Tamil Nadu: A Comparative Study Dr. Kotti Thavamaniirjlis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/14-IR253.pdf · the study are also indicates that majority of the users 92 ... that a library

605 International Research: Journal of Library & Information Science | Vol.4 No.4, Dec. 2014

User Behavior and Awareness among the Different Public Libraries in Chennai District,

Tamil Nadu: A Comparative Study

Dr. Kotti Thavamani

Library Assistant

Dr. M.G.R. Medical University

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

[email protected]

___________________________________________________________________________

Abstract: The study focused on comparative study of user behavior and awareness among the

two different public libraries in Chennai district, Tamil Nadu. A total number of 130 users

and two different public libraries are taken into account for the study through a

questionnaire based survey method. A well structured questionnaire is designed and

distributed to the selected 130 readers. The collected data were classified, analyzed, and

tabulated by using simple statistical methods. This study covers the impact of print resources

on users in their libraries. The major findings are majority of the respondent are satisfied

with availability of newspapers and magazines section being situated separately in the

library. The results of the study are also indicates that majority of the users are colleges

students. The users are good opinion about the reference sources.

Introduction

A Public library is rightly called as “Peoples University”. Its motto is “free book

services for all”. The traditional concepts of a public library as an indispensable tool for

elitists and literate sections of the society have changed in modern times. The public libraries

are the local gateway to knowledge; provide a basic condition for lifelong learning,

independent decision making and cultural development of the individual and social groups. In

a developing country library plays a vital role in the area of educational, political, cultural

and economic spheres; this is the centre for Cultural Heritage for promotion of National

Integration, for promotion of Communal Harmony for promotion of Spiritual Unity between

hearts etc. It creates in children a love for reading, which can lead to the formation of reading

habit at an early age. The public library is a practical demonstration of democracy’s faith in

universal education as a continuing and life-long process.

Literature Review

Thavamani, K (2014) studied Information use pattern of Connemara public library, Chennai.

The majority of 88.50% respondents are satisfied with availability of the information sources


like newspapers and magazines section being situated separately in the library. The results of

the study are also indicates that majority of the users 92 (46%) are colleges students. The

users are good opinion about the reference sources.

Padma P., Ramasamy K. and Chinna Ayyar (2014) traced the majority of respondents use the

branch library at Usilampatti for preparing themselves for various competitive exams; 30 %

respondents use the library once a week; Majority of users visit the library to read

newspapers and reference books, 11 respondents (22%) opined that lack of adequate library

staff is their major problem. 37 respondents (74%) opine that the quality of internet service

offered by the library is good; 32 respondents (64%) are highly satisfied with the information

they access from magazines and journals; 24 respondents (48%) rated the quality of overall

library services as very good.

Thanuskodi, S (2012) identified the Public libraries are essential since they improve literacy,

stimulate imagination and expand personal horizons. They also inform and empower citizens,

enable access to a common cultural heritage and support education at all levels. Also, a

positive relationship is observed between public library and literacy level, which in turn,

contributes to increase in economic productivity. This study evaluates library services and

gives suggestions for the improvement of district central libraries in Tamilnadu, India.

Balasubramanian, P.; Baalachandran, S & Swamidoss, S (2012) studied on modernization

with programmes in public libraries with reference to Tamil Nadu. Modernization is a course

that a library constantly applies to new technology by taking the computer as the core to

replace manual operations so that it can meet the needs of society and serve better.

Mechanization of library activities like acquisition, classification, cataloging circulation,

maintenance and information retrieval which are labour intensive could be operated through

computers. This study covers all the 30 district central libraries. Data has been collected both

from primary and secondary sources. A sample of 300 users has been selected at the rate of

10 from each library on the basis of random sampling method.

Senthur Velmurugan, V (2013) studied the aim of the Public Libraries Department is to enroll

all educated persons as Members of the library and to encourage them for utilizing the


services of this Department. The other activities of this Department are to provide facilities in

the Library, stock books useful for variety of readers, opening of libraries with the co-

operation of the public.

