awareness, access and use of ict based ......this paper focuses on the awareness and use of ict...

International Journal of Digital Library Services

IJODLS | Geetanjali Research Publication 206

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ISSN:2250-1142 (Online), ISSN 2349-302X (Print)

AWARENESS, ACCESS AND USE OF ICT BASED INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES AMONG THE USERS OF NEHRU LIBRARY: A CASE STUDY OF CCS HARYANA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, HISAR,

HARYANA (INDIA)

Bhanu Partap and

Dr. Seema Parmar Assistant Librarian

CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar-125 004, Haryana (India)

ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on the awareness and use of ICT based resources and services

by the users of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar,

Haryana. Data was collected through a questionnaire from 195 students of various

branches of agricultural sciences. The population includes UG students, PG

students and Research Scholars. The study finds that the use of electronic journals

is equally important for research scholars and PG students. More than 80%

respondents were using the ICT based resources and services for improving their

subjective knowledge and for their academic & research work. MS-Word is the most

preferred format for download their desired documents. More than 95% respondents

were using OPAC and E-Mail as their preferred activities. Upto 75% of respondents

were fully satisfied with the ICT based resources and services available and

provided by the Nehru Library of CCSHAU, Hisar. The study suggests that for the

optimum utilization of e-journals, consortia’s and various other ICT based resources

and services; library should undertake the literacy/orientation programs on regular

intervals for their respective respondents.

KEYWORDS: ICT; Resources and Services; Information seeking; Internet; E-

Resources; Nehru Library-CCSHAU, Hisar.





INTRODUCTION

The present century is the age of digital nervous system, which aims at

leveraging the two-core revolutions, PC, Internet and other advancements in information

processing, storage and communication technologies have revolutionized the role of the

libraries and information centres in all over the world. As a result, libraries are following

facing new challenges, new competitors, new demands and variety of information

services. The monopoly libraries have had on information provision is over. Today

libraries are shifting their role from the custodian of traditional information resources to

the provider of service-oriented digital information resources or what we can say e-

resources. (Sohail and Sharma, 2012, p595). Widespread use of computers, increased

reliance on computer networks, rapid growth of Internet and explosion in the quality,

and quantity of information compelled libraries to adopt new means and methods for the

storage, retrieval and dissemination of information.

In other words, libraries are playing significant role in enhancing quality of

education. In recent times the magnitude and pace of changes that are taking place the

world over in field information and communication technology (ICT) has totally

revamped the outlooked of libraries. Nobody can deny that the development of

information technologies have profoundly altering and redefining outlook about

information and its modes of dissemination. ICT is turning as a key resource in every

sector in the current phase of liberalization, privatization & globalization. There is a set

of greater responsibilities on information professionals, teachers and managers of

higher and technical education to transform India as developed Nation by 2020 as

envisaged by ex. Honorable President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. (Sengar and

Shegorkar, 2012, p719). As libraries are core component of education system it is

mandatory upon system managers or information professionals to take every possible

measure to update the resources in libraries and information centres to meet the recent

and forthcoming trends in changing era of ICT and similarly rapidly changing

informational needs of the users.





Today, we are living in the information age and ICT provides hope to overcome

the barriers of social and geographical isolations, increase access to information and

education and enable the people to participate in the making of the decisions that have

an impact on their lives. ICT as changed the way and the libraries are undergoing

radical changes. ICT has proved its worth and success in the field of library collection &

its organization and distribution and users services.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

Information and communication technology is an umbrella term that includes all

technologies for the manipulation and communication of information. ICT refers to

technology that transmits stores, creates, displays shares or exchanges information by

electronic means. Further, ICT described as the use of computer based technology and

the Internet to make information and communication services available to wide range of

users.

Knowledge is spread via information that is communicated from one person to

another is some form, oral, writing etc. Thus knowledge, information and information

communication are the three entities that are closely inter-related. ICT comprises two

major technologies, computer and communication. Computer technology is the tool for

storing and processing information in digital form. Communication technology helps us

transfer and disseminate digital information. ICT plays an important role in almost all

areas of our activities. Simply, ICT means a variety of technological application in the

process of communication of information.

Thus, ICT means the application of computers and communication technology for

gathering, processing, storage and dissemination of information to the concerned users

in the form of information products. In other words we can say that ICT as the

acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, textual and numerical

information by a micro electronics-based combination of computer and

telecommunication. So, the libraries and information centres and librarians or





information professionals must adopt ICT to be a successful part of the information

environment.

