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APPLICABILITY AND UTILITY OF ONLINE PUBLIC ACCESS CATALOGUE AMONG DELHI LIBRARY USERS : A SURVEY
DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
^FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF
2002-2003
By
AMITA Exam. Roll No. 224
Class Roll No. 02-LSM-24 Enrol. No. GA-0282
Under the Supervision of
DR. MEHTAB ALAM (Lecturer)
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY
ALIGARH (INDIA) 2003
DS3355
( Ace. ' i * _ _ ^ " i-flj
'*^«s/in."uDWets; -
c
(Dedicated
to
my detbvecfparents
1
ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY, ALIGARH DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY
AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
'EPBX : 700916, 20-23. 26 Ext. 1 93'4 Phone Direct : 700039
^Res. : 708551, 702165 Fax: 91-0571-400528,401221
Email : [email protected]
Ref. No
D3ted..<?.C$^r:.^.^.^..<=.^.^
ODertificate
This is to certify that i iss Amita has completed her dissertation
entitled ""Applicability and Utility of Online Public Access
Catalogue among Delhi Library Users: A Survey" in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Library
and Information Science. She has conducted the work under my
supervision.
Dr. Mehtab Alam Lecturer
^cfeiTOlxi let iQcet i tent
It is solely and exclusively due to the blessing of *Sai', the merciful, the
benevolent, the compassionate, that I have been able to complete my
dissertation.
I would like to express my heartiest and sincere gratitude to my respected
teacher and supervisor. Dr. Mehtab Alam, Lecturer, Department of Library and
Information Science, A.M.U., Aligarh, who suggested and supervised me to
undertake this work. His constant encouragement, valuable guidance and the
precious time he spared, inspite of his academic and personal commitments,
enabled me in completion of this work.
I wish to express my deep sense of gratitude to Prof. Shabahat Husain,
Chairman, Department of Library and Information Science, A.M.U. for
enlightening the path of optimism.
I would like to thank Mr. S. Mustafa, K.Q. Zaidi, Reader, Department of
Library and Information Science, A.M.U. for helping me whole year.
I sincerely wish to express my thanks to my teachers Mr. Naushad All
P.M., Mr. Masoom Raza, Miss Sudharma Haridasan and Mrs. Nishat Fatima for
their suggestions and cooperation in all respect whereas I needed.
I appreciate the help rendered by all the staff members specially Mr. Riaz
Abbas, Seminar Incharge, Department of Library and Information Science.
11
I would like to thanks the staff of Dr. Zakir Husain library, Jawaharlal
Nehru University Library, Indian Institute of Technology, National Information
System for Communication and Information Resources, Defence Science
Information and Documentation Center, Delhi libraries for their cooperation
during my survey and for helping me in collecting data.
Words fails me In expressing my regards to my parents, my brothers
Mr. Arun Chaudhary, Varun Chaudhary, sister-in-law Mrs. Sashi Prabha, nephew
Mr. Jay Supriya and my loving niece who have always been the source of
strength inspiration and encouragement to me throughout my study.
I thankfully acknowledge the help and cooperation offered by my nearest
one Geetanjali didi and Genitha.
I would be failing In my expressing my thanks if I don't express my thanks
to Mr. Shree Verma for his moral and emotional support.
i\0>
AMITA
111
CONTENTS
Page No.
CERTIFICATE i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii-iii
CONTENTS iv
LIST OF TABLES v
LIST OF FIGURES vi
ABBREVIATIONS vii
CHAPTER-I INTRODUCTION 1-27
CHAPTER-II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 28-42
CHAPTER-III METHODOLOGY 43-49
CHAPTER-IV DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 50-79
CHAPTER-V CONCLUSION, FINDINGS AND SUGGESTIONS 80-85
APPENDIX BIBLIOGRAPHY 86-89 QUESTIONNAIRE 90-93
IV
Table No. Title Page No.
1. Frequency of visit to the library 51
2. Purpose of visit to the library 53
3. Searching tools for the library 55
4. Frequency of using library catalogue 57
5. Use of Online Public Access Catalogue 59
6. Accessibility of the Online Public Access 61
Catalogue
7. Strategy for searching the document through 63
OPAC
8. Satisfaction of getting the relevant material 65
through OPAC
9. Complex search used by the user 67
10. Users reaction in case of failed search 69
11. Behaviour of Library staff 71
12. Successfulness of Online Public Access 73
Catalogue
Table No. Title Page No.
1. Frequency of visit to the library 52
2. Purpose of visit to the library 54
3. Searching tools for the library 56
4. Frequency of using library catalogue 58
5. Use of Online Public Access Catalogue 60
6. Accessibility of the Online Public Access 62 Catalogue
7. Strategy for searching the document through 64 OPAC
8. Satisfaction of getting the relevant material 66 through OPAC
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Complex search used by the user
Users reaction in case of failed search
Behaviour of Library staff
Successfulness of Online Public Access Catalogue
Findings of Dr. Zakir Husain Library, Delhi
Findings of Jawaharlal Nehru University Library, Delhi
68
70
72
74
75
76
15. Findings of Indian Institute of Technology 77 Library, Delhi
16. Findings of National Information System for 78 Communication and Information Resources, Delhi
17. Findings of Defence Science Information and 79 Documentation Centre, Delhi
VI
ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode
CAS Current Awareness Service
CCF Common Communication Format
DESIDOC Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre
DRDO Defence Research and Development Organisation
IIT Indian Institute of Technology
INSDOC Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre
IRS Information Retrieval System
IT Information Technology
JNU Jawaharlal Nehru University
LUIS Library User Information Service
NICNET National Information Centre Networic
NISCAIR National Information System for Communication and Information Resources
OCLC Online Computer Library Centre
OPAC Online Public Access Catalogue
PC Personal Computer
SDI Selective Dissemination of Information
UNESCO United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
WWW World Wide Web
ZHL Dr. Zakir Husain Library
VII
c
Chapter-I Introduction
I
INTRODUCTION
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information Technology is a generic term used to denote all the
various activities connected with the location, acquisition, storage, processing
and communication of information. Two other near synonymous terms used
simultaneously are Documentation and Information Science, the purpose of
all the three remain the communication of information to those specialist who
need it for use through information being documents. When the emphasis
shifts from micro-documents to macro-documents, from information of all
times to nascent information, and from general to specialist, library science
become information science. Information science in turn is transformed into
information technology. When extensive use of mechanical, electronics or
micro-electronic equipment is made in the processing and communication of
information. So that no time is lost in transferring the technology to the users
after it has been generated and no worth while information is lost to its
potential users inspite of its huge size and tremendous growth rate. Thus,
the extensive use of telephone, satellite transmission, computer, micro
processors etc., in information communication has transformed Information
Science of yesterday into Information Technology.
