Ruhela 12
discovered that public libraries would enhance the skills and knowledge of people. The study
conducted by G.T Mahesh and H. Adithya Kumari 13 revealed that students use libraries for their
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academic purpose, especially distance learning. Asefeh Asemi pointed out that the main
purpose of any public library is to fulfill the information needs of any users and even non-users.

4. Methodology
The questionnaire method was used to collect the data from target respondents. A well-structured
questionnaire containing seventeen questions was designed for conducting the study. Total 125
questionnaires were distributed among the public library users using the convenience sampling
method, and 100 filled-in were received back. The rate of response is 80 percent. SPSS software
(version 6.0) and MS Excel is used for the analysis of data.

Table 1: Sample of the study

Number of Number of questionnaires Percentage of
questionnaires returned responses (%)
distributed

125 100 80%

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5. Data Analysis

5.1 Gender Wise Distribution of Public Library Users

Table 2 and Figure 1 demonstrates that there are (82%) male users against (18%) female users.
Thus it is observed that male users are more than female users.
Table 2: Gender wise distribution of public library users
Gender No. of Responses Percentage (%)
Male 82 82
Female 18 18
Total 100 100

Gender wise Distribution of Public Library

Users
18%
Male
Female

82%

Fig.1: Gender wise distribution of public library users.

5.2. Age Wise Distribution of Public Library Users

It may be observed from Table 3 and Figure 2 that majority of the public library users are
between 21-30 year’s age group representing (67%) of the total users. The second majority of the
public library users are in below 20 year’s age group scoring (14%), whereas users belonging to
41-50 years age group from the least in number representing 1%.

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 Table 3: Age-wise distribution of public library users
Sl.No. Age No. of Responses Percentage (%)
1. Below 20 years 14 14
2. 21-30 years 67 67
3. 31-40 years 11 11
4. 41-50 years 1 1
5. Above 50 years 7 7
Total 100 100

Age wise Distribution of Public Library Users

67%

14% 11%
7%
1%

Below 20 21-30 31-40 41-50 Above 50

Fig.2: Age wise distribution of public library users.

5.3. Qualification Wise Distribution of Public Library Users
It can be observed from the below Table 4 and Figure 3 that, out of 100 total respondents,55%
respondents are Degree holders,28% respondents are Post Graduate students, 11% respondents
are PUC, 4% respondents are Professionals and the remaining 1% respondents are both SSLC
and Others. It is concluded from the below table that majority of the Degree and Master Degree
students are utilizing the public library.

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 Table 4: Qualification Wise Distribution of Public Library Users
Sl.No. Qualifications No. of Responses Percentage (%)
1. SSLC 1 1
2. PUC 11 11
3. Degree 55 55
4. Post Graduate 28 28
5. Professionals 4 4
6. Others 1 1
Total 100 100

Qualification wise Distribution of Public Library

Users

Others 1%
Professionals 4%
Post Graduate 28%
Degree 55%
PUC 11%
SSLC 1%

Fig.3: Qualification Wise Distribution of Public Library Users.

5.4. Occupation Wise Distribution of Public Library Users
The breakup of the occupation of the public library users is shown in Table 5 and Figure 4. It
may be observed from the table that majority (54%) of the users are mainly Students. About 22%
of them are unemployed. Employed, retired and other community scores 13%, 6%, and 5%,
respectively.

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 Table 5: Occupation wise distribution of public library users
Sl.No. Occupation No.of Responses Percentage (%)
1. Student 54 54
2. Employed 13 13
3. Unemployed 22 22
4. Retired 6 6
5. Others 5 5
Total 100 100

Occupation wise Distribution of Public Library

Users

5%
6%
Student
Employed
22%
Unemployed
54%
Retired
Others
13%

Fig. 4. Occupation wise distribution of public library users.

5.5. Frequency of Library Visit by the Public Library Users

From Table 6 and Figure 5 it is seen that the majority number of respondents (80%) visit the
library daily, followed by 7% of users who visit weekly. Those who visit the library during the
holidays are 5%.
Table 6: Frequency of library visit by the public library users

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 Sl.No. Frequency of Visit No .of Responses Percentage (%)
1. Daily 80 80
2. Weekly 7 7
3. Fortnightly 1 1
4. Monthly 1 1
5. Occasionally 4 4
6. Rarely 2 2
7. During Holidays 5 5
Total 100 100

Frequency of Library Visit by the Public Library Users

Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly
Occasionally Rarely During Holidays
80%

7% 4% 5%
1% 1% 2%

Fig. 5: Frequency of library visit by the public library users.