CCS HARYANA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, HISAR

Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University popularly known

as HAU, is one of Asia's biggest agricultural universities, located at Hisar in the Indian

state of Haryana. It is named after India's seventh Prime Minister, Choudhary Charan

Singh. It is a leader in agricultural research in India and contributed significantly to

Green Revolution and White Revolution in India in the 1960s and 70s. It has a very

large campus and has several research centres throughout the state. HAU was initially

a campus of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. After the formation of Haryana in

1966, it became an autonomous institution on February 2, 1970 through a Presidential

Ordinance, later ratified as Haryana and Punjab Agricultural Universities Act, 1970,

passed by the Lok Sabha on March 29, 1970. A. L. Fletcher, the first Vice-Chancellor of

the university, was instrumental in its initial growth. The university has 8645 Acres land

(around 7219 Acres. at main campus, 1426 Acres. at outstations). Since 1970 there has

been significant advances in research, teaching and extension by creation of a strong

infrastructure at its main campus and at outreach stations. (http://hau.ernet.in/)

NEHRU LIBRARY-A PROFILE

The establishment of Nehru Library coincides with the establishment of College

of Veterinary Sciences in 1948, the year 1975 is a land-mark in its history, as the

present library building - named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India

- was officially dedicated to the University community in this year. The University

Library, endeavoring over the last 37 years to leap forward in presenting new models in

order to incorporate and emphasize the cardinal aspects of knowledge for scholarly

pursuits, has carved a niche for itself in the arena of university setup. The magnificent

library building - a blend of functional structure, elegance and exquisiteness - is centrally

located within an easy access from all the constituent colleges of the university, hostels





and residential areas. The building - with a floor area of 97,700 sq. ft. - has the capacity

to accommodate more than 3.5 lakh volumes of books and bound journals, 6 Reading

Halls, complemented by an ultra modern Night Reading Hall with cozy reading

environment where 650 and 80 readers respectively can sit and study, 21 Carrels for

research scholars and scientists, 6 Seminar Rooms, a Browsing Hall, a Bookshop,

Video Conferencing, Multimedia, a Committee Room, 10 Office Rooms, Bindery,

spacious Lobbies and so on. The Nehru Library has total collection of 344525 books

and other documents. The library, during 2012-2013 had registered active 5795

members, of which 2731 were students, 848 faculty, 1982 other staff and 234 special

members. (hau.ernet.in)

The current state of the Nehru Library as on 30/06/2013 as given below:

Table1: Current State of the Nehru Library

Information Resources Qty.

Books 229370

Periodicals 100142

Thesis 11453

CD-ROM (Databases) 149

CDs (Books) 2337

CDs (Thesis) 1074

Total 344525

Library Membership 5795

Source: Annual Report, Nehru Library, 2012-2013, p. 25 & 31

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Information and communication technology (ICT) has changed the working and

ways of services provided to the users in the libraries in this changing era of

information. Today, the current information is acquired, organized, disseminated and

accessed with the applications of ICT. To have the right information at the right time for

users’ services, one needs to have an ICT infrastructure and ICT based information





resources. It is also important that staff working in libraries should have necessary skill

and positive attitude towards technology. The problem upon which the study is based is

to know the awareness and use of electronic resources based on ICT available in the

Nehru Library, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study is to analysis preparedness of the users (UG,

PG and Research Scholars) in awareness, access and use of information through ICT

or ICT based information resources. Beside this, the following objectives have been

identified:

To ascertain the user’s awareness about library services;

To know the user’s awareness about use of computers in the library;

To know the use of different resources and services provided by the library to its

users’ and satisfaction thereof;

To know the user awareness on e-resources;

To know the dynamics of information seeking behavior in accessing of e-

resources;

To know the purpose of visit to the library;

To analyze the problems facing along with access, download etc. in use of e-

resources;

To know the purpose and frequency of using the e-resources (reading materials);

and

To know what type of resources and channels used to meet their information

needs.

To know the satisfaction level of users towards the resources and services based

on ICT provided by the library;





SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the present study is limited to the Users’ of Chaudhary Charan

Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana). The study appraises electronic

information resources awareness, access and use by the users’ including

undergraduate students, post-graduate students and research scholars for their

reference and use for appraising other to emulate.