The term information technology has thus evolved out of Information
Science. Though both are concerned with information handling, the former,
nevertheless, is more comprehensive and much wider is scope. Besides
information science, such disciplines as behavioural science, computing,
microelectronics, reprography, systems theory and telecommunications are
also included in its scope. It deals with all the information activities.
DEFINITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
According to ALA Glossary, "Information technology is the
application of computers and other technologies to the acquisition,
organization, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information".
UNESCO defined IT as "The Scientific, technological and engineering
disciplines and managerial techniques used in information handling and
processing; their applications, computers and their interaction with men and
machines and associated social, economic and cultural matters".
Encyclopaedia of Library and Information Science- Defines
Electronic technologies for collecting, storing, processing and communicating
information. There are two main categories: those which process
Information, such as computer systems; and those which disseminate
information, such as telecommunication systems. The term can generally be
understood to describe system that combine both.
Bedis defined "Information Technology is a general term used to
denote all activities connected with computer based processing, storage and
transfer of information. It involves computer, electronic media, satellite,
telecommunication and reprography".
Moll defined "Information Technology as various means of obtaining,
storing and transferring information using computers, telecommunication and
microelectronics".
ADVANTAGES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN LIBRARIES
A wide variety of advantages can be derived by the appropriate use of
Information Technology. Advantages of IT can refer to anything useful
produced with the assistance of technology, which allows to complete more
tasks with greater accuracy and better quality in less time and for lower costs.
It could be higher productivity; beti:er quality or It might be less tangible like
ensuring users to have a better Image of the library, improved response time
or improving staff moral and motivation. In certain nature of jobs, hours of
manual work is possible for completion within minutes through IT, Perhaps,
there may not be any area of operation or service where we cannot apply IT
and get benefits In the following ways:
> IT helps to avoid duplication of effort: and wori< in library operation.
> IT facilities cooperation and resource sharing through library networks.
> IT helps to introduce new services and improve existing services.
> IT allows integration of various library operations.
> IT executes repetitive nature of works.
> rr facilities faster information communication.
> IT helps to increase the quality and range of services.
> rr Increases moral and motivation of library staff.
> rr facilities easy and wider access to all kinds of information sources
> rr helps to increase efficiency and effectiveness in library operations
> IT ultimately helps to save time, space, energy and resources.
> IT helps to improve productivity and image of the library.
AREAS OF THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
1. Information Network
The concept and the use of information technology is very much wide
and It is known as a new name of Electronic Network. Traditional networks
are based only on the relations of efficiency, organization and coordination of
the working personnel's of the network, whereas the information network is
mainly related with computerized activities of the libraries, such as circulation
methods of documents and bibliographic databases. In this network the
devices of computers and telecommunication are used to provide the facilities
of informal communication, which has become possible only be the recent
developments held In the field of information technology.
2. Telecommunication
The maximum use of information technology is In telecommunication,
where the main aim of the use is to transfer information from one place to
the other. In telecommunication systems mostly the electrical and
electromagnetic devices are used in the form of informal communicator, by
which the information can be transferred quickly. The use of
telecommunication for the communication of information is a revolutionary
step for libraries. Hence many of the nations established their own satellites
to affect the information systems. Efforts have been made to start a specific
type of network for the system for communicating the information at
international levels. The two networks such as INDONET and National
Information Centre Network (NICNET) have also been established in India for
this purpose.
3. Online Service
The facilities of online access of information through telecommunication
network have gained much popularity these days. Hence online sen/ice
systems have been started in this field, in which data online services are very
much important. In these services, the database in large numbers are
provided by online access and the access of all the data centres becomes
available through telephone on the terminals at very low amount. This service
is also available personally to the scientists.
4. Electronic Publishing
Information technology has also affected the printing industries.
Teleprinters have been developed for printing purposes in the computers, and
hence some of the publishers have started computer based text processors.
5. Micrography
Micrography is also one of the fast technologies like computer
technology. This has very important place in the methods and techniques of
collecting large number of information sources for quick search. In this field
COM are very much sophisticated means of storage and retrieval of
information, which changes the information on magnetic tape in machine
readable format by the computer and the speed of reading of the same on
magnetic tape Is 300 pages per minute.
LIBRARY AUTOMATION
Automation is a technique to make a system or a process self active.
The main base of automation is the computer. We say in simple terms that
automation is the application of computers and utilization of computer based
products and services.
