Awareness and Utilization of Library Resources and Services: A Study of Central Universities in Bihar
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/lt.2026.12.01.01Keywords:
Academic Libraries, Central Universities of Bihar, Electronic Resources (E-Resources), Library Resource Utilization, Information Seeking Behavior, Digital Literacy, Hybrid Libraries, User SatisfactionAbstract
Purpose: This study investigates the levels of awareness, frequency of utilization, and user satisfaction regarding library resources and services within the higher education ecosystem of Bihar. It highlights the operational dynamics of modernizing university libraries as they transition into hybrid environments, specifically examining the alignment between resource availability and actual user utility. Methodology: Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, a structured questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 300 active, research-engaged library users (postgraduate students, research scholars, and faculty members) across all four Central Universities in Bihar. A total of 274 valid responses were received, representing a 91.33% response rate. The quantitative data was evaluated using statistical frequency distributions and ranking methods, supplemented by qualitative thematic analysis from in-depth interviews with library staff and users. Findings: The data reveals a distinct "familiarity gradient" where foundational physical materials like newspapers (93.80% combined awareness) and mainstream digital formats like e-books (84.67%) command high recognition, while specialized scholarly platforms remain heavily obscured, such as online databases (54.74% unaware) and Institutional Repositories (64.23% unaware). A pronounced instructional divide exists: despite 70.80% awareness of library orientation programs, 49.64% of respondents have never participated in training. Furthermore, while traditional book circulation (85.77%) and reference services (81.02%) enjoy high user satisfaction, campus digital infrastructure lags significantly, with slow internet speeds emerging as the top operational barrier to library utilization. Value/Conclusion: The study underscores a persistent "utility and skills gap" in regional central libraries. To optimize substantial institutional investments and satisfy modern academic workflows, the paper recommends a strategic shift from passive promotion to proactive, mandatory hands-on digital literacy campaigns alongside necessary upgrades to campus network bandwidth.
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Kumar, S., & Kumar Singh, D. A. (2026). Awareness and utilization of library resources and services: A study of central universities in Bihar. LIS, 12(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.48165/lt.2026.12.01.01 DOI: https://doi.org/10.48165/lt.2026.12.01.01