LITERATURE REVIEW

A review of the related studies was conducted with the purpose that these

studies would help the researcher in doing the present study to understand the concept

and current and past scenario on the given area of research study. A number of

relevant studies have been carried out on the said area of study on users of different

organizations. A few studies have been including in this study as following:

Arokyamary and Ramasesh (2013) conducted a study to find out the ICT skills

and competencies of engineering college LIS professionals in Karnataka state of India.

It was found that most of the engineering libraries have yet to take advantage of the

explosion of ICT developments. It is also found that where the organization has high

level of ICT development, the library unit remains inadequately equipped. Funding also

was one of the major challenges of most of the institutions with regard to the ICT

infrastructure facilities.

Kaur and Chopra (2013) conducted a survey on information use and behavior of

research scholars in Punjab University, Chandigarh and describes that 52.87%

respondents were using Internet facility in the department or library. 75.8% respondents

using journals for their research work. Researchers (77%) were using Internet as their

first information channel. More than 97% respondents prefer to use e-journals for their

desired information or studies, followed by e-book and e-mail. Majority of the research

scholars (66.66%) used Science Direct e-journals database. UGC-INFONET journals





used by 42.52% research scholars and AICTE-INDEST journals used by 42.52%

respondents. 41.37% respondents satisfied with the performance of library staff.

Sharma and Bala (2013) conducted a survey of engineering college libraries of

Kurukshetra in Haryana. They found that majority of the users were using the

Abstracting and Indexing services, Current Awareness Services (CAS) and Reference

services. Most of the users were using OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue)

service. Electronic journals were also used by the large number of respondents. Online

Databases and CD-ROM Databases are frequently used by the respondents. Further it

is also evident that the users were partially satisfied with the library services provided.

Tiwari and Sahoo (2013) conducted a study on infrastructure and use of ICT in

university libraries of Rajasthan. It is revealed that ICT activities are under developing

stage in the university libraries of Rajasthan. The lack of basic management and proper

planning and frequently change in ICT are the basic hurdles for successful

implementation and development of ICT.

Arun Bala (2012) conducted a research study on use and importance of e-

resources among Government College teachers in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Findings

reveals that 37.5% respondents were using e-resources via N-LIST, 82.5% used open

access resources. 62.50% respondents were using e-resources for research work

followed by getting information on current affairs (42.50%). Majority of the respondents

were satisfied with the adequacy of e-resources available in the libraries. 80%

respondents respond that e-resources can be good substitute of conventional

resources. But 52.5% respondents feel that importance of traditional resources will not

be faded due to e-resources and traditional resources will remain their importance.

Parmar (2012) conducted a study on use of e-journals and CD-ROM databases

by fraternity of CCSHAU, Hisar, India. It was found that 88.57% respondents were

aware of e-journals but only 67.14% respondents were using them. Likewise, 94.28%

users were aware of CDROM Databases but only 61.42% of respondents were using





them. It was also found that 97.87% of the respondents use E-journals through CeRA,

38.29% respondents through Search Engines, 17.02% respondents through publisher

website while 14.89% of respondents use e-journals through E-databases other than

CDROM Database. Majority 59.57% of respondents face the problem of slow

downloading, 44.68% of respondents face the problem of slow response of network,

12.76% respondents face problem of lacking of trained staff for their help while they

face some difficulty while accessing e-journals, 10.63% respondents face printing

problems.

Sengar and Shegorkar (2012) conducted a study on present state of ICT

application in two academic libraries in Navi Mumbai. They observed that percentage of

occasional visits to library of faculties of both colleges is more than that of students.

Most of the students explained that, they have basic knowledge of ICT tools and

applications. Students and teachers of both the colleges were using Internet at their

home which ranging from 23.07% to 50%. Students and teachers of both colleges were

using Internet for e-mail communication in a percentage of 30.76% to 50%. IEEE e-

journals were using by 47.36% faculty members and 28.57% students.

Sohail and Sharma (2012) conducted a study on awareness, access and use of

ICT application in National Physical Laboratory Library, Delhi and found that 100%

scientists were aware with ICT applications and infrastructure (Hardware and Software)

and 88.33% aware with Internet and its related applications and services and they

effectively make use of them. It was also found that 50% research scholars and equal

no. of scientists have the 2-6 years experience in using ICT application. Similarly equal

no. of scientists and research scholars, i.e. 83.33%, were using e-mail service as their

favorite activities. A majority of research scholars (58.33%) research scholars were

satisfied with library performance, while only 33.33% scientists were satisfied.