DEFINITION OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION
According to Webster Dictionary "The techniques of moving in
apparatus, a process or a system operate automatically is called automation".
Encyclopedia Britannica defines automation as ''The name given to
an automatic system of working. The difference between automation and
mechanization, a related term, is being mainly one of degree".
Mr. Harder defines IT initially as "The automatic handling of parts
between progressive production processes".
When we talk of library automation, we mean of the application of
computers to perform the several routines, repetitive and clerical work
involved in different library functions and services. Before the birth of
computers, other types of machines, e.g. punched cards, unit record, were
used to automate library functions. These machines required considerable
human supervision and intervention. On the other hand, computers are
capable of introducing a greater degree of automation in tasks, operations,
processes, techniques and methods, since they are electronic, programmable
and are capable of exercising control over the processes performed.
Therefore, library automation today is principally the use of computers,
associated with magnetic tapes, disks, optical disks etc., computer based
products and services In library work.
In simple terms library automation means the application of computers
and utilization of computer based product and services in the performance of
different library operations and function or in the provision of various service
and production of output product.
NEED OF AUTOMATION
The ever Increasing number of documents in various physical forms,
book and non-book, printed and non-printed, published and unpublished,
graphic and audio-visual, magnetic tape and other forms, has been making
the library situation be wildering. The nature of user's needs and
requirements has also been changing. In a library situation, all these pose
problems in selection, acquisition, and organization of documents in various
physical forms. In addition to this, libraries are gradually becoming
information centres, particularly in fast developing subject areas, where
generation, retrieval and dissemination of information through the creation of
data bases and systematic information services are felt to be essential.
The need for automation in libraries is felt because of the work-load in
all spheres of library activities. It is essential to have the day to day work
updated.
Increasing volume of information on the one hand, and increasing
number of users and their specialized needs on the other hand, requires
newer methods for organizing information and new services such as the SDI
service became possible only because of computer.
Automation is very much needed for the following reasons:
1) to create efficient service;
2) to provide accurate service;
3) to control the rapid growth of Information;
4) capable of satisfying the users;
5) capable of being operated by all users;
6) possible to link the system into other existing system;
7) proved to be economical.
OBJECTIVES OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION
The broad objective of any library automation programme may be said
to as follows:
a) Improves the efficiency of a given function for Instance an automated
book acquisition system enables faster processing of book requests
into book orders, and of books received, better management of
budgets, etc.
b) If a library catalogue is made computer-readable and interactively
searchable, the on-line catalogue can be used to provide for greater
accessibility to the libraries holding than by a card catalogue.
c) Improve the cost efficiency of library operations. This is often possible
because a single input is used in several operations or processes.
d) Relieve professional manpower of tasks which are routine, repetitive,
or clerical.
AREAS OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION
Introduction of computer in libraries have immensely enhanced the
effectiveness of library services including efficient organization and retrieval of
information activities. In a library the activities may broadly be grouped into
two broad categories-
I) Library house keeping operations and services.
6
II) Information storage, retrieval and dissemination.
I ) Library House keeping Operations and Services:
The library house keeping jobs are performed mainly for controlling the
stock of the library and the circulation of materials. These jobs include
selection, ordering, acquisition, processing, cataloguing and circulation
control. The jobs also include maintenance and updating of the catalogue,
chasing the suppliers, sending reminders, getting book selection tools etc.
The computer can present the existing picture of library stock by describing
and keeping records of the where about of each items of the stock.
The house keeping operations in a library that have been automated
successfully are:
i) Acquisition of documents
ii) Cataloguing
iii) Circulation
iv) Serial control
i) Acquisition of documents:
In a manual acquisition system one finds that the library has to
maintain several paper files and records. Some of the tasks involved in
administration and managements of the acquisitions function are of routine or
clerical nature, e.g. filling of cards, typing of purchase orders, passing of bills
etc.
These are the routine jobs in the library and require repetitive
operations. The repetitive operations and the requisite checking can very well
be done by computer.
Automated book acquisitions generally have the following goals:
> Faster processing of book orders and receipts.
> Elimination of several paper files and records and consequent delays in
handling book orders, receipts, etc.
> Better control over budgets.
> Elimination of wasteful duplication of effort.
> Relieving of professional staff for better and more important tasks
requiring their professional's skills.
ii) Cataloguing:
The catalogue of a library is most important record. A good catalogue
enables both users and library staff to effectively utilize the library resources.
The cataloguing function requires the professional skills of a catalogues as
well as clerical skills such as typing of main entry cards, duplication of cards,
typing of headings, sorting of cards and alphabetization, filling, etc. So, the
use of computer makes these jobs easily.
The use of the computer in cataloguing is as follows:
(i) It Is minimize data entry.
(Ii) Once the entered cataloguing data is verified for accuracy, all cards
produced are error free,
(iii) It is quite possible to produce catalogue cards much more
efficiently since with a single keyboarding effort several types of
cards are produced,
(iv) It is quite possible to produce book catalogue, i.e. catalogue
records arranged in the form of a list of entries and bound as
books.
iii) Circulation:
Basically circulation of materials or document service to users Is the life
stream of library service. The materials are for use and intended for users,
but they should come back from users to be served to other users. In this
way, there is a cycle In the library operation with a continuous flow of
documents outward and inward. Activities involved in circulation control are
not technically complicated but are highly labour intensive and time
consuming. Manuals circulation system is simple but repetitive activities and
considerable amount of record keeping e.g. record of issue, borrowers, due
dates, overdue etc. manual systems, however, are error prone especially in
times of peak transactions.
The Principal benefits of automated circulation control are:
(i) Increasing speed and accuracy in the completion of circulation
transactions and in the recording of information required in the
control of circulation.