Subramanian, N (2014) identified the electronic information use patterns of Yercaud tribal

students in Salem district Tamil Nadu. This paper describes the background of the Yercaud

tribal area, ICT facilities available in Yercaud, the awareness of school and college students

about electronic resources

Objectives of the study

The present study is conducted to find out the user behavior and awareness among the

different public libraries in Chennai district, Tamil Nadu. Specific objectives are as follows:

To examine the users profile of the libraries

To find out the use pattern of library materials.

To assess the user satisfaction of library services.

Public library systems in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil nadu the Directorate of Public Libraries (DPL) functioning under the control

of Public Libraries Department is responsible in establishing and monitoring of public

libraries which include branch libraries, village libraries, part - time libraries and mobile

libraries of each district. The public library in each District in Tamil Nadu is functions under

the Directorate of Public Libraries (DPL). It is performing with one Joint Director, District

Officers, Additional Directors and Office Staff. Local Library Authorities of DPL execute the

duties of District Library Officer with support of technical and ministerial staff under the

control of the Directorate of Public Libraries. There are different types of public libraries

functioning in the State of Tamil nadu. At present there are 4187 Public Libraries in various

categories as detailed bellow are functioning in the State.


Table 1: Types of Public Libraries in Tamil Nadu

S.

No. District

State

Central

Libraries

District

Central

Libraries

Branch

Libraries

Mobile

Libraries

Village

Libraries

Part -

Time

Libraries

Total

1 Ariyalur -- 1 16 0 21 4 42

2 Chennai -- 1 138 0 0 19 158

3 Coimbatore -- 1 84 4 101 46 236

4 Cuddalore -- 1 66 0 48 23 138

5 Dharmapuri -- 1 32 0 71 20 124

6 Dindigul -- 1 56 0 93 5 155

7 Erode -- 1 79 1 103 17 201

8 Krishnagiri 1 28 70 20 119

9 Kancheepuram -- 1 68 1 59 28 157

10 Kanyakumari -- 1 16 0 111 5 133

11 Karur -- 1 29 0 59 2 91

12 Madurai -- 1 62 1 67 4 135

13 Nagapattinam -- 1 43 0 51 6 101

14 Namakkal -- 1 47 0 70 27 145

15 Nilgiris -- 1 48 0 33 1 83

16 Perambalur -- 1 14 0 31 8 54

17 Pudukottai -- 1 35 0 42 0 78

18 Ramanathapuram -- 1 52 0 27 6 86

19 Salem -- 1 60 1 80 21 163

20 Sivagangai -- 1 53 0 55 12 121

21 Tanjavur -- 1 53 1 50 5 110

22 Theni -- 1 65 0 53 16 135

23 Thirupur -- 1 53 79 7 140

24 Thiruvannamalai -- 1 44 0 75 22 142


25 Thiruvallur -- 1 68 1 53 11 134

26 Tiruvarur -- 1 30 0 52 6 89

27 Thuthukudi -- 1 48 0 59 18 126

28 Tiruchirapalli -- 1 59 1 67 4 132

29 Tirunelveli -- 1 99 1 89 1 191

30 Vellore -- 1 62 0 74 14 151

31 Villupuram -- 1 64 0 76 14 155

32 Virudhunagar -- 1 94 0 58 7 160

33 Connemara Public Library 1 -- -- -- -- -- 1

34 Anna Centenary Library 1 -- - -- -- -- 1

Total 2 32 1765 12 1977 399 4187

http://pallikalvi.in/Directorates/DPL/Reports/Reports.aspx

Methodology

The present study is mainly based on the primary data collected from the readers of

two different public libraries in Chennai district, Tamil Nadu. In addition, the data have been

collected from the sources available from the different libraries. At present in Chennai district

there are 160 (District library – 1, Branch libraries – 138, Part time libraries – 19, Connemara

(State Central) library – 1, and Anna Centenary Library – 1) different types of libraries are

functioning. For the purpose of this study, to compare the user behavior and awareness

among the two different public libraries are selected. Responses were collected from two

different (Villivakkam and Ambattur) public libraries representing the different geographical

zones in Chennai district. A total of 130 users have been selected in the present study. In each

library sixty five users are selected, the sixty five respondents have been selected according

to their regular utilization of the libraries. The users have been selected in random from the

user‘s records maintained by the library. The collected data were classified, analyzed, and

tabulated by using simple statistical methods.