Okiy (2005) points out poor and inadequate telecommunication facilities; poor

level of computer literacy, even within the academic community; poor level of computer

facilities; poor level of awareness of Internet facilities among policy makers, government





officials and the ruling class in general; and minimum involvement of academic

institutions in network building in Africa as challenges militating against the use of ICTs.

METHODOLOGY

The study is based on a survey method for which a structured questionnaire was

designed and tested for the purpose of data collection. The questionnaire was

distributed during January-February, 2014 to 225 respondents (UG students, PG

students, Research Scholars) selected for the study, out of which 195 questionnaires

were received back with the response rate of 86.66%. The collected data through the

questionnaire was thoroughly organized and tabulated by using simple percentage

analysis method. The separate tables were prepared for each aspect asked from the

users. In the end, findings, conclusion as well as suggestions have been given, which

are based on the analysis.

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

The data was collected through questionnaires administered to the users of

different categories, including UG students, PG students and Research Scholars related

with the discipline of agricultural sciences of CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana. The data has

been thoroughly analysed, scrutinised and presented into the following successive

tables with their interpretations.

Table 1: Number of Questionnaires Distributed and Rate of Response

Category of Users No. of Questionnaires

Distributed

No. of Questionnaires

Received

Rate of Response

UG Students 100 83 83%

PG Students 100 89 89%

Research Scholars 25 23 92%

Total 225 195 86.66%





Table 1 highlights the category of users included in the study and their response

in the form of filled in questionnaires. It shows that out of 225 respondents, 195 had

given their responses which form the overall response rate of 86.66%. Individual

category, UG students (83%), PG students (89%) and Research Scholars (92%) had

given their responses positively. It shows the interest of the users towards the survey

conducted during January-February, 2014.

Table 2: Awareness about ICT Based Resources

Response UG Students PG Students Research Scholars

Rate of Response (%)

Aware 43 (51.80%) 72 (80.90%) 17 (73.92%) 132 (67.70%)

Not Aware 40 (48.20%) 17 (19.10%) 06 (26.08%) 63 (32.30%)

Total 83 89 23 195 (100%)

Table 2 depicts awareness about ICT based resources among the respondents.

More than fifty percent UG students said that they are aware about ICT based

resources while 48% said that they are not aware much about the same. 80.90% PG

students are aware and 48.20% are not aware about the ICT based resources.

Research scholars (73.92%) were aware about the ICT based resources whereas only

26.08% said they are not aware about ICT based resources or electronic resources.

Overall shows that 67.70% students were aware about the electronic or ICT based

information resources.

Table 3: Purpose of Using ICT Based Resources

Purpose UG Students

(n=83)

PG Students

(n=89)

Research Scholars

(n=23)

Improving Subjective Knowledge

70 (84.33%) 75 (84.26%) 19 (82.60%)

Time Saving 65 (78.31%) 70 (78.65%) 16 (64.56%)

No Need to Borrow 56 (67.46%) 67 (75.28%) 20 (86.95%)





Fast Access 72 (86.47%) 78 (87.64%) 21 (91.30%)

Keeping up-to-date 75 (90.36%) 81 (91.01%) 18 (78.26%)

For Research 37 (44.57%) 74 (83.14%) 23 (100%)

Prepare Assignments, Seminars

59 (71.08%) 50 (56.17%) 15 (65.21%)

Literature Search 44 (53.01%) 56 (62.92%) 23 (100%)

Career Information 50 (60.24%) 53 (59.55%) 17 (73.91%)

Table 3 reveals various purposes of using the ICT based information resources

by the respondents. It is to be noticed that more than 80% respondents of all three

categories were using the ICT based resources for improving their subjective

knowledge so that they make themselves to able to understand the basic concepts and

compete further in their examinations.

More than 78% respondents of UG and PG programs were using the ICT based

resources because it saves time whereas 86.95% research scholars said that because

in electronic nature, there is no need to borrow these resources. UG students (86.47%),

PG students (87.64%) and Research Scholars (91.30%) were preferred to usage of ICT

based resources because of fast access to these resources. More than 90% UG and

PG students said they are using these resources for keeping up to date themselves

while 78.26% Research Scholars have the same purpose. 100% Research Scholars,

83.14% PG students were using the ICT based resources for the purpose of research

work. More than 70% UG students have the purpose of prepare assignments or

seminars while 56.17% PG students and 65.21% Research Scholars were using for the

same purpose.