5.6. Time Spent in the Public Library
Table 7 and Figure 6 summarize the details about the time spent by the respondents in the public
library. The majority (81%) of respondents are spending more than 3 hours in the public library.
The second majority (13%) of respondents are spending 1-2 hours in the public library. The third

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majority (4%) of respondents are spending 2-3 hours in the public library. The remaining 2% of
respondents are spending less than 1 hour.

Table 7: Time Spent in the Public Library

Sl.No. Time Spent No. of Responses Percentage (%)
1. Less than 1 Hour 2 2
2. 1-2 Hours 13 13
3. 2-3 Hours 4 4
4. More than 3 Hours 81 81
Total 100 100

Time Spent in the Public Library

More than 3 Hours 81%

2-3 Hours 4%

1-2 Hours 13%

Less than 1 Hour 2%

Fig.6: Time Spent in the Public Library.

5.7. Purpose of Visit to Public Library
Table 8 and Figure 7 show that 81% of respondents are using public library for studying, 30% of
respondents are using public library for reading newspapers/magazines, 25% of respondents are
using public library for reading books, 8% of respondents are using public library for Internet

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use, 6% respondents are using the public library to keep up-to-date, 4% respondents are using
public library for issue/return of books and remaining 2% of both respondents are using public
library for research and other purposes.
Table 8: Purpose of Visit to Public Library
Sl.No. Purpose of Visit No. of Responses Percentage (%)
1. For studying 81 81
2. Issue/return of books 4 4
3. For Reading newspapers/magazines 30 30
4. To Read books 25 25
5. To Keep Up-to-Date 6 6
6. For Internet use 8 8
7. For Research 2 2
8. Others 2 2

Purpose of Visit to Public Library

For studying
8% 2% 2%
6% Issue/return of books

For Reading
25%
newspapers/magazines
81% To Read books

To Keep Up-to-Date
30%
For Internet use
4%
For Research

Others

Fig.7: Purpose of Visit to Public Library.

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5.8. Types of Resources used by Public Library Users
Table 9 and Figure 8 below show that 44% of respondents are using textbooks among public
library resources. Further, it is observed from the study that 49% of respondents are using
reference books, 49% of respondents are using general books, 70% of respondents are using
newspapers, 55% of respondents are using magazines, 17% of respondents are using non-book
materials and 19% of respondents are using other materials.

Table 9: Types of resources used by Public Library Users

Sl. No. Resources No. of Responses Percentage (%)
1. Textbooks 44 44
2. Reference books 49 49
3. General books 49 49
4. Newspapers 70 70
5. Magazines 55 55
6. Non-book materials 17 17
7. Any other materials 19 19

Use of Resources by Public Library Users

Any other materials 19%
Non-book materials 17%
Magazines 55%
Newspapers 70%
General books 49%
Reference books 49%
Textbooks 44%

Fig. 8: Types of Resources used in Public Library

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 5.9. Satisfaction with the Resources of the Public Library
Table 10 and Figure 9 reveals the satisfaction level of respondents about the library resources. It
is observed that the majority of respondents (48%) are highly satisfied with the newspapers. 43%
of users are satisfied with the books. Regarding non-book materials collection, 16% of the users
have expressed no opinion with an existing collection of non-book materials.
Table 10: Satisfaction with the resources of the public library

Highly No Highly Not

Collection Satisfied Dissatisfied
Satisfied opinion Dissatisfied Responded
34 43 5 4 2 12
Books
(34.0%) (43.0%) (5.0%) (4.0%) (2.0%) (12.0%)
32 38 7 3 1 19
Magazines
(32.0%) (38.0%) (7.0%) (3.0%) (1.0%) (19.0%)
48 38 0 1 1 12
Newspapers
(48.0%) (38.0%) (1.0%) (1.0%) (12.0%)
Non-book 16 25 16 4 4 35
materials (16.0%) (25.0%) (16.0%) (4.0%) (4.0%) (35.0%)

Satisfaction with the Resources of the Public Library

Highly Satisfied Satisfied No opinion
Dissatisfied Highly Dissatisfied Not Responded

Books Magazines Newspapers Non-book materials

Fig. 9: Satisfaction with the resources of the public library.

