This study proved useful to investigate the level of
users’ satisfaction with the services of PIC library.
It provides an opportunity to understand the perceptions
of health care professionals about the library
services via detailed interviews. The study shows
that a library with an adequate collection and better
physical facilities is considered more effective in
satisfying its users. A library is required not only to
improve its collection, services and facilities in
response to the changing needs of library users in a
rapidly changing information age, but it also should
continue taking their feedback to discover the effectiveness
of the resources and services offered.
Library users were satisfied with most of the services
of the PIC library, especially the library collection
and its organisation, reference and
circulation services, staff attitude, cooling and heating
system. However, they expressed their concerns
about library space, hours, furniture and environment.
The users also suggested the need of computerisation
of library services, a more up to date
collection, better Internet access within the library
premises and more comfortable furniture.
We can conclude that, in the light of the above
findings, it is needed not only to maintain and further
strengthen the services with which the users
are satisfied, but also to improve the library services
upon which the users have shown their concern
and take serious steps for the solution of
identified problems to gain users’ satisfaction.
Such studies may be conducted at regular intervals
to understand users’ perceptions about the library
services that may be addressed to achieve their
satisfaction. For a special library having a specified
type of users, interview technique is the better way
to investigate their perceptions in detail for better
understanding. However, other types of libraries
may adopt various methods to investigate users’
satisfaction keeping in view their users and organisation
needs.
Immediate outcomes and benefits
The study helped PIC library staff to identify the
core problems that users face in using the library
and its services. It provided an opportunity for
library staff to take necessary efforts for the
improvement on their part and urge PIC administration
to make necessary measures where needed
regarding the highlighted issues. For this purpose,
PIC administration was informed about the survey
findings. They were provided with the recommendations
in terms of key messages for improvement
of the library services. Moreover, they were
informed, about the highlighted issues the library
staff would address on their part. The administration
welcomed the study and agreed to provide its full
and continuous support in this regard in future.
Some development has already been taken place
in the PIC library with the cooperation of senior
administration on some of the highlighted issues
such as provision of four computers in the library
with Internet connections for users; availability of
copying equipment including photocopier, digital
printer, and scanner, refrigerator, new furniture
especially more comfortable chairs for users.