The utilization and appropriateness of resources, facilities and services of the medical library, University of Peradeniya
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Date
2013-07-04
Authors
Perera, P. A. S. H.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Peradeniya
Abstract
The objective of the study was to investigate the appropriateness of the resources, facilities and services of the Medical Library, the extent of usage of the same and to identify areas for further improvement.
A questionnaire was utilized to survey the study population which consisted of all the undergraduates (1471) and entire academic staff (134) of the two faculties of Dental Sciences and Medicine. Short time users (postgraduates and extended faculty staff) were excluded. The percentage of responses to the questionnaire was 91% out of which undergraduates were 98% and academic staff was 2%. Thus, the response rate of the academic staff cannot be considered a reasonable representation of the group. Therefore, the discussion and conclusions are based only on the responses received from undergraduates.
During the period of study, the total number of visitors to the library was 6312 and average number of visitors per day was 82 on week days and 23 on holidays. 98% of these visitors were undergraduates. The purpose of the visits of 44% was for reference work and for reading notes. Photocopying facility was used most by the undergraduates (96%) and books in Clinical Medicine were the most in demand to be photocopied during the period of study. The Medical Library was very important as a resource center for 56% of the respondents. Fifth and first year undergraduates used the library occasionally while 2nd - 4th year undergraduates used it very often. 64% of the respondents were satisfied with library facilities for teaching and learning purposes. While 38% of them were neutral, 36% were satisfied about library facilities for research needs. 44% of undergraduates considered the library collection as comprehensive. Lending and reference sections were the popular areas. Only 18% of undergraduates read current journals. Discussion rooms had not been used by 56% of the respondents. 51% of undergraduates were satisfied about issues regarding library staff.
Regarding undergraduates 56% had not used the journals, 66% had not used online databases available through the library webpage and 59% had not used Inter-Library-Loan facility. 38% of the respondents suggested improvements on control of temperature level, quality of the photocopy service, electronic operating system, discussion rooms, availability of computers, disturbances inside the library and toilet facilities.
In conclusion, the facilities in the medical library offered to undergraduates could be improved according to the needs identified above.
Description
Keywords
Education , Resources , Medical library , Peradeniya University
Citation
Peradeniya University Research Sessions PURSE - 2012, Book of Abstracts, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, July. 4. 2012 pp. 44