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 5.10. Using the Services Available at the Public Library
Table 11 and Figure 10 show the data related to the respondents using the services available at
the public library. The majority of the respondents (51%) are always using newspaper clipping
service, followed by reservation service (6%) of the respondents., 16% of the respondents are
rarely using computer/internet browsing service, whereas 33% of the participants never using the
reservation service available at the public library.

Table 11: Using the Services available at the Public Library

Most of Not
Services Always Neutral Rarely Never
the time Responded
49 13 9 5 7 17
Reference Service
(49.0%) (13.0%) (9.0%) (5.0%) (7.0%) (17.0%)
18 14 13 6 11 38
Circulation Service
(18.0%) (14.0%) (13.0%) (6.0%) (11.0%) (38.0%)
Newspaper clipping 51 18 12 6 3 10
Service (51.0%) (18.0%) (12.0%) (6.0%) (3.0%) (10.0%)
Current Awareness 34 16 11 6 8 25
Service (34.0%) (16.0%) (11.0%) (6.0%) (8.0%) (25.0%)
Computer/Internet 22 15 11 16 9 27
browsing Service (22.0%) (15.0%) (11.0%) (16.0%) (9.0%) (27.0%)
Xerox/Photocopying 10 12 9 5 29 35
Service (10.0%) (12.0%) (9.0%) (5.0%) (29.0%) (35.0%)
12 9 10 13 21 35
Book exhibition
(12.0%) (9.0%) (10.0%) (13.0%) (21.0%) (35.0%)
11 6 11 4 33 35
Reservation Service
(11.0%) (6.0%) (11.0%) (4.0%) (33.0%) (35.0%)

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 Using the services available at the public library

Always Most of the time Neutral Rarely Never

Fig.10: Using the Services available at the Public Library.

5.11. Satisfaction with the Infrastructure/Facilities and Services of the Public

Library
Table 12 represents the satisfaction level of the respondents about the public library
infrastructure/ facilities and services. 52% of the respondents are satisfied with the newspaper
clipping service. Further, 33% of the respondents are highly satisfied with the location of the
library, 13% of the respondents are dissatisfied with the reading room, and 20% of the
respondents have expressed no opinion about the photocopying service’ in the public library.

Table 12: Satisfaction with the Infrastructure/Facilities and Services of the Public Library

Facilities and Highly No Highly Not

Satisfied Dissatisfied
Services Satisfied opinion Dissatisfied Responded
30 46 6 13 1 4
Reading Room
(30.0%) (46.0%) (6.0%) (13.0%) (1.0%) (4.0%)
Notice board 15 44 13 10 1 17

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 (15.0%) (44.0%) (13.0%) (10.0%) (1.0%) (17.0%)
Location of 33 47 2 3 1 14
library (33.0%) (47.0%) (2.0%) (3.0%) (1.0%) (14.0%)
Arrangement of 23 42 5 9 2 19
books (23.0%) (42.0%) (5.0%) (9.0%) (2.0%) (19.0%)
15 49 11 7 2 16
Parking Space
(15.0%) (49.0%) (11.0%) (7.0%) (2.0%) (16.0%)
Furniture and 15 45 7 12 6 15
equipment (15.0%) (45.0%) (7.0%) (12.0%) (6.0%) (15.0%)
Lighting and 20 40 6 11 7 16
Ventilation (20.0%) (40.0%) (6.0%) (11.0%) (7.0%) (16.0%)
25 49 5 5 3 13
Working Hours
(25.0%) (49.0%) (5.0%) (5.0%) (3.0%) (13.0%)
Helpfulness of 27 45 8 4 2 14
Library Staff (27.0%) (45.0%) (8.0%) (4.0%) (2.0%) (14.0%)
Maintenance of 26 38 6 12 5 13
Library (26.0%) (38.0%) (6.0%) (12.0%) (5.0%) (13.0%)
Rules and 21 39 9 10 3 18
Regulations (21.0%) (39.0%) (9.0%) (10.0%) (3.0%) (18.0%)
20 46 10 3 3 18
Reference Service
(20.0%) (46.0%) (10.0%) (3.0%) (3.0%) (18.0%)
Circulation 14 34 16 5 2 29
Service (14.0%) (34.0%) (16.0%) (5.0%) (2.0%) (29.0%)

