Assessing information needs and user satisfaction of private university libraries in Dhaka city

Abstract

Information is a vital resource of every sphere of human life. The role of information in education sector is very important and also essential in the modern age. Information is necessary for information seekers, e.g. researchers, faculty members, students and others. Library provides information and other resources to its users in the private university. Information needs and satisfaction of the users are fully depended on the performance of the library. Users’ satisfaction of the private university library depends on the library services, library systems, library facilities and infrastructural development. User satisfaction lies in the quality services provided by the library, responsiveness and competence of the library staff and available physical facilities of the library. The goal of the library depends on the satisfaction level of the users. This study has been attempted to assess information needs and satisfaction level of the private university library users in Dhaka city. For conducting this study two sets of questionnaires were designed. One set of questionnaire was prepared for the survey of the library resources and another set of questionnaire was for the library users. This study has been conducted for identifying present status of resources and services of private university libraries; to measure information needs and level of users’ satisfaction and also identify the problems faced by the users. The users of private university libraries in Dhaka city use the library for their required information and services regarding general books and reference books, research purpose, searching periodicals articles, using IT facilities and audio visual materials, teaching, recreation, current information, conference/seminar proceedings, periodicals, CAS & SDI services, reference and referral services, bibliographic services, indexing & abstracting services, reprographic services. In this situation the users are not fully satisfied regarding reference and text books materials, provided IT facilities, subscription rate of foreign journals, using computer in the daily operational activities, library systems and partially satisfied regarding provided services. To fulfil information needs and to bring up satisfaction of the users, this study has proposed two model plans. One model plan has proposed for information needs and the other model plan is proposed for users’ satisfaction. After conducting this study it is expected that if the authority of private university libraries follow the proposed model plan the libraries shall be success to identify information needs and fully satisfaction of their respective users. Appointment of an experienced librarian at opening of the library, to ensure adequate professional staff, to be available sufficient text and reference books according to needs and demands of the users, to subscribed national and international journal, to be ensure adequate training program for library personnel, to establish an effective library networking program for resources sharing, library orientation program for users and widely use of information technology are mainly suggested in this study for improving the satisfaction level of the users of private university libraries.