Data Analysis and Findings

http://pallikalvi.in/Directorates/DPL/Reports/Reports.aspx


The study was conducted at two different public libraries in Chennai district, Tamil Nadu for

the benefit of its user community.

Table 2: Distribution of Readers by Age

Library

Age Total

10-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70

Ambattur

9

(13.84%)

27

(41.53%)

14

(21.53%)

9

(13.84%)

4

(6.15%)

2

(3.07%)

65

(100%)

Villivakkam

11

(16.92%)

24

(36.92%)

13

(20.00%)

10

(15.38%)

6

(9.23%)

1

(1.53%)

65

(100%)

Total

20

(15.38%)

51

(39.23%)

27

(20.76%)

19

(14.61%)

10

(7.69%)

3

(2.30%)

130

(100%)

The table 2 shows that age wise distribution of various categories of respondents. The

highest numbers of 27(41.53%) respondents are belonging to the age group of 21-30 in the

Ambattur library users are using. The lowest number of users i.e., 61-70 age group of

respondents being 1 (1.53%) are fewer users in Villivakkam library.

Table 3: Distribution of Readers by Gender

Library Sex

Total Male Female

Ambattur 49

(75.38%)

16

(24.61%)

65

(100.00)

Villivakkam 53

(81.53%)

12

(18.46%)

65

(100.00)

Total 102

(78.46%)

28

(21.53%)

130

(100.00)


Figure 1: Distribution of Readers by Gender

The table 3 and figure 1shows that out of 130 respondents, 102 (78.46%) are belongs

to male. There are 28 female respondents (21.53%) are less users gender wise. In

Villivakkam library, maximum numbers of male visitors (53) are visiting the library. The

lowest 12 (18.45%) female visitors are visiting the Villivakkam library.

Table 4: Distribution of Respondents by Academic Background

Library Academic Background

Total School College University

Ambattur 14

(21.53%)

32

(49.23%)

19

(29.23%)

65

(100.00)

Villivakkam 11

(16.92%)

37

(56.92%)

17

(26.15%)

65

(100.00)

Total 25

(19.23%)

69

(53.07%)

36

(27.69%)

130

(100.00)


Figure 2: Respondents by Academic Background

The table 4 and figure 2 shows that, out of 130 respondents 69 (53.07%) are college

level which is the highest, 25 respondents (19.23%) are school level which is the lowest. In

Villivakkam library, maximum number of College level users (37) is using the library,

maximum number of University level users 19 (29.23%) are using the library in Ambattur

library.

Table 5: Awareness of Information Resources

Library

Response Total

Yes No

Ambattur 59

(90.76%)

6

(9.23%)

65

(100.00)

Villivakkam 62

(95.38%)

3

(4.61%)

65

(100.00)

Total 121

(93.07%)

9

(6.92%)

130

(100.00)


Figure 3: Awareness of Information Resources

Table 5 and figure 3 show that majority 121 (93.07%) of the respondents are aware of

the information resources available from the libraries and only 9 (6.92%) are not aware of it.

It is a positive sign towards the use of the information resources by the library user

community. The highest number of users 62 (95.38%) are aware of the information sources in

Villivakkam library.

Table 6: Distribution of Respondents by Frequency of Library Visitors

Library

Frequency

Total Daily

Once in

A Week

Once in

Fortnight

Monthly

once

Ambattur 18

(27.69%)

31

(47.69%)

11

(16.92%)

5

(7.69%)

65

(100.00)

Villivakkam 16

(24.61%)

29

(44.61%)

14

(21.53%)

6

(9.23%)

65

(100.00)

Total 34

(26.15%)

60

(46.15%)

25

(19.23%)

11

(8.46%)

130

(100.00)

The table shows that among the library visitors 60 (46.15%) respondents are visiting

library once in a week. 25 (19.23%) respondents are visiting library once in a fortnight. The

second highest number 34 (26.15%) of users are visiting the library in daily. In Ambattur

library, maximum number of respondents 31 (47.69%) are using the library once a week.

Daily visitors are maximum 18 (27.69%) in Ambattur library.