(ii) To get information about the books to be borrowed, whether they
are in the library or not.
(iii) To ensure rapid charging and discharging of documents,
(iv) To check overdues books and to prepare the reminders,
(v) To update loan files,
(vi) To prepare statistics.
iv) Serial Control:
Serials control is a major task in the library. Serials include journals,
newspaper, annual reports, proceedings of learned bodies, monographs series
etc. A computer can hold records of the various particulars about serials such
as periodicity, frequency of arrivals, whether the cun-ent issue has been
received or not, whether subscriptions have been paid or not, and such other
particulars in the periodicals department. If the integrated computerized
system is adopted in a library, all the files may be Interlinked so that
deletions, additions and such other changes in the files are made
automatically to active changes in related files.
Automated serials control system is expected to have the following
capabilities.
(i) Monitor the expiry of journal subscriptions and send out several
orders to publishers/vendors or prepare a list of serials due for
renewal,
(ii) Ensure that issues received are properly registered.
(Iii) Send out reminders for Issues not yet received or those which are
overdue,
(iv) Prepare lists of serials by vendors and/or publishers,
(v) Maintain records of payments, expenditures and budgets by fund,
(vi) Prepare routing slips for journal Issues,
(vii) Prepare lists of serials ready for binding.
I I ) Information storage, retrieval and dissemination
Information Retrieval:
The enormous growth in the published information and increasingly
specialised nature of the literature have resulted in serious problems in
accessing information, i.e. retrieving information on a given topic and in
becoming aware of new pieces of information. The use of computers become
an important application for solving these problems and permit access to the
users. These access are called Information Retrieval System{IRS}.IR system
for bibliographic applications are generally characterized by the fact that they
permit very large record sizes, Boolean search capabilities and flexible output
formatting.
Computerized Indexes:
The Indexes are compiled by computers In KWIC indexing. In
computerized indexing the need of making content analysis is already become
low and no need to analyse the whole texts. The document and information
should be according to KWIC indexing. It is easily prepared in a very short
time with the aid of key punchers by computers.
Searching Process:
The catalogues are prepared for searching the material in the libraries,
but these are not fully capable to search out the required material out of large
chunk of the literature. By the use of computers a file is prepared for all
possible entries of the documents and the file is organized in such a way that
all the quarries may be answered. To provide the answer of various types of
questions, the entries prepared to provide access to the users are filed. The
search for a record of a document may be done for various type of accesses
In this system. It has become possible only due to the method of searching by
machine readable file, and which has became due to the efficiency of quick
searching of the computers. The computer searches the information from the
file and tests also the same.
International Information System:
The application of computers has given the help in establishing an
international system for information dissemination, which was not possible in
10
the past. It is not difficult to compile universal bibliography today about
which Paul Outlet-and Henery La Fontaine thought first before a period of
many years. To prepare the universal catalogue of scientific literature is also
not hard and impossible work today which was thought by Royal Society
London. In this way the computer has made possible the establishment of
information systems of international levels, such as INIS, AGRIS, etc.
Other Programmes:
The automation has made the important various libraries and
information services very simple and economical. It has also make the CAS
(Current Awareness Service) services for the users very easy and active and
many accesses of the users are fulfilled by it.
However, I would like to confine myself in the online Public Access
Catalogue (OPAC) with probing deep into other related aspects of information
technology as well as library automation.
ONLINE PUBLIC ACCESS CATALOGUE
An Online Public Access Catalogue is a library catalogue accessed via a
computer terminal for the benefit of library users. OPACs were introduced in
the US in the late seventies and in the UK in early eighties. These have also
been Introduced in a few Indian Libraries. An OPAC provides the users online
access to the library's catalogue allowing them to search and retrieve records
from the online catalogue and depending on the underlying library
management software it also offers other facilities such as online reservation,
borrower status checking and so on. With the advent of the Internet and
more recently with the World Wide Web (WWW), most library OPACs can now
be searched by remote users, anywhere in the world, who have an access to
the Internet.
DEFINITIONS
The ALA GLOSSARY defines Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) as
follows:
"A Computer-based and supported library catalogue (bibliographic
database) designed to be accessed via terminals so that library users may
directly and effectively search for and retrieve bibliographic records without
11
the assistance of a human intermediary such as a specially trained member of
the library staff".
SIMON SMITH defined as:
"An OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) is an online bibliography of a
library collection that is available to the public. OPAC developed as stand
alone online catalogues often from VTIOO terminals to a main-frame. Library
catalogue with arrival of the Interest most libraries have made their OPAC
accessible from a server to users all over the world".
KASKE & FERGUSON defined it as:
"A Public Access Online Cagalogue must, at minimum, provide the
bibliographic record content, retrieval functions and access points similar to,
and under standable in terms of a card catalogue. Therefore, the record
content will include. Therefore, the record content will include entry
information, notes Information, and tracings information. The user must be
able to locate, in the data base, all works by an author, all editions or other
versions of a work, all works on a given subject, and a work or works with a
specific title".
HILDRETH (1985) defined OPAC as:
"It is time to start thinking of the online catalogue as an intelligent
gateway to diverse. Integrated information resources for both the information
specialist and the library patron or and user; a gateway accessible not only in
libraries, but at places of work, study, leisure, and the home. Perhaps,
someday the online catalogue will just be called 'my online library".
TYPES OF OPAC
OPACs can generally be viewed as being of two types:
First-generation OPACs
Second-generation OPACs
Third-generation OPACs
i. First-generation OPACs:
First-generation OPACs have been derived from traditional catalogues
or computerized circulation systems. They are also referred as phrase-indexed
or pre-coordinated OPACs. The number of access keys are limited and they
12
are similar to manual catalogues i.e. Author, Title, Class Number and possibly
subject headings.