Cent percent Research Scholars were using the ICT based electronic resources

for the purpose of literature search for the research work whereas more than 60% UG

students were using the ICT based resources for the purpose of career information.





Table 4: For How Long They are Using ICT Based Resources

Time UG Students

(n=83)

PG Students

(n=89)

Research Scholars

(n=23)

Up to 1 Year 38 (45.78%) 14 (15.73%) -

1 to 2 Years 20 (24.10%) 22 (24.71%) -

2 to 3 Years 15 (18.03%) 29 (32.58%) 4 (17.39%)

3 to 4 Years 10 (12.04) 13 (14.60%) 9 (39.13%)

4 to 5 Years - 08 (8.98%) 6 (26.09%)

>5 Years - 3 (3.40%) 4 (17.39%)

Table 4 described the duration or frequency of using ICT based information

resources and services. Majority of UG students, i.e. 38 (45.78%) said that they were

using the ICT based resources and services just from last one year while 24.10% were

using the same since two years whereas very few respondents were using since two to

4 years, i.e. 18.03% and 12.04% respectively.

32.58% PG students know about the Internet and ICT based information

resources and services since two to three years and were using the same while 24.71%

PG students were using since two years. Whereas 15.73% aware with electronic

resources from last one year only. Thirteen students (14.60%) were accessing the ICT

based sources and services since 3-4 years, nearly 9% PG students were involved from

last five years and very few (3.40%) were using the electronic or ICT based resources

and services for more than five years.

Majority of the research scholars (39.13%) were using the electronic resources

and services from last 3-4 years while 26.09% were aware and accessing from as 4-5

years and equal number (17.39% each) were using the Internet or ICT based resources

and services from last 2-3 years and more than five years.





Table 5: Awareness of Web Search Engines

Response UG Students

(n=83)

PG Students

(n=89)

Research Scholars

(n=23)

Aware 65 (78.32%) 79 (88.76%) 20 (86.96%)

Not Aware 18 (21.68%) 10 (11.24%) 3 (13.04%)

Table 5 shows about the awareness of web search engines or browsers among

the respondents. It is to be noted after analysis of the above table that 78.32% UG

students were aware with web search engines while remaining 21.68% said that they

are not much aware with the web search engines because they had not received proper

opportunities for using the web search engines.

Majority of the PG students said that they are aware how to search information in

web search engines whereas small numbers of PG students (10 numbers) were not

aware about this facility over the Internet. Similarly 86.96% research scholars

responded that they are aware with this facility because they are using it since long time

back and frequently using the web search engines for their research work. Overall

majority of respondents covered all category were aware about the Internet and ICT

based information resources and services.

Table 6: Format prefer to Download the Documents

Format UG Students

(n=83)

PG Students

(n=89)

Research Scholars

(n=23)

MS-Word 42 (50.61%) 46 (51.68%) 11 (47.82%)

PDF 35 (42.17%) 34 (38.20%) 11 (47.82%)

HTML 04 (4.82%) 06 (6.75%) 01 (4.36%)

Rich Text 02 (2.40%) 03 (3.37%) -

Any Other Format - - -





Table 6 highlights the mostly preferred format for document downloading by the

respondents. It is found that more than fifty percent UG and PG students preferred to

download their desired information in MS-Word format while 42.17% UG students and

38.20% PG students were preferred to download the document or information in

Portable Disk Format. HTML and Rich Text format for document downloading were

preferred by very small numbers of UG and PG students.

Equal numbers of research scholars, i.e. 47.80% each were preferred MS-Word

and PDF format for document downloading. Whereas one research scholar said that he

will preferred to download the information in HTML format.

Table 7: Favourite Informational Activities Based on ICT

Informational Activities UG Students

(n=83)

PG Students

(n-89)

Research Scholars

(n=23)

E-Journals 09 (10.84%) 75 (84.26%) 23 (100%)

CD-ROM Databases 03 (3.61%) 55 (61.79%) 21 (91.30%)

E-Thesis - 30 (33.70%) 20 (86.95%)

OPAC 80 (96.38%) 85 (95.50%) 22 (95.65%)

E-Learning 28 (33.73%) 46 (51.68%) 14 (60.86%)

Web Surfing 73 (87.95%) 81 (91.01%) 23 (100%)

E-Mail 79 (95.18%) 85 (95.50%) 22 (95.65%)

