INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES IN THE ENGINEERING COLLEGE LIBRARIES OF SALEM AND NAMAKKAL DISTRICT: AN EVALUATION STUDY

Abstract

In the digital age, with widespread use of laptops and mobile devices of Netizens, it is commonly believed that book reading and library visits have miserably declined. Contrary to this view, our survey and research show that many engineering students in the Salem and Namakkal districts continue to use library facilities regularly and are largely satisfied with them. We distributed 1,400 questionnaires and conducted personal interviews to collect detailed data. We received 1,263 completed questionnaires from students who visit libraries frequently. Most responses came from the Namakkal district. Respondents reported high levels of satisfaction with the libraries’ infrastructure, services, and the support provided by library staff. A few problems were identified by users; these issues appear to be easily and quickly correctable. We are proud to submit this research, which challenges the common belief that the number of library users has declined.

The information resources and services offered by the Engineering college libraries in the Namakkal and Salem Districts are assessed in this study. A high response rate of 90.21% was obtained from the 1,263 valid responses to the 1,400 questionnaires that were given to Faculty, students, and library staff. The study evaluates the effectiveness of library services like reference help, digital repositories, and user happiness in addition to the sufficiency, usability, and accessibility of print and digital resources.The results show that although the majority of libraries have a well-organized collection of books, journals, and e-resources, there are issues with resource use because of a lack of knowledge, poor infrastructure, and technological limitations. The study also emphasizes the need for improved technological integration to improve user experience and the increasing dependence on digital resources. Modern library management techniques, user training initiatives, and digital infrastructure upgrades are some of the suggestions made to enhance library services.