First-generation OPACs expect exact matching on the particular field and
are generally intolerant to users mistakes. Considerable guidance is provided
about the exact manner in which the specific item must be entered e.g.
Author's name. At the end of the search, searcher not only gets details about
the required book but also gets the circulation status of the particular books.
First-generation OPACs have the benefit that usually some thing is
displayed on the terminal as a result of a search. Thus If there is not an exact
match. It may display those records which are nearest to the particular search
key.
ii. Second-generation OPACs:
Second-generation OPACs have their origin from commercial
bibliographic information retrieval systems of the 1970s and accordingly have
greater similarity to the search services provided by these systems.
These OPACs are operated by a command language, which is simplified
for use by inexperienced users. This generation OPACs provide keyword
searching that Is post coordinate searching. Thus, It offers the additional
benefits of search flexibility. It gives greater opportunities for subject access
to the records within the database than First-generation OPACs but this
improved subject access is inhibited by the lack of detailed content
representation within the records.
The searches are basically of two types:
• Phrase searching on pre-coordinated subject headings, and
• Keyword searches on indexing data in the bibliographic records.
Second-generation OPACs suffer from two problems:
(i) It is very difficult to browse through the records
(ii) Large size and wide subject coverage of many catalogues in
comparison with other bibliographic databases probably have led to
too many searches suffering from false drops and or too many hits.
13
iii. Third-generation OPACs:
The above listed deficiencies were investigated and some of tine
remedies that emerged, were incorporated into third generation OPACs to
enhance their subject searching capability. These systems are enriched by
the inclusion of additional controlled and uncontrolled access points. Quarries
are accepted as a 'natural language' statement eliminating the need for the
user to know quarry formulation and search techniques. Some of the systems
use partial match techniques instead of Boolean operators. The retrieved sets
are sometimes ranked according to the query relevance. These catalogues
ensure vastly improved search system interaction at every level of the search
process.
SEARCHING THROUGH OPAC
The OPAC system has changed the traditional concept of access
drastically. It allows multi-dimensional searches providing as many access
points as the data elements depending on the software used. It is an
advantage over the linear search provisions in the earlier forms of catalogue.
OPACs, allow searches through the access points as author, title, subject,
class, keyword, combination etc. OPACs in some modern software provide
options as place of publication, year of publication, publisher etc. as well. An
additional provision of truncation of terms is also available in the OPAC
system. This option makes the system most flexible. Two types of searches
are possible
i) Simple search
ii) Complex search
i) Simple search:
Autiuu:: The search for a document through OPAC is very easy is the
name of the author is known to the user. Generally, the last name of the
author will be the entry element.
liflfl: Searching for documents by title is similar to searching by
author. For title search, users have to select the title option in the menu and
type the words in the title of the document. The initial articles are often
omitted. In the OPAC system in modern software, users need not type the
14
complete words in the title as the computer will list a certain number of titles
in the alphabetical order.
Subject: Users can search for documents in a particular subject by
selecting the subject option. The particular subject is to types in such search.
Documents in that subject available in the library will be listed in the
computer. Users can select the appropriate title and ask for Its details.
Class: The search using the class number requires the user's
knowledge of the class number of a particular subject. For an exhaustive
search for documents in a subject, class number search is useful.
Keywords: Many OPAC systems in modern library software provide
key word search option. This allows greater flexibility of access to the
bibliographic records. In key work search, documents can be searched after
using a single word appearing in the name of author, title, subject or
abstract/content depending on the details given in the database.
The disadvantage of key word search is that the system will relieve
some lest relevant documents as well.
ii) Complex search:
Combination: Combination search provides opportunity for a user to
form search strategies using Boolean logic. The logical operators (AND OR,
NOT) indicate the relationship among terms in a search strategy.
AND Logic: If two terms in a search sb-ategy are linked using the
logical operator AND then the output will be the items in which both the
terms are used in title or the abstract. This increase the specificity and
ensures greater precision, which means only relevant documents will be listed
on the computer screen as a result of the search.
OR Logic: The OR logic helps the user to search for documents using
alternate terms. If two terms are linked using OR logic in a search strategy
the output will be a list of documents which contain any one of these terms in
title or abstract/content.
NOT Logic: The use of NOT logic is to exclude particular terms. The
output of such search will exclude documents which contain the term right to
the operator NOT in the search strategy.
15
Truncation: TTie truncation option gives the searcher the opportunity
to search on parts of words by putting an arbitrary symbol. This arbitrary
symbol indicates the missing letters in a term. The computer will select all
possible alternatives to that missing place. When the technique of truncation
is used, the computer will select all the terms with a common roof or common
fragments. There are four types of truncation-right truncation, left
truncation, simultaneous left and right truncation and infix truncation (middle
truncation).
If the searcher wants to search for documents on children, he can
truncate the term as:
Child?
(The question mark is an arbitrary symbol)
The computer will select all the documents with the term child as root
such as:
Child
Childhood
Children
Children's
This option opens wide possibilities to the users when the exact
spelling of a term is not known.
ADVANTAGES OF OPACs
'Karen Marke/ lists the following advantages of the OPAC
1. To enable a person to find a book of which the another, the title or the
subject is known.
2. The library patrons need not wander from one place to other to follow
see and see also references.
3. The patrons need not wear out pencils copying the bibliographic
information; printers or down loading software provide convenience
and ensure accuracy in the transfer of information.