Presentations on Slides 28 (33.73%) 45 (50.56%) 23 (100%)

Assignments on Word

Documents

56 (67.46%) 39 (43.82%) 20 (86.95%)

Above table 7 describes the mostly used or favorable informational activities by

the users. It is clear from the above table that OPAC (96.38%) and E-Mail (95.18%)

were the most using services or activities by the UG students. Whereas Web-Surfing

was done by 87.95% and class assignments on MS-Word documents were prepared by





67.46% UG students. Equal numbers of UG students, i.e. 33.73% were involved in e-

learning process and to prepare presentations on MS-PowerPoint slides. Very few

students were using the e-journals (10.84%) and CD-ROM Databases (3.61%), the

reason is UG students were not much aware about the journals and CD-ROM

databases.

Equal numbers of PG students (95.50%) have the common favorable

informational activities, i.e. OPAC and e-mail services, while 91.01% users were

preferred to Web Surfing. E-journals (84.26%), CD-ROM Databases (61.79%), E-

Thesis (33.70%) and preparing class assignments by 67.46% were the favorable

informational activities of the PG students. More than 50% PG students were preparing

presentations on MS-PowerPoint slides.

Web Surfing, e-journals, and presentation on MS-PowerPoint slides were the

most favorable information activities of all the research scholars. OPAC and E-Mail

services were using by the 95.65% research scholars. Equal numbers of research

scholars, i.e. 86.95% were using e-thesis and preparing presentation on MS-

PowerPoint slides. 91.30% research scholars explore CD-ROM databases while

86.95% preparing assignments on MS-Word document.

Table 8: Satisfaction level with ICT Based Resources Subscribed by the Library


(n=83)

PG Students

(n=89)

Research Scholars

(n=23)

Fully Satisfied 61 (73.50%) 67 (75.28%) 15 (65.21%)

Partially Satisfied 18 (21.68%) 16 (17.97%) 07 (30.45%)

Not Satisfied 04 (4.82%) 06 (6.75%) 01 (4.34%)

Table 8 depicts the satisfaction level of user’s with ICT based resources provided

by the Nehru Library. Between 65% to 75% UG students, PG students and Research

scholars were fully satisfied with the ICT based services provided by the Nehru Library,





while 18% to 30% Users were partially satisfied with the same. Out of 195 users, 11

users responded to dissatisfaction with the ICT based resources and services provided

by the Nehru Library.

Table 9: Satisfaction Level Towards the Quality of ICT Based Resources


(n=83)

PG Students

(n=89)

Research Scholars

(n=23)

Fully Satisfied 68 (81.94%) 73 (82.02%) 18 (78.26%)

Partially Satisfied 13 (15.66%) 12 (13.48%) 05 (21.74%)

Not Satisfied 02 (2.40%) 04 (4.50%) -

Table 9 revealed that about 82% UG students were shows fully satisfaction with

the quality of ICT based resources and services provided to them whereas 15.66%

were partially satisfied and 2 students were not satisfied. 82% PG students were fully

satisfied with the quality of ICT based resources and services while 13.48% said they

were partially satisfied and four PG students were not satisfied. Majority of the research

scholars, i.e. 78.26% were satisfied with the resources and services based on ICT

provided by the Nehru Library. A small number of research scholars (21.74%) were

partially satisfied.

Table 10: Problem Faced While Using ICT Based Resources

Problems UG Students

(n=83)

PG Students

(n=89)

Research Scholars

(n=23)

Slow Access Speed 10 (12.04%) 16 (18%) 03 (13.04%)

Difficulty in Finding Relevant Information

07 (8.43%) 13 (14.60%) 05 (21.73%)

Too much information is retrieved

14 (16.87%) 18 (20.22%) 05 (21.73%)

Lack of Proper Training 34 (40.98%) 20 (22.47%) 04 (17.41%)

Lack of Terminals 15 (18.07%) 20 (22.47%) 06 (26.09%)

No as such Problem 03 (3.61%) 02 (2.24%) -





Table 10 describes the various types of problems faced by the respondents while

using the ICT based resources and services provided by the Nehru Library. Nearly 41%

UG student complaints of lack of proper training of using the ICT applications and

resources while 18.07% said that there is lack of terminals in the library. 16.87% UG

students were confused to select the information related to them when they retrieved

too much information from Internet or the library. 12.04% faced the problem of slow

access speed of the network or computer systems.