Newspaper 22 52 6 20
0 0
clipping Service (22.0%) (52.0%) (6.0%) (20.0%)
24
Current 41 9 3 1 22
(24.0%)
Awareness Service (41.0%) (9.0%) (3.0%) (1.0%) (22.0%)

Computer/Interne 16 45 12 4 1 22
t browsing Service (16.0%) (45.0%) (12.0%) (4.0%) (1.0%) (22.0%)

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Xerox/Photocopyi 8 24 20 8 9 31
ng Service (8.0%) (24.0%) (20.0%) (8.0%) (9.0%) (31.0%)
13 28 18 7 8 26
Book exhibition
(13.0%) (28.0%) (18.0%) (7.0%) (8.0%) (26.0%)
Reservation 11 24 16 8 10 31
Service (11.0%) (24.0%) (16.0%) (8.0%) (10.0%) (31.0%)

5.12. Problems Faced in Using Public Library

Table 13 and Figure 11 show that the users are facing various types of problems while using
public library. The majority of the respondents i.e. (41%) stated that there are insufficient
reading spaces, chairs and tables, followed by 20% of respondents who are facing frequent
power cuts, 18% of them have mentioned that working hours of the library is not convenient,
19% of the respondents have mentioned that lack of skilled staff in the library, 32%of users have
mentioned that internet speed in the library is slow, 20% of respondents have mentioned that
there is inadequate library collection, 12% of respondents have mentioned that the location is not
conducive for learning, 22% of respondents have mentioned that the ventilation is not good in
the library, 25% of respondents have mentioned that the collection in the library is not up-to-
date. Further, 24% of respondents have mentioned that lack of time is the problem in using the
library.
Table 13: Problems faced in using Public Library

Responses Percentage (%)

Problems Not Not
Yes No Yes No
Responded Responded
Frequent power cuts 20 67 13 20 67 13
Working hours is not
18 63 19 18 63 19
convenient
Lack of skilled staff 19 62 19 19 62 19
Internet speed is slow 32 51 17 32 51 17

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Inadequate library collection 20 55 25 20 55 25
The location is not conducive
12 61 27 12 61 27
for learning
The ventilation is not good 22 55 23 22 55 23
The collection in the library is
25 54 21 25 54 21
not up-to-date
Insufficient reading spaces,
41 43 16 41 43 16
chairs and tables
Lack of time 24 55 21 24 55 21

Problems Faced in Using Public Library

Frequent power
Lack of time cuts
Insufficient Working hours is
reading spaces, not convenient
chairs and tables
Lack of skilled
staff

Internet speed is
The collection in slow
the library is not
up-to-date

Inadequate
library collection
The ventilation is
not good The location is
not conducive for
learning

Fig. 11: Problems faced in using Public Library.

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5.13. Overall Satisfaction Level of the Public Library
Table 14 and Figure 12 show the overall levels of satisfaction towards various aspects of the
public library. Overall, 54% of respondents are satisfied with the library services, 55% of the
respondents with the facilities, 51% of respondents are satisfied with the staff of the library. 52%
of respondents are satisfied with the building of the library, Majority of the respondents i.e.
(57%) said that resources of the public library are satisfactory.

Table 14: Overall Satisfaction Level

Description Highly Satisfied No Dissatisfied Highly Not

Satisfied opinion Dissatisfied Responded
Services 26 54 7 5 0 8
(26.0%) (54.0%) (7.0%) (5.0%) (8.0%)
Resources 16 57 9 5 0 13
(16.0%) (57.0%) (9.0%) (5.0%) (13.0%)
Facilities 17 55 6 12 3 7
(17.0%) (55.0%) (6.0%) (12.0%) (3.0%) (7.0%)
Staff 15 51 13 6 1 14
(15.0%) (51.0%) (13.0%) (6.0%) (1.0%) (14.0%)
Building 18 52 5 14 1 10
(18.0%) (52.0%) (5.0%) (14.0%) (1.0%) (10.0%)

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 Overall Satisfaction Level of the Public Library

Building
Highly Dissatisfied
Staff Dissatisfied
No opinion
Facilities Satisfied
Highly Satisfied
Resources

Services

Fig 12: Overall Satisfaction Level.