4. It is no longer necessary for a person to come to the library to use the
catalog. The catalog can be wherever they are, and they can use it
whether or not library itself is open.
16
5. It addition to that, the catalog can be as up-to-date, as the holdings it
represents.
6. The contents of the catalog are no longer restricted to the holdings of
the particular library. Theoretically, there is no limit to the number of
libraries the online catalog can represent.
Apart from those advantages, it may also provide information on the:
1) Holdings of periodical contents.
2) A variety of data bases, including full text files.
3) Acquisition and circulation information, which tells whether the material
required Is on order, or if it is lent out when It is due.
4) Advice as to how to search the catalog effectively.
5) Information about the library and community events.
LIMITATIONS OF OPAC
1. Do not provide online thesaurus aids useful for subject
focusing/identifying temis that are broader or narrower than topic of
search.
2. Do not automatically assist the user by providing alternative
formulation of the search statement when the initial approach fails.
3. Do not provide sufficient assistance in the translation of the query
terms Into the vocabulary used in the catalogue.
4. Do not lead the searcher from successful free-text search terms (e.g.
title words) to the corresponding subject headings or class numbers
assigned to a broader range of related materials.
5. Do not rank the retrieval sets in decreasing order of probable
relevance to the user's search criteria.
6. Do not provide open-ended, exploratory browsing through pre-
established linkages between records in the database, in order to
retrieve materials related to those already found.
7. Do not provide sufficient information in the retrieved bibliographic
records (e.g. Table of contents, abstracts, book reviews) to enable the
user to judge the usefulness of the documents.
17
LIBRARY SOFTWARE
Software
A Software is a set up of programmes written or developed to enable
the computer to do desired operations.
Application Software
Application Software is a software developed or written to enable the
computer to carry out specific functions required by a particular group of
users, e.g. software for railways/air reservation, or in case of libraries,
software for doing acquisition, serial control, circulation or documentation
work, etc.
DESCRIPnON OF SOME LIBRARY SOFTWARE PACKAGES
LibSys
"LibSys for library automation" is the prime mission of New Delhi based
software company - Info-Tek Consultants Pvt. Ltd., engaged in providing
software solutions for General Insurance and ERP/CRM since 1984.
With open system architecture (3-tier) since its inception and its
continuous transition from a host multi-user system to Client-Server
implementation and finally a total web-based solution, makes LibSys an
advanced multidimensional library system. A powerful and user friendly Web-
OPAC along with Windows based OPAC, makes it an outstanding choice for a
Library system.
LibSys handles Indian languages/scripts using ISM Publisher and GIST
of C-DAC. There is an additional 'Unicode' support in LibSys that facilitates
handling of both International and Indian languages/scripts.
For choosing a suitable platform for LibSys implementation there are
many possibilities such as WINDOWS (NT/2000/XP), UNIX (various flavours)
and LINUX, giving a feel of open system for expandability and cross migration
in future. Besides its own proprietary database handling capabilities, any
preferred industry standard RDBMS such as SQL Server, ORACLE, MySQL etc.
can be used as a back-end.
For a modern library having Electronic Surveillance Gate based security
system installed, the SIP2 intert'ace in LibSys supports various self check-out
18
counters, Book drops stations, etc. based on RFID or any other advance
technology.
Adherence of LibSys to standards such as MARC and Z39.50 makes it
suitable for cooperative networking and resource sharing. As LibSys can
handle digital contents along with various multimedia files and electronic
resources, implementation of a virtual library is a distinct possibility
The Indian Institute of Technology Library and Jawaharlal Nehru
University library uses LibSys software packages which is an integrated multi
user library management system that supports all in house operations of the
library. The LibSys consists of modules on acquisition, cataloguing, circulation,
serials, article indexing and OPAC. Records of books available in the library,
can now be accessed through the LibSys OPAC. The LibSys package has
been successfully implemented in these libraries.
VTLS-YIRTUA
Micro VTLS
This PC-based integrated library system is designed for the automation
of relatively small library and includes Online Catalogue, Circulation,
Cataloguing and report modules. The systems works either as a stand alone
one system or on a network.
In June 1995, VTLS announce its new VIRTUA library automation
systems. VIRTUA will corporate in an object oriented design, following what
its called a "Virtual architecture". To Provide robust foreign language
capability VIRTUA uses the UNICODE characters, set a recent standard design
to provide support for all major languages. Using Oracle's relational database
management system, VIRTUA operate on the DEC alpha under Ultrix, on
IBM's and under AIX, on sun's SPARC series under Solaris and on Hewlett
pack and 9000 systems under HP-UX. VIRTUA will the non HP 3000 systems
under MPC/IX using HP's image relational database management system
VTLS designed VIRTUA to operate high performance networks and
emphasizes Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) as its preferred networking
methodology.
19
VIRTUA software is being used in the Dr. Zakir Husain Library successfully.
It supports various platforms/options and encourage the user to change the
platforms as beneficial to them.
GRANTHALAYA
It is complete library automation package designed and developed in
fox pro by the Indian National Scientific Documentation Centres New Delhi.
Salient Features of the package are as follows:
The package comprises 7 modules (data administration, query,
circulation, acquisition, serials control, technical processing and library
administration) designed to handle all functions of a library and information
centre. Since the package has different modules, the library can implement
complete package or acquire stand-alone module(s) depending upon the
needs of library to implement, and remaining modules can be implemented
and integrated with the existing module(s) as and when need arises.
The package has been developed based on object oriented design
which offers qualitatively superior and product
The Package adopts common communication format (CCF). It
incorporates all mandatory fields of CCF which facilities import/export of data
from/ to Granthalaya to/ form various platforms. Export and import of data to
and from ISO: 2709 and ASCII format is possible.
