Effects of Students’ Demographic and Academic Characteristics on Library Use: A Perspective from Pakistan

abstract:This study investigated students’ use of the central library of the University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan, including the effect of various demographic and academic characteristics on the utilization of library services. The study also examined library users’ methods of finding information sources and their perceived importance of the academic library as a place. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 400 library users in eight different library locations. Of 400 questionnaires, 317 responses were submitted, for a response rate of 79 percent. The findings indicated that students frequently visit the library for an academic reading environment and a quiet zone for individual study. Overall, many factors influence library use, including both demographic and academic characteristics. Respondents perceive the value of the library as a place for learning, deep thinking, and information-seeking, and they regard the library’s collection as important. The university library could apply these insights to strengthen library services and provide more places for learning and study. This article’s findings will also prove useful to other Pakistani regional academic libraries considering use patterns and future areas for service development.