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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]

In today's technological world, information literacy has become essential, which involves the effective and ethical identification, access, evaluation, and utilization of information. Public libraries are significant contributors to the promotion of information literacy, especially in developing countries such as Pakistan, where information access is limited. The aim of study is to identify effects and role of information literacy in public libraries of Pakistan, identify the issues and challenges faced by libraries, and propose recommendations assess in the improvisation of in literacy programs. This study based on, primary, secondary and tertiary data and information was collected from different information sources such as research article, websites, books, ejournals etc. The outcomes of the research are Public libraries in Pakistan do not offer standardized information literacy programs. Students are the main users of public libraries in Pakistan, followed by instructors and researchers. The majority of Pakistani public libraries have modest digital resource holdings. Pakistan's public libraries are not effectively utilizing technology to advance information literacy. Basic computer skills and information searches are the main topics covered in Pakistani public libraries' information literacy programs. There is a need to create more thorough information literacy courses that encompass research techniques, critical thinking, and online behavior. Promoting information literacy in Pakistan is significantly hampered by the absence of skilled workers in public libraries. To increase information literacy, public libraries in Pakistan must work with schools and universities. Furthermore these findings may prove helpful in promoting information literacy programs in Pakistan's public libraries. Furthermore, the suggestions could help policymakers, library professionals, and educators in creating and implementing effective strategies that cater to the diverse population of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This descriptive study examined the Shah Abdul Latif Public Library in Shahdadpur, Sindh, Pakistan, with the aim of understanding its features, resources, services, and knowledge dissemination and community engagement. The study used mixed-method approach and collected data was presented in simple tables and charts. Research provided comprehensive description with aim of rules and regulations of library and the literature review explored the significance of public libraries as information centers and their role in community engagement and lifelong learning. The historical background of library may provide the understanding of basic foundation of public libraries in Pakistani cities, like Shahdadpur. During the study data was gathered with deep unbiased based observations and also conducted insights from face-to-face interviews with library staff, including librarian Asadullah Talpur, and also used open ended questionnaire, to understand the library's operations, challenges, and community initiatives. On-site observations assessed the library's physical layout, facilities, and usage patterns. The findings contribute to the existing literature and provide a comprehensive description of the Shah Abdul Latif Public Library. This research revealed the library's available resources and lacking in the services including books and digital materials, availability of technological equipments within library that support users to update from 21st century skills and services such as literacy programs facilities that was provided to the community members in different kind events. The findings and recommendations may prove to assist library staff in improvisation of library services and facilities and also assist other libraries to overcome the challenges faced by library professionals and user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, individuals tend to seek information about various entities through online platforms where other people share their experiences. Google Maps is one such platform that enables users to rate and review anything, including public libraries. This study aims to investigate the manner in which users of the SPS library utilize Google Maps to express their opinions about the library's services and amenities. This study utilized Google Maps as a source of data, with a data extractor being used to extract reviews. The extracted reviews were then subjected to content analysis to categorize them into different categories. Following this, a sentiment analysis was conducted to identify positive, negative, and neutral opinions about the library. The study found that users of SPS library utilized Google Maps to express their opinions about the library, with most of the reviews coming from local guides. Out of the 220 comments obtained, facilities and general aspects of the library received the most attention. Of these comments, 56% were positive, 26% were negative, and 18% were neutral. The staff and technology were the most criticized categories. None of the reviews received a response from the library authority. The study concludes that the library should actively monitor user reviews on Google Maps and other online platforms to improve their services and facilities. By doing so, the library can enhance user satisfaction and maintain a good reputation in the eyes of its users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The part of self-efficacy in diverse tasks and learning environment has mainly been emphasized, exclusively in searching for information by the distance learners. The study conducted survey with the distance students of Bangalore University forms the subject matter of this research. Questionnaires were distributed personally during the contact classes at the study centers and postgraduate departments of the university and was able to retrieve maximum quantity i.e., 1445 (93.22%) of the filled in questionnaires from the distributed 1550 questionnaires of the sample population. The Major objective of the study is to identify the needs and address the behavioural pattern of distance learners of this university in connection with information searching, locating and using relevant information from institutional libraries and on the internet for their specific learning and educational needs. Formal and informal sources of information including electronic resources which were utilized by distance learners, the preferred format and also the barriers in seeking required information etc., are identified and examined and the factors that influence seeking information, such as gender, course of study and place of residence are analyzed in this study. It is observed from the study that there were more males i.e., 829 (57.40%) of the 1445 respondents and 616 (42.6%) were females. The results of the survey showed that 1166 (80.7%) of the respondents lived in the urban areas and 279 (19.3%) residing in the rural areas. It is found out from the study that majority of these students are occasional library users and visited the libraries more often during the contact classes. Accordingly, access to information was very much limited, public libraries had considerable impact on the achievement of such students as the results showed that 600 (41.50%) students strongly agree that public library is very much important. Internet was also used as one of the chief information sources as 1318 (91.20%) students daily used it for educational and other related activities. Distance learners' age, educational qualification and the location of residence seem to have an influence on their information seeking behaviour given that first year undergraduate students have a tendency to start with the study materials provided by the university, while older students depend more on library than on the study materials provided by the university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to understand library users' opinions, attitudes, and needs regarding using artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries. A survey questionnaire was administered to 71 respondents from academic and public libraries throughout the region. This survey examined a range of topics related to AI use in libraries, such as its perceived benefits and drawbacks; ethical and privacy considerations; user demographics; and factors influencing user adoption of and satisfaction with AI-powered services. The survey results revealed a generally positive attitude toward AI use in libraries. However, concerns were raised regarding such decisions' privacy and ethical ramifications. Libraries must consider user needs and expectations when implementing and managing AI-powered systems. At the same time, further research is necessary to explore different topics related to this emerging technology field. [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]