Table 7: Distribution of Respondents by Reading Hours in Library

Library

Reading Hours

Total 1 Hour 2 Hours

Above 2

Hours

Ambattur 29

(44.61%)

22

(33.84%)

14

(21.53%)

65

(100.00)

Villivakkam 32

(49.23%)

17

(26.15%)

16

(24.61%)

65

(100.00)

Total 61

(46.92%)

39

(30.00%)

30

(23.07%)

130

(100.00)

The table shows that the 61 (46.92%) respondents are reading up to one hour in the

library. 39 (30.00%) respondents are reading 2 hours in the library. In Villivakkam, maximum

number of respondents 32 (49.23%) are reading up to 1 hour in the library. Two hours reading

in the library are maximum 22 (33.84%) in Ambattur library, and 2 hours and above reading

are maximum (16) in Villivakkam library.

Table 8: Distribution of Respondents by Convenience of Library Timings

Library Convenience

Total Yes No

Ambattur 61

(93.84%)

4

(6.15%)

65

(100.00)

Villivakkam 58

(89.23%)

7

(10.76%)

65

(100.00)

Total 119

(91.53%)

11

(8.46%)

130

(100.00)

Figure 4: Convenience of Library Timings


The table 8 and figure 4 shows 119 (91.53%) respondents of library users are satisfied

with library timings. And only 11 (8.46%) respondents are not satisfied with library timings.

In Ambattur library, 61 (93.84%) of the respondents are satisfied with library timings. Only 7

(10.76%) respondents are not satisfied with library timings in Villivakkam library.

Table 9: Distribution of Respondents by Availability of Sources

The table 9 shows that 100 (76.92%) respondents of library users are satisfied with

availability of the reference sources. Only 30 (23.07%) respondents are not satisfied with

reference section in the library. In Villivakkam, library maximum number of respondents 54

(83.07%) are satisfied with availability of the reference sources. And 19 (29.23%)

respondents are not satisfied with reference sources in Ambattur library.

Table 10: Distribution of Respondents by Availability of Newspapers & Magazines

Section

Library Availability

Total Yes No

Ambattur 63

(96.92%)

2

(3.07%)

65

(100.00)

Villivakkam 64

(98.46%)

1

(1.53%)

65

(100.00)

Total 127

(97.69%)

3

(2.30%)

130

(100.00)

Figure 5: Availability of Newspapers and Magazines

Library Availability

Total Yes No

Ambattur 46

(70.76%)

19

(29.23%)

65

(100.00)

Villivakkam 54

(83.07%)

11

(16.92%)

65

(100.00)

Total 100

(76.92%)

30

(23.07%)

130

(100.00)


The table 10 and figure 5 shows that 127 (97.69%) respondents of library users are

satisfied with availability of newspapers and magazines section being situated separately in

the library. Only 3 (2.30%) respondents are not satisfied. In Villivakkam, library maximum

number of respondents 64 (983.46%) are satisfied with availability of newspapers and

magazines section. And only 2 (3.07%) respondents are not satisfied in Ambattur library.

Table 11 Opinion about Information Resources

Library Opinion

Total Satisfied Partly Satisfied Not satisfied

Ambattur 49

(75.38%)

11

(16.92%)

5

(7.69%) 65

(100.00)

Villivakkam 54

(83.07%)

9

(13.84%)

2

(3.07%) 65

(100.00)

Total 103

(79.23%)

20

(15.38%)

7

(5.38%) 130

(100.00)

Figure 6: Opinion about Information Resources


Table 11 and figure 6 shows that the majority 103 (97.23%) of respondents were

satisfied with the relevance of the information resources, followed by 20 (15.38%) partially

satisfied. Only 7 (5.38%) respondents were not satisfied with the availability of the

information sources.

Table 12 Comparison of the Two Different Libraries

Sl.

No.

Comparison Library

Ambattur Villivakkam

1 Age 27 24

2 Gender 46 53

3 Academic Background 32 37

4 Awareness of Information Resources 59 62

5 Frequency of Library Visitors 31 29

6 Reading Hours in Library 29 32

7 Convince of Library Timings 41 58

8 Availability of Sources 46 54

9 Availability of News Papers and Magazines 63 64

10 Opinion about Information Resources 49 54

Figure 7: Comparison of the Two Different Libraries


Table 12 and figure 7 show that the comparative of age wise (21-30) is dominant role

(27) in Ambattur library to compare the Villivakkam library. In gender wise 53 male users

are most dominant role compare to Ambattur library. To compare the academic background

wise the Villivakkam library users are major role. And to compare reading hours wise

Villivakkam library users (32) are most dominant. And finally overall compare to the above

table the Villivakkam library users are most dominant role in all aspects.

