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The study examined the roles of the public library in promoting reading culture in Rwanda. Case study research design was used, with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected using the triangulation method employing questionnaires, interviews, and observation. Quantitative data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel Office 2010. Thematic method of analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study findings indicate that the public library was being used by most library users for reading. Whereby, the majority utilized the library for the purposes of gaining knowledge and relaxation. Additionally, the results show that most of the respondents spend more than one hour in the library reading. The findings also show that most of the library users have habits of visiting the library on a weekly basis. Furthermore, the findings show that the major factors that hinder library users from reading in the library included long distances to reach the public library, financial constraints, and addiction to watching Television and other viewing gadgets. Generally, the study concludes that public library helps to promote the reading culture among library users despite the factors that hinder effective reading culture. Thus, the study calls for library management to establish several branches of public libraries or mobile public libraries so that library users will not need to travel a long distance to find a public library. Moreover, the public library should make sure that it equips with reading materials that have titles that relate to users' needs but also with the language that is familiar to most of its users. Furthermore, reading materials that are received as gifts or donations should be aligned with the collection management policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of digital technologies in libraries represents a transformative move in the way information is accessed, disseminated, and preserved. The main purpose of the study is to examine the impact of digital technologies on resources and services of public libraries in Anambra and Imo States, and five specific objectives were formed to guide the study. Survey method was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprises of all the library staff both professional and para-professional staff of Anambra state and Imo state public library board (Headquarters) and there are fifty-eight (58) in number. The entire fifty-eight (58) was used as sample size, census enumeration was adopted. The instrument for data collection for the study was the four point modified likert rating scale. The researcher administered the questionnaires through the help of research assistant. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics for calculating the mean. Mean score above the expected or criterion mean of 2.5 was accepted while those below the value were rejected. Diffusion of Innovations Theory by Everett Rogers (1962), guided the study. The findings of the study revealed that the overall digital awareness, as indicated by the grand mean, is moderate, with a score of approximately 1.82 and that the extent of digital integration in the two public libraries is on low extent. The study recommends that that effort should be made to enhance awareness and access to online cataloging, digital lending, and library websites/apps to improve the overall digital literacy and engagement of library users. This may include conducting targeted outreach and educational programs to inform users about these services and their benefits. The library should consider investing in improving its computer facilities for public use, ensuring that patrons have access to up-to-date and well-maintained computers and internet connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study highlights the roles of public libraries in the socio-economic development of rural areas in the digital age with special reference to the Government District Library - Ahwa. A total no. of 60 questionnaires were distributed to a library, using a survey to collect data. Out of which 45 users gave their responses. The study found that all respondents indicated that they were using the public library for reading purposes. Followed by 75.56% respondents to prepare competitive exams, 71.11% to improve general knowledge, and very few users using the library for other purposes. The majority 53.33% of users had excellent opinions about the information resources and services available in the public library. The result shows the views of the various users on the benefits of the library for their development. In which the highest 71.11% respondents reported that their general knowledge has increased and very few 28.89% respondents reported their social and cultural values related information has increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries play a crucial role in promoting the rural community development of rural areas. Information needs of rural library users (incredibly underdeveloped community people with lower income groups) are different from other library users. To review their need, a survey has been conducted on Shershabadia community at Chachanda and Loharpur Mouza, Samserganj block of Murshidabad district. A structured questionnaire is prepared to gather data from different economically behind library users. This study aims to understand the essential community information needs and knowledge-seeking patterns of Samserganj block, Murshidabad library users. Some case studies even have been incorporated to analyze their condition. The study has clearly shown that it is necessary to form a library in every rural village and make the economically underdeveloped people aware of the necessity and importance of the agricultural library. So, the government should take steps for the proper growth, recruitment, and development of rural public libraries located within the remote areas of West Bengal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries and information centres accumulate information and achieve the users' information needs. The users' information need varies according to their different fields of interest. The library professionals and information centres need to fulfil the changing needs of the users. Through users' studies, we get the idea of where the users are using optimal information and know where the library must improve the services. A study was carried to gauge the services provided by the public libraries to the users of Murshidabad District, West Bengal. Survey methods and questionnaire tools were applied to conduct this study. The study found that users improve their reading skills in several ways by using public libraries. It was found that the users need more services like computer facilities, photocopies facility, beverage facility, newspapers, magazines, more subject related books, and journals publicly libraries of Murshidabad District. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In life, people form impressions of and make inferences about other people as sovereign personalities which is social perception. This study therefore investigated the impression of and the inferences about public libraries and librarians by the users as a catalyst of transformation. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with users of public libraries in Ebonyi State Nigeria forming the population of the study. The study was guided by 5 research question while one null hypothesis was tested. A sampled population of 762 was drawn using Research Advisor table for selecting samples. The primary instruments used in collecting data for the study are a 4-point Likert scale type of questionnaire and oral interview. Using Cronbach Alpha, the questionnaire pre-tested yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.75 whereas data collected with the aid of SPSS 23.0 were analyzed using percentages, tables, mean and standard deviation and the hypotheses analyzed using Pearson Product moment correlation with a criterion mean of 2.50 used for decision. The outcome of this study reveals that librarians are socially perceived and placed at the lowest ebb of the professional strata and to certain level underestimate the level of training required for one to become a librarian. The crown glory is that the users recognized and appreciated the all important role of the public library and librarians as catalyst of transformation. Based on the findings, recommendations were made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abraham Lincoln's proverbial remark concerning the definition and meaning of democracy, is equally applicable in the context of public library-it is an institution 'for the people, by the people and of the people. The District Central Libraries are an important component of the public library system in Andhra Pradesh (A.P). Being located in the district headquarters they stand as models to be emulated by other public libraries in the districts. In this era of information technology, people are quick to gather information using the internet. Therefore, there is a need to study the internet facilities of the District Central Libraries in Rayalaseema Region of Andhra Pradesh state. Because of the importance of the subject matter, the article is titled as, "Use of Internet facility by the users of District Central Libraries in Rayalaseema Region of A.P., India-A Study." The target group of this study includes library users of the central libraries in the 4 districts in Rayalaseema Region of A.P. The respondents selected as samples suggested that many aspects of the library environment are changing due to the improved technology. Data were collected by using questionnaire from 4 District Central Libraries in Rayalaseema Region of A.P. A structured questionnaire was distributed among 612 users, of whom 525 (85.78%) responded. Based on the analysis of the data collected through a structured questionnaire, inferences have been made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study throws light to the innovative and transformational methods adopted by public libraries to respond towards the community needs and up holds its social responsibilities with its users during the COVID 19 pandemic period. Valapatanam GP Library is the best example of public libraries which defeat Covid 19 with the application of powerful and renovated technology tools for community support and satisfaction through un interpreted connection with the users. It adopted various new tactics to overcome the pandemic difficulties and keep the users stay with the world of knowledge and recreation. The role of VPGP library limited not only to an information provider and academic supporter but also the library activities magnified the intellectual advancement, creativity, social commitment, personal growth, technical and digital knowledge intensification etc of its clientele especially the youth. The over heading part of technology implementation in user services is heigh lighted in the article. The redesigned and redefined activities strengthened the user participation in social service leads path ways to defeat the lockdown related stress and loneliness which modified the traditional concepts, methods and theories of library service. Survey method is adopted for conducting the study. Target population consists of library users from different categories of society. Data analysis reflects the wondering results and effects of public library activities to general public during the pandemic situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on the District library, Lakhimpur, Assam, India, which is an endeavor to highlight the reading habits of users in Pre & Post lockdown period (pre lockdown period refer as April 2019 to 24th March 2020 and post Lockdown as after 30th June 2020 to 20th March 2021) of Lakhimpur District Library (LDL). The aim of the present study is also to find out the time used by the users of the Lakhimpur district library in different age groups. The finding of the study also reveals that there is scope for development of LDL to bring more users. The study highlights the pre & post lockdown period scenario of the library where 150 Nos. of users were surveyed with structured questionnaire as a tool for data collection and collected data has been analyzed and presented in the tables and based on the available data on the Library suggestions have been given to improve the functions of the Library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to report the result of a study on examining the impact of public library services on educational transformation in Oyo state. Respondents include the student users and librarians of the library. The respondents are engaged through purposive and simple random sampling techniques respectively, the instruments for data collection are self-administered questionnaire and interview. Descriptive survey research design was employed and data was analyzed using statistical package for social science, while the interview was interpreted by listening to the record properly. The result revealed that majority of the respondents patronizes the library occasionally. It was also revealed that the services mainly rendered by the library were lending, reference and user education services, the purpose of using the library were for examination preparations, research, enquiries and educational purposes. Majority of the respondents were satisfied with the services rendered and has impacted their academic activities positively. The major challenges faced are poor funding, epileptic power supply and no internet facilities. The paper therefore offer useful research information that can help public libraries understand what they can do to intensify more in their goal of transforming education positively and what government can do to aid this goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meghalaya is considered as one of the beautiful places of North east India where 70% of the people are from rural areas. The paper is basically deals with the public library system of the state in where district libraries play a vital role. The paper gives emphasis to give proper information about the system and services of the district libraries of Meghalaya. The paper also throws light on ICT application and what role of ICT plays in developing the district libraries of the surveyed region. At the end, the paper tries to give some suggestions for better development of such libraries so that users are benefited with new and innovative services provided by the libraries. Finally the paper ends with a suitable conclusion which that makes the paper more meaningful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of the ways that people find health information in Iran, as a developing country, and also to identify how they evaluate the roles of public libraries in providing their users with health information. The setting of the study is public libraries of Qazvin City of Iran. The four main public libraries in different areas of the city were selected for research. Sample size of this study was 200(n=200). To collect data a structured questionnaire was used. Data were summarized using frequency (%) for qualitative variables. The Chi-Square tests were also used to test the association between the socio-demographic variables and health information seeking behavior. The study indicates that health information seekers in Iran are passive information seekers rather than active ones. The results showed that most common resources for seeking health information were "TV" and "discussions with others". Among the persons used internet for search health information, search engines such as "Google" or "Yahoo" were more used. Also results indicated that among persons going to public libraries, there was a group that referred to public library for finding information about health and for using information sources such as medical magazines, books and etc. In review of relationship between socio-demographic properties such as age, gender, education and job and the use of health information resource conclude that there is a meaningful-relationship between education level and use of internet for getting health information and between age, job and "discussions with family, relatives or close friends" for receiving health information. This study suggests that one of the key issues in public libraries could be educating the citizens (its members at least) until people become familiar with available health resources in the library and even librarians teach them how to search on the authentic websites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]