The purpose of the study is to examine the emergence of Commons in the public libraries in the Free State in South Africa using the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework. The study examined the roles of the libraries and communities, the linkage of the new library with open access to knowledge, level of awareness of both users, and the community and administrators. Also, the study examined the role of library users and their communities in the maintenance of the new library. The study adopted a qualitative research design to study 16 community leaders and 17 library staff using an interview schedule. The interview schedule was developed following the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework, and administered by the researchers. Data analysis was conducted by a narrative approach to highlight the voices of the participants. Knowledge commons is emerging in the communities studied in a serendipitous manner; there is no formal national or regional policy that spells out what knowledge commons is and their entailments. There is strong evidence of community ownership and governance of human knowledge and other resources that are associated with learning and innovation in the communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goal of this study is to learn about the challenges and problems that information literacy programmes face from the perspective of library users, as well as how these programmes might be improved for the benefit of library users. There are two main aspects to this study: one focuses on user perceptions, the other focuses on the planning of library information programmes that fulfill the needs and wants of users. [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]

This study investigated public library services on the literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike ECentral Library, Awka. Five research questions were used for the study. The research method adopted was the survey method and population consisted of 2543 registered users of Kenneth Dike public library. A sample size of 345 users was used. Mean was used for data analysis. Questionnaires and observation checklist were used for data collection. The study found that the available public library services that can promote the literacy level of users are consultancy services, exhibition and displays, book reservation services which have high mean score above 2.50. The extent of use of the available public library services by users to promote their literacy level are reprographic services, library instruction (user education), and inter-library loan which have high mean score above 2.50. The roles of public library in promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike E-central Library in Awka are teaching of literacy skills, promotion of independent learning, education on lifelong learning, organizing library week, story-talk hour, creative activities or creative writing, book exhibition and book talk which have high mean score above 2.50. The challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level are inadequate financial support, insufficient library materials, and poor library infrastructure which have high mean score above 2.50. The solutions to the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level of users are adequate financial support, sufficient library materials, and low cost of library materials which have high mean score. This study concludes that the impacts of public library services on promoting literacy level are high as they have the tendency of improving the reading culture of users. The study went on to recommend that sufficient and relevant library materials which include electronic resources be made available for users of public libraries as this will go a long way to enhance each user's literacy level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A library is an open system which in turn belongs to a subsystem of the education system, whose functions are dependent on the community concerned. The National Library plays a vital role in creating human resources and their development in our country. It is a life-long process in the appreciation of the achievement of humanity in knowledge and culture. It also helps in the replenishment of people's spirit by providing books for relaxation and pleasure, with assistance to the students. It performs a significant task in a developing country like India. The progress of a nation mainly depends on education, which provides to its citizens either through formal or non-formal means. In present study the behavioural pattern like their frequency of visit and dependence on the public library has been discussed with special reference to the National Library of India. The paper also explores the information seeking behaviour such as their purpose of visit, materials accessed during their visit to the National Library. The main objective of this study is to examine the services provided by National Library of India to its esteemed users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the menace of ICT induced deviant acts among library users most especially, undergraduates in public university libraries in South-west, Nigeria. The study looked beyond other reasons of deviance among undergraduates to see what libraries have in respect of their security mechanisms and punishment strategies to reduce deviant acts among undergraduates. Control theory was used as an anchor theory for the study because it gave a proper insight to the effectiveness of security and punishment measures on deviance reduction in the library. Survey research design was used for the study with a population of 352 library personnel in the 16 public university libraries in South-west, Nigeria. Questionnaire was used for data collection; analysis was done using percentage, frequency, standard deviant and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results revealed that significant relationship exist between control mechanism and deviant behaviour reduction (N=275, r= -.185, p<0.05). This implies that negative significant relationship exist between control mechanism and deviant behaviour reduction. The result reveals that significant relationship exist between punishment strategies and deviant behaviour reduction (N=275, r= -.124, p<0.05). This implies that with severe punishment strategies, the bate of deviant acts can be adequately and effectively reduced. [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 main purpose of this paper is to examine online library resources during the COVID-19 pandemic situation at higher educational institutions in Pakistan. During the current pandemic situations, all the educational activities have been postponed and transformed into online latterly. A cross-sectional study consisting of a sample of 2378 from library patrons of public sector universities in Pakistan. A structured questionnaire has been administered based on different parts using an attitudinal scale of (dis)agreement has been used and pre-tested randomly with the reliability value ranging from .03 to .842. It is pertinent here to mention that during the COVID-19 pandemic, all the educational activities were shifted to online mode and it was not possible to collect information physically. Hence, an online method was opted and the questionnaire was shared through emails and WhatsApp numbers of public sector university library users. The study findings reveal that COVID-19 outbreak, fear of infection, and social distancing have favorable effects on online library information resources. Similarly, the results also support the argument that accessibility of manuscripts, accessibility of periodicals, and accessibility of books have favorable effects on online library resources. The study suggested that similar nature of the study may be conducted using mixed-method research and a different set of variables in the future. [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]