6. Findings and Discussion
The significant findings of the study on the utilization and user satisfaction of public library
resources and services at City Central Library, Shimoga, are as follows:

It was observed that majority (82%) of the library users who visit the library are male users,
followed by 18% female users. It is noted that male users who visited the library are more than
female users. The study reveals that majority (67%) of the respondents who visited the library
are from the age group between 21-30 years. The study showed that majority (55%) of the
respondents who visited the library are Degree holders. The public libraries are largely utilized
by students (54%) followed by unemployed people (22%). It is seen that the majority of
respondents (80%) visit the library daily, followed by 7% of users who visit the library weekly.
The study indicates that a vast majority (81%) of the respondents spend more than 3 hours daily
for reading, followed by 13% of users who spend 1-2 hours of time in the library. It is seen that
the majority number of respondents (81%) purpose of visit to the library was for studying,
followed by 30% users whose purpose of visit for reading newspapers/magazines.
The study indicates that a majority (70%) of the respondents are using the newspapers, followed
by 55% of respondents who use Magazines. It is observed that majority of respondents (48%) are

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highly satisfied with newspapers, while 43% of users are satisfied with the books available in the
library. It is further observed that 38% of respondents satisfied with magazines. The service
provided by the library includes Circulation service, Reference service, Current Awareness
Service, Newspaper Clipping Service, Book Exhibitions Service, Access to the internet,
Photocopying service, etc. The majority (75%) of respondents are aware of reference service,
Newspaper Clipping Service (74%), Computer/ Internet browsing Service (69%) and 64% of
respondents are aware of the Current Awareness Service of the library. The majority (51%) of
respondents use the Newspaper clipping Service always and 18% most of the time. 49% of
respondents use the Reference Service always, 13% of respondents use the Circulation Service
neutral, and 16% of respondents use Computer/Internet browsing Service rarely. However, 33%
of the respondents reported that they never use the Reservation Service of the library.

This study showed that majority (52%) of the respondents were satisfied with the Newspaper
clipping Service of the public library. 33% of respondents were highly satisfied with the location
of the library. The majority (20%) of respondents expressed no opinion with the Photocopying
Service of the library. 13% of respondents were dissatisfied with the Reading Room of the
library and 10% of respondents were highly dissatisfied with the Reservation Service of the
public library.

Users have indicated various problems faced by them in using the Public library. The majority
(41%) of respondents indicated that reading space is insufficient, chairs and tables need to be
replaced with new ones. 32% of respondents reported low internet speed. 25% of respondents
have reported that the collection in the library is not up-to-date. 24% of respondents have been
informed that lack of time is a reason for the poor usage of the public library. 22% of
respondents are of the opinion that the ventilation is not good in the public library. 20% of
respondents indicated inadequate library collection and frequent power cuts in the public library.

This study shows that majority (57%) of the respondents satisfied with the resources of the
public library, 26% of respondents are highly satisfied with services of the public library,
whereas 13% of respondents have expressed no opinion regarding Staff support, 14% of

21
respondents dissatisfied with building and 3% of respondents highly dissatisfied with facilities of
the public library.

7. Suggestions
On the basis of observation and data analysis, the study provides some of the suggestions to
improve the library resources, services, utilization, and user satisfaction of City Central Library,
Shimoga and are as follows:

• Since the library is used extensively by the users, it is suggested to increase the seating
capacity of the reading halls of the City Central Library, Shimoga/ to have a new building
to accommodate more users.
• It is suggested for computerization of library using Library Management Software to
manage and provide effective service to the users
• It is suggested to give more importance to collection development
• It is suggested to increase the speed of internet connection to facilitate access to digital
resources.

7. Conclusion
From the study, it can be concluded City Central Library, Shimoga is well utilized by the users
and majority of the users are satisfied with the resources and the services provided by the library.
Access to the internet has also been provided to the users to facilitate accessing of digital
resources available on the web. Overall, the City Central Library, Shimoga, is being used by the
people of Shimoga to the maximum extent, and the library is making its best efforts in creating
and developing reading habits among the people by providing various types of resources and
satisfying the information needs of the users. The study indicated a need for a new
building/expansion of the existing library building to accommodate more users in the library.

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