Dictionary Facilities is provide in the package for data elements like
publishers, keywords, accompanying materials etc.
The package is provided with sophisticated tools for retrieval of
information by different search parameters. Search can be conducted by
using Boolean logic operators. Search terms can be typed or selected through
dictionaries. The package is easy to learn and use. It provides on screen
messages to help users.
At present NISCOM is marketing and promoting this package for library
automation in India- The package has already been implemented at National
Infomiation System for Communication and Information Resources
(NISCAIR), New Delhi. Its UNIX version has been implemented at the Nuclear
Science Centre Library New Delhi.
20
SUCHIKA
SUCHIKA is an integrated software package for library automation,
designed and developed during 1996 by the Defence Scientific Information
and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), Delhi for its defence science library
and other libraries/technical information centres (TICs) or Defence Research
and Development Organization (DRDO), scattered all over India. The purpose
of developing this software is to automate all the DRDO libraries/TICs, to
create and maintain a DRDO libraries holdings database and help the libraries
to follow uniform standard practices. TTie package has been developed in
C++ language in MSDOS and UNIX versions keeping in view the requirements
of big and small libraries of DRDO. The package is menu driven and user
friendly. The package conforms to international standard like CCF, ISO-2709,
AACR 11 and allow data conversion from CDS/ISIS. etc.
SUCHIKA has powerful search facilities. Search can be conducted on
any field by specifying the fields or through the various indexes like author,
subject, keywords, report No., patent No., etc. Query may be typed or
selected by using the concerned index. Boolean search operations can be
used. Suchika also provides fecility for free text searching. Search results can
be displayed according to desired formats, and after selecting the relevant
records, print outs can also validation and data duplication checking. This
package has been developed in modular form, such as acquisition, circulation,
OPAC, serial control modules. Therefore, its implementation is quite easy.
Either all the modules may be implemented at one time, or module wise
implementation can also be made depending upon the needs of library. The
package both (DOS and UNIX versions) has been implemented at Defence
Science Library and it is under implementation in other DRDO libraries/ TICs.
DESIDOC, being a government agency, has decided to offer this software
package to non-DRDO libraries also at nominal price to help them in their
automation.
21
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
On the basis of the study, investigator can identify the problems which
are facing by the users in using OPAC in various Delhi Libraries and suggest
how to improve its services to fulfill the needs of the users.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
TTie problem selected for the present study is entitled "Applicability and
Utility of Online Public Access Catalogue among Delhi Library users: A
Survey".
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Applicability: According to Webster's Dictionary of the English language
"applicability means the state or quality of being applicable".
Utility: According to Webster Universal Dictionary "the action of utilization or
the state of being utilize".
OPAC: The ALA GLOSSARY defines Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) as
follows:
"A Computer-based and supported library catalogue (bibliographic
database) designed to be accessed via terminals so that library users may
directly and effectively search for and retrieve bibliographic records without
the assistance of a human intermediary such as a specially trained member of
the library stafT'.
Delhi: Delhi is the capital of India.
Library: According to Oxford English Dictionary "A collection of books and
other literally materials kept for reading, study and collection."
According to Webster illustrated contemporary Dictionary "A collection
of books, pamphlets, computer programs etc., especially one arranged for
easy location of desired material.
Users: According to Oxford English Dictionary "User in generally defined as
one who users or employs any things".
In this study user indicate that users which use the OPAC in various
libraries of Delhi.
Survey: According to Oxford English Dictionary "The examine and ascertain
the conditions, situation or value of formally or officially".
22
According to Webster illustrated contemporary dictionary "To look at in
its entirely; view comprehensively, as from a height". "To determine
accurately the area, contour, or boundaries of according to the principles of
geometry can trigonometry". "A systematic in query to collect data for
analysis, used especially for the preparation of a comprehensive report
summary".
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1) To know the purpose of visit to the library.
2) To find out the most used method for searching the document.
3) To find out user's opinion regarding the awareness, utilization,
satisfaction level to use the OPAC.
4) To know the strategy to search the library material.
5) To find out the user's opinion regarding hit terms found through OPAC.
6) To know the members reaction about the behaviour of library staff.
7) To recognize the user's opinion about the OPAC.
8) To know whether Delhi Ubraries provide special training to their users
for appropriate use of OPAC.
9) To know the user's opinion about updating of information.
HYPOTHESIS
The following hypotheses were formulated for the present investigation.
1. A large number of library users are aware about the Online Public
Access Catalogue.
2. A large number of library users are utilizing the available Online Public
Access Catalogue services in libraries of Delhi.
3. When the user's initial approach fails, system do not assist by
providing alternatives search strategy.
4. Most of the users are satisfied with the behaviour of library staff.
5. A large number of users are satisfied with the Online Public Access
Catalogue.
METHODOLOGY
The present study is conducted on a sample of 100 users of five
various libraries of Delhi viz. Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi;
Jawaharlal Nehru University Library, New Delhi; Dr. Zakir Husain Library, New
Delhi; National Information System for Communication and Information
Resources (NISCAIR), New Delhi; Defence Science Information and
Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), New Delhi.
The tools used for the present study were questionnaire, observation
and informal interview. Firstly, investigator choose the sample on the basis
stratified method and circulate the questionnaire according to random
method.
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
Investigator visited in different libraries of Delhi and approached the
user to collect the necessary data. Questionnaires were distributed to the
users and filled questionnaire were collected back after one day. The
investigator personally consulted users and had an informal talk regarding
their approach.