This paper examines the provision of reference and information services to the physically challenged persons in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. The article demystifies the conceptual framework of information services and physically challenged persons, the information needs of the physically challenged as a concept was succinctly analyzed and the attention or relegation received by this group of library users discussed. The public library for instance is there to provide its services to all classes of users irrespective of age, sex, colour and disability. This paper is therefore timely as it ascertained how all libraries can help to meet up with the information needs of this set of users, challenges encountered in doing so and what a developing country stands to benefit when information services is adequately being provided for her disabled citizens otherwise known as the physically challenged persons. In the end, conclusion and recommendations were proffered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information is a critical resource in organizational management and organizations use huge amount of information to enable solve their daily problems. The problems organizations are faced with maybe managerial, administrative or technical but no matter the nature of the problems, they can be managed properly if relevant information is provided to them at the right time and in the right form. Information is not just relevant in the personal development of individuals but also in increasing the viability of organizations. This study discovered the roles of bank libraries and the challenges they encounter with a view to determining the strategies that can be employed to manage the challenges and enhance the functions of bank libraries in Nigeria. The Central Bank of Nigeria, Enugu branch Library was the case study for this work. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Enugu branch library, identify the nature of resources found in them, identify the users perception of the library, investigate the challenges facing the library and also, proffer strategies that can help improve the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Enugu branch library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to discover the perceptions and expectations of users towards public libraries. Public libraries are meant for the public and run by the public money and provide services to all the members of the society without any discrimination. To achieve the objectives of the study a survey has been conducted in selected public libraries in Lucknow. For the collection of the data well designed questionnaire was used and data were collected to 135 respondents selected from the 09 public library. The major results were as follows: the study finds that most of the respondents were male and the common reason of respondents for visiting a library for study and competition purpose. The study findings are as follows; the services are good, staffs are cooperative and computer and internet facilities are very poor. The users of public libraries have more expectations like, lack of internet and wifi facility, library websites, photocopy facility, computer facility etc. Some people are not aware about the public library so advertised of public library and more financial support will be required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study Investigate of the effective factors on unwillingness of the adolescents and youth from public libraries' services. It is applied research, and done using the descriptive survey method. Using ratio sampling methods at the error level of 0.5 of 384 peopleof adolescents and the youth in Khuzestan province, who do not use public library services were selected. Data were collected by field method, using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Results showed that all internal and external factors are major barriers. Also, there is significance correlation between internal and external factors with the unwillingness of adolescents from public libraries' services (Sig.=0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life-long reading has positive effects on our lives and health. This study examines the ways in which adult library patrons read today. Using circulation statistics from four public libraries in the north suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, we explore the differences in reader preferences between traditional print reading (print book checkouts) and e-reading (eBook downloads). This data analysis provides insights on adult patrons' use of public libraries today (i.e. the most likely genre to be checked out are fiction and the preferred reading method is print). This paper also offers some practical suggestion on libraries' collection development, as well as readers' engagement and retention as they relate to technological advancements on book format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: the present study evaluated the relationship between library anxiety and attitude toward computer based on as integrated model of ATC and BELCAT of public libraries' user. Methodology: the study was conducted using the analytic survey. A sample of 370 participants was randomly selected out of 10757 users of public libraries in Dezful city, Khouzestan, Iran. To collect data for library anxiety, Bostick questionnaire and for computer attitude a questionnaire based on ATC and BELCAT models were used. Findings: the results showed that the most important factor of distress based on the scale of Bostick was "the comfort with library (mean = 4.41) regarding the attitudes towards computer components of "computer appreciation" (mean ranks = 6.95) was reported as the most important factor. In addition, users' library anxiety and attitudes toward computer in terms of age and educational level were examined using one-way ANOVA; and Gender was also tested using the independent t-test, but no significant statistical difference was observed among these factors. The results indicated a significant relationship between library anxiety and user's attitude toward computer (r=0.157) (p< 0.01). Also, it was found that attitudes toward computer can serve as an indicator of library anxiety. [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]

The article discusses research on how Nigeria provides public library service to rural areas. It mentions the intention of librarians to improve access to information and offer satisfaction to users. It offers information on the development of public library services in the country. It also talks about the introduction of the bookmobile service in the country.

The article discusses the results of a survey of Pennsylvania public libraries, and their accessibility to patrons arriving via bicycle. The survey aims to highlight the state of access to library facilities in Pennsylvania, and to establish a methodology where the bicycle access services provided by libraries may be examined.