Equal numbers of PG students, i.e. 22.47% were faced the problem of lack of

proper training in ICT applications and ICT based resources, and lack of terminals in the

library. More than 20% PG students faced the problem of retrieval of information in bulk

while 14.60% said that find difficulty in finding relevant information from the bulk

information resources.

26.09% of research scholars faced the problem of to lack of terminals in Internet

lab whereas 17.41% complaints to lack of proper training. Equal numbers of research

scholars, i.e. 21.73% face the problem of too much information retrieval and finding

relevant information from it while 13.04% said that computer systems are slow in access

speed.

Table 11: Satisfaction with Overall Library Performance

Option UG Students

(n=83)

PG Students

(N=89)

Research Scholars

(n=23)

Extremely Satisfied 18 (21.70%) 26 (29.21%) 08 (34.80%)

Satisfied 48 (57.84%) 30 (33.70%) 10 (43.47%)

Dissatisfied 05 (6.02%) 09 (10.12%) 02 (8.69%)

Extremely Dissatisfied 02 (2.40%) 05 (5.62%) -

Neutral 10 (12.04%) 19 (21.35%) 03 (13.04%)





Table 11 shows the satisfaction level with overall library performance against the

aspect of ICT based information sources and services. It is clear from the above table

that majority of the UG students (57.84%) said that they are satisfied with the overall

library performance and 21.70% said they are extremely satisfied. Only 6.02% shows

their dissatisfaction with the same and 12.04% UG students stay neutral with this

question.

Majority of the PG students, i.e. 33.70% satisfied with the performance or

resources and services of the library. Among them 29.21% PG students were extremely

satisfied with the overall library performance. About 10% were dissatisfied, while

21.35% were neutral to this question.

43.47% research scholars were satisfied with the library performance whereas

34.80% said that they are extremely satisfied with the resources and services provided

by the Nehru Library. 8.69% were dissatisfied and 13.04% were neutral about the

overall performance of the library.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Overall 67.70% respondents (including all three categories) were aware about

ICT based resources and services.

80% respondents of all three categories were using the ICT based resources for

improving their subjective knowledge.

86.95% research scholars were using ICT based resources because of electronic

nature and there is no need to borrow these resources.

83.14% PG students were using the ICT based resources for the purpose of

research work.

45.78% UG students were using the ICT based resources and services just from

last one year, while 32.58% PG students using since two to three years and

39.13% research scholars were using the electronic resources and services from

last 3-4 years.





Majority of the respondents of all categories (78% to 87%) were aware about the

web search engines and were using the same.

About 50% of all categories of the respondents were preferred to download their

desired documents in MS-Word format while rest of the respondents were

preferred to download in the form of HTML, PDF, Rich Text and any other format.

OPAC (96.38%) and E-Mail (95.18%) were the most using services by UG

students while more than 95% PG students mostly spent their time to browse

OPAC or using e-mail.

Cent percent research scholars were using the e-journals, web surfing and to

prepare the presentation on MS-PowerPoint slides. OPAC and e-mail services

were using by the 95.65% and CD-ROM databases were using by 91.30%

research scholars.

Upto 75% of respondents (included UG students, PG students and Research

Scholars) were fully satisfied with the ICT based resources and services provided

by the library.

Lack of proper training for UG students (41%), lack of proper training and lack of

terminals for PG students (22.47%) and research scholars (26.09%) were the

main problems faced by the respondents while using the ICT based resources

and services.

57.84% UG students, 33.70% PG students and 43.47% research scholars were

satisfied with the overall library performance regarding ICT based information

resources and services.

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS

In this era of electronic revolution, libraries and information centres have been

using ICT based resources and services to satisfy the diverse information needs of their

users. ICT based resources and services like e-journals, CD-ROM databases, online

databases, e-books, web based resources and a variety of other electronic resources





are fast replacing the traditional resources of libraries and considered as most vital part

of the libraries.

Therefore, the library professionals should be always up to date with regards to

ICT based information resources and services, so that maximum user’s satisfaction

would be achieved. It is also equally essential for the library users to transform

themselves with adequate skills and efficiency to case ICT based resources and

services.

On the basis of findings of the study, majority of the respondents of all the

categories were aware with information and communication technology applications and

resources & services. Respondents admitted that ICT plays highly significant role in

their academic and research work. The researcher also suggests that organizing formal

training and user orientation programs on regular intervals can facilitate effective use of

ICT based information resources and services in the Nehru Library of CCSHAU, Hisar.

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