E-Resource :As its application and user satisfaction in selected medical libraries with in Kathmandu valley

Abstract

This thesis entitled “E-RESOURCES: AS ITS APPLICATION AND USER SATISFACTION IN SELECTED MEDICAL LIBRARIES WITHIN KATHMANDU VALLEY” has been carried out to fulfil the partial requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Library and Information Science. An attempt was done to explore the status of core medical e-resource used in the medical libraries within Kathmandu valley. It tried to identify the weaknesses and strength of medical libraries in acquiring and handling e-resources efficiently as per users’ request and interest. Similarly, user behaviour and satisfaction were also studied. The main focus of this study was to find out the Internet sites that are providing e-resources need of our medical professionals. This study has been divided into six chapters, first chapter dealt with background information, second chapter dealt with literatures in relevant subjects, third chapter dealt with focus of the study; here different e-resources as well as the medical libraries under study were examined. Fourth chapter dealt with research methodology used to carry out the survey. The analyses of data obtained were presented in tabular form, charts, and figures where necessary for clarity. Sixth chapter dealt with summary, conclusion, and recommendations. Medical libraries of five medical colleges within Kathmandu valley were chosen for the study. The population were users of those medical libraries who visited library during the period of March 4 and March 29, 2016 and were either postgraduate students or above. Two different sets of questions were prepared, one for librarians and another for users. One hundred questions were sent for users, altogether 76 users filled up the questionnaire and returned back. The information thus obtained, entered in IBM SPSS v20 for analysis and MS Excel 2007 to create figures for clarity. According to the findings, medical libraries under study were found to be adequately equipped with necessary computer hardware, software and Internet speed to locate and download medical e-resources with support from IT professional. However, most of the librarians lacked knowledge about available e-resources. Financially, nothing had been invested beside infrastructure i.e. computer and Internet. vi The users were observed to be aware in e-resources. Among them 42.1% visited library to use e-resources, 40.8% responded that they posses satisfactory online searching skills. For e-resources use, 32.9% felt considerable use while same percent used print and e-versions equally. Most of users used to visit Google or Google Scholar to find and locate medical articles. The students preparing for dissertation and those wanting to become abreast in one’s field used e-resources most. Few of them were using it for treatment of patient as well. For medical articles users used to visit PubMed, Google / Google Scholar, HINARI, Medscape and UpToDate sites most. For e-books they look for free e-book provider, torrents, and HINARI the most. The format and device of choice were; PDF at 93.4% and PC or laptop computer and smartphone/tablets both are at 60.5%. For the inhibiting factors, 84.0% felt subscription to access, insufficient e-resources (60.0%), lack of knowledge about tools & technology and proper guidance were also blamed. The problems for its usage were observed to be unavailability of needed material (63.2%) and insufficient e-resources in subject of interest (63.2%). It was observed that users are not relying only on library computers, in fact they are bringing their own devices to use in quiet space of library. Majority of users (43.4%) are just satisfied followed by 23.7% poorly satisfied with the e-resources provided through library. This indicates that the users are not well satisfied by the e-resources they are getting. In the summary, the librarian and the users both needed exposure and training in e-resources availability and usability. Since not all of databases can be subscribed, subscribing the needed databases through consortium and resource sharing through network have been recommended to use it cost effectively. Free Wi-Fi Internet, quiet space, and uninterrupted electricity was what users were expecting from libraries, therefore, it is recommended too. Keywords: e-resource, Internet, medical libraries