Dissertation Information for Mohamed Fituri Abduljalil NAME: - Mohamed Fituri Abduljalil
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- Case Western Reserve University (USA) (1985)
ADVISORS: - Tefko Saracevic
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Richard L. Derr - Thomas Gleason Morris - Mathur Kamlesh
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: Book availability and user satisfaction in school libraries
Abstract: Book availability provides a good quantitative measure for evaluating library service. It is an objective measure which can be used for comparative purposes. Many studies have been conducted in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada to show to what extent users' requests for books from different libraries are satisfied.
The main objective of this study is to measure quantitatively the overall book availability in two high school libraries, and to determine the factors which influence book availability in these two libraries. Comparisons with previous studies are discussed. The users of these two libraries were asked to record the availability and non-availability of their requests of books. When these books were not located by users, an immediate search was conducted to determine the reason.
Certain books are recommended and suggested by professionals and subject specialists for high school libraries. This study tries to determine the probable availability of these books in these two libraries and compares them with actual requests or demands of users of both libraries. For comparison purposes, another method was applied.
It was found that the performance measures of library operations "Plib" and user performance "Pusr" in both libraries identified the causes of non-availability of many books. The user performance measure in both libraries was improved when a librarian's help was offered.
To improve the performance of both library operations and users in these libraries, it is recommended that (a) an electronic security system be installed; (b) the staff should check shelves regularly for misshelving of books; (c) the staff should make inventory checks; (d) the staff should organize appropriate orientation and instructional programs for users to help them both at the catalog and at the shelves.
Since this investigation is the firs of its type in these two libraries, it is suggested that a systematic and diagnostic analysis is needed from time to time in order to evaluate the effectiveness of library service and user performance. This periodic evaluation should produce valuable and accurate information which will help library managers improve book availability and increase user satisfaction.
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