Finding and Conclusion

The highest numbers of 27(41.53%) respondents are belonging to the age group of 21-

30 in the Ambattur library users are using.

Out of 130 respondents, 102 (78.46%) are belongs to male users. In Villivakkam

library, maximum numbers of male visitors (53) are visiting the library.

Out of 130 respondents 69 (53.07%) are college level users which is the highest. In

Villivakkam library, maximum number of College level users (37) is using the library.


Majority 121 (93.07%) respondents are aware of the information resources available

from the libraries. The highest number of users 62 (95.38%) are aware of the

information sources in Villivakkam library.

Among the library visitors 60 (46.15%) respondents are visiting library once in a

week. In Ambattur library, maximum number of respondents 31 (47.69%) are using

the library once a week. Daily visitors are maximum 18 (27.69%) in Ambattur library.

61 (46.92%) respondents are reading up to one hour in the library. 39 (30.00%)

respondents is reading 2 hours in the library. In Villivakkam, maximum number of

respondents 32 (49.23%) are reading up to 1 hour in the library.

119 (91.53%) respondents of library users are satisfied with library timings. And only

11 (8.46%) respondents are not satisfied with library timings. In Ambattur library, 61

(93.84%) of the respondents are satisfied with library timings.

100 (76.92%) respondents of library users are satisfied with availability of the

reference sources. In Villivakkam, library maximum number of respondents 54

(83.07%) are satisfied with availability of the reference sources.

127 (97.69%) respondents of library users are satisfied with availability of

newspapers and magazines section being situated separately in the library.

Majority 103 (97.23%) of respondents were satisfied with the relevance of the

information resources in the library, followed by 20 (15.38%) partially satisfied.

This paper aimed to know the performance of comparative study of user behavior and

awareness among the two different public libraries in Chennai district, Tamil Nadu, from the

study majority of the users of the libraries satisfied with the collection of the information

resources, services and facilities offered by the different public libraries.


References

1. Thavamani, K, (2014) Information Use Pattern of Connemara Public Library,

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A Case Study, International Research: Journal of Library and

Information Science, 4 (1) 182-196.

2. Padma P., Ramasamy, K. & Chinna Ayyar (2014) Information Seeking Behaviour of

Users at Usilampatti Public Library, Tamilnadu, India: A Case Study, Research

Journal of Library Sciences, 2 (3) 1-5.

3. Thanuskodi, S (2012) Assessing the Efficacy of Library Services of District Central

Libraries in Tamil Nadu from Users Perception, DESIDOC Journal of Library and

Information Technology, 32, (6) 485-492.

4. Balasubramanian, P.; Baalachandran, S & Swamidoss, S (2012) A Study on

Modernization Programmes in Public Libraries with Reference to Tamil Nadu. IJISS,

2 (2) 1-5.

5. Senthur Velmurugan, V (2013) Libraries in Tamilnadu: A History of Public Library.

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Research, 1 (1) 22-31.

6. Subramanian, N (2014) Electronic Information Use Pattern of Yercaud Tribal

Students in Salem District, Tamil Nadu, Journal of Advances in Library and

Information Science, 3 (1) 47-52.

7. UNESCO Public Library Manifesto in IFLA for Public Libraries. IFLA: (1956) 13.

8. Ashok kumar, S.K, (2008) Public Library System and Services in Tamil nadu.

Bharathi Puthagalayam: Chennai. 33-35.

32,%20(6)


9. Kulasekaran, P (2006) Public Libraries Department: An Overview. Regional Seminar

on Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954 held at World

University Centre, Chennai. 31-39.

10. Selvamani, J & Thavamani, K (2010) Role of Public Libraries in Continuing

Education Programme. Proceedings of The National Seminar on Developing

Utilization Based Public Library System In Digital Environment: Challenges and

Opportunities, Organized by Department of Library and Information Science,

Annamalai University. 106-107.

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Tamil Nadu: A Comparative Study Dr. Kotti Thavamaniirjlis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/14-IR253.pdf · the study are also indicates that majority of the users 92 ... that a library