Are They Facilitating the Information Poor? An Appraisal of Information Services of Public Libraries in Punjab

ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of the present study was to investigate the information services provided by public libraries to information-poor in the most populous province of Punjab. In addition, the challenges faced by public libraries in providing desired information services to information-poor were reviewed. Methodology The study was quantitative in nature. The survey research method was used. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Findings The results indicated that public libraries were struggling to provide the required information services to information poor. Lack of government funding was one of the biggest challenges in providing required services, as reported by public libraries. Further lack of information policy and inadequate information and communication technology infrastructure were identified as key challenges in providing required information services to information poor. Originality The present study addressed the information services of public libraries to information-poor which is unique in its nature.