The Contributions of Public Libraries to Satisfy Intellectual Curiosity of Rural Inhabitants in West Bengal: An Indian Case Study

IF 0.8 4区管理学 Q3 INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE

Libri-International Journal of Libraries and Information Studies Pub Date : 2022-06-28 DOI:10.1515/libri-2021-0085

Shamim Aktar Munshi, M. Ansari, Sayantoni Barsha

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Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate the contributions of public libraries to the satisfaction of the intellectual needs of rural inhabitants in West Bengal, India. The study applied a quantitative survey method with the help of a well-structured questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed among to the users (students, officers/professionals, self-employed individuals, businessmen, jobseekers, retired persons, and housewives) of 45 rural public libraries in five selected districts of West Bengal. The study found that the largest group of respondents belonged to the students and jobseekers categories, who visit the rural public libraries for seeking academic and job-related information. Many students from humble backgrounds were solely dependent on public libraries because they have procured some textbooks from middle school up to graduation level. Jobseekers were mostly consulting the Career Guidance Section of the library to prepare for various competitive exams. The study also revealed that public libraries have been trying to satisfy the intellectual and informational needs of the rural inhabitants by providing various services and facilities. Respondents have further reported that public libraries should adopt modern technologies and provide ICT-based library services as well. The outcome of this study would help to develop and upgrade the public library collection, services, and facilities in developing countries in a way that reflects patrons’ stated needs.

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西孟加拉邦公共图书馆对满足农村居民求知欲的贡献:以印度为例

摘要本研究的目的是调查公共图书馆在满足印度西孟加拉邦农村居民知识需求方面的贡献。本研究采用了定量调查的方法，并编制了一份结构合理的问卷。向西孟加拉邦五个选定地区45个农村公共图书馆的用户(学生、官员/专业人员、个体经营者、商人、求职者、退休人员和家庭主妇)分发了调查问卷。研究发现，最大的受访者群体属于学生和求职者类别，他们访问农村公共图书馆寻求学术和工作相关信息。许多出身贫寒的学生完全依赖于公共图书馆，因为他们从中学到毕业都买到了一些教科书。为了准备各种竞争激烈的考试，求职者大多在图书馆的就业指导部门咨询。研究还表明，公共图书馆一直在努力通过提供各种服务和设施来满足农村居民的知识和信息需求。受访者进一步表示，公共图书馆应采用现代科技，并提供以资讯及通讯科技为基础的图书馆服务。这项研究的结果将有助于发展中国家公共图书馆的藏书、服务和设施的发展和升级，以反映读者的明确需求。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Libri-International Journal of Libraries and Information Studies INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE-

CiteScore

1.70

自引率

0.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： Libri, International Journal of Libraries and Information Services, investigates the functions of libraries and information services from both a historical and present-day perspective and analyses the role of information in cultural, organizational, national and international developments. The periodical reports on current trends in librarianship worldwide and describes the transformation of libraries and information services resulting from the introduction of new information technologies and working methods. Background information and the latest research findings in librarianship and information science are made accessible to experts and a broader public. Articles are in English and conform to the highest academic standards.