SCOPE AND LIMITAHON
The objective of the present study entitled "Applicability and Utility of
Online Public Access Catalogue among Delhi library users: A Survey" is to
know the opinion of users regarding the awareness, utilization, satisfaction
through Online Public Access Catalogue.
The investigator had some limitations during the survey.
- Poor response of the respondents.
- Non cooperation and unwillingness on the part of respondents.
ORGANISATION OF REPORT
Chapter-I
Introduction
The introduction chapter deals with small description about
Information Technology, Library automation, OPAC, Library softare used in
various libraries followed by need and significance of the study, statement of
the problem, objectives, scope and limitation of the study.
24
Chapter-II
Review of Literature
Review of related literature a total no. of 25 previously published
literature related to Online Public Access Catalogue. Survey and general is
summarized.
Chapter-Ill
Methodology
Tlie chapter deals with the selection of the problem, purpose of the
study, hypothesis, objectives, methodology, tools use for the study, scope of
the study, data collection procedure and data analysis method.
Chapter-IV
Analysis and Interpretation of data
The chapter deals with the analysis and interpretation of data collected
through questionnaire.
Chapter-V
The chapter deals with Conclusion, findings and suggestions
recommendation for further study.
25
REFERENCES
1. ARUNA (A). Online public access catalogue. DESIDOC Bulletin of
Information technology. 18, 5; 1998; 3-8.
2. BURCHRELD (RW) fid. Oxford English Dictionary. 1989. Clarendon Press.
3. CLARK (John OE) fid. World Perfect Dictionary. 1987. Harrop Press,
Britain.
4. GOPAL (Krishan). Library online cataloguing in digital way. 2000. Authors
Press, Delhi. P230-256.
5. GUHA (B). Documentation and information: Services, techniques and
system. 1988. The World Press, Calcutta.
6. HUSAIN (Akhtar) and RAZA (M Masoom).Onllne Public Access
Catalogues: Its developments. Utility and limitations. DESIDOC Bulletin.;
2002; 204-09.
7. HUSAIN (Shabahat) and O'BRIEN (Ann). A Recent trends In subject
access to OPACs: An evaluation. International Classification. 19, 3; 1992,
Mar.; 140-45.
8. KHAN (MTM). Information organization and communication. 1998. Ess
Ess, New Delhi.
9. KOCHER (RS) and SUNDARSHAN (KN). Library automation: Issues and
systems. APH Publishing, New Delhi.
10. KUMBER (RT). Automation in libraries. 1974. Oxford Press.
11. PANDEY (Sharma SK). Library computerisation. 1993. Ess Ess, New
Delhi.
12. PRASHER (RG). Information and its communication. 1991. Medallion,
New Delhi.
13. PROCTOR (Paw) fid. Longmon New Universal Dictionary. England.
14. RAMAN NAIR (R). Computer application to library and information
services. 2001. Ess Ess, New Delhi.
26
15. SATYANARAYAN (B) fid. Information Technology: Issues and trends.
1998. COSMOS, New Delhi.
16. SEHGAL (RL). Handbook of library software paci ages. 1999. Ess Ess,
New Delhi
17. SHARMA (Lokesh). Library automation of a university of Delhi College:
An experimental study of Ramjas College Library. ILA Bulletin. 38, 2;
2002; 46-51.
18. STEIN (Jess) ed. Random House Dictionary of English language. 1979.
Random House, New York.
19. TRIPATHI (SM) and LAL (C). Library and information science. 2000. Ess
Ess, New Delhi.
20. VASANTHAN (Mudhol) and MAHESH (V). Software package for libraries.
1999. Ess Ess, New Delhi. P 46-95.
21. VENUGOPAL.(MV) and others. Vitas in library: Information systems and
network. 2002. Ess Ess, New Delhi.
2^. WYLD (Henry Ceal) and PARTRIDGE (Erich) ed. Webster Universal
Dictionary. 1979. Harvard Education Services, New York.
27
Chapter-II ^vieu> of Literature
Chapter-II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Review of related literature is very essential in a new investigation topic.
Study of related literature Implies locating, reading and evaluating reports of
investigation as well as report of casual observation and opinion that are related
to the individual's planned investigation topics.
In any worthwhile study in the field of investigation, the investigator must
have an adequate knowledge with the work that has already been done in the
area of his research. Investigation must have up to date Information about what
has been thought and done in the area of his investigation topic.
In brief this chapter present an overall review of studies conducted abroad
as well as In India In a chronological order regarding the topic "Applicability and
Utility of Online Public Assess Catalogue among Delhi library users: A Survey"
Investigator reviewed only those studies, which are similar to the present study
or indirectly related to the present study.
Sonwane, Shashank S (1999) ^ ^ conducted study under the title "Retrieval
aspects of OPACs". The author indicates that the online public access catalogues
(OPAC's ) on internet have made libraries accessible to user world over. OPACs
are gateways to information in libraries and provides facilities to browse, search
were developed to meet the needs of users into different ways. It meant access
to library housekeeping operations especially circulation and, to give the library
user direct access to the machine readable bibliographic records. Retrieval
aspects of OPACs deals with the retrieval strategies. The retrieval strategy gives
provision of two things i.e. browsing and searching. OPACs have replaced the
traditional catalogues in libraries because their flexibility in search. Web OPACs
put the collections of distant libraries online. OPAC serve as poweri'ul tools, which
help realize the goals of the resource sharing.
28
Park, Iljong (1997) ^ ^ conducted study under the title "A comparative study
of major OPACs in selected academic libraries for developing countries-User
study and subjective user evaluation". The author discusses that the lack of an
understanding of the characteristics skills, and searching abilities of a specific
user group in computer based information systems hinders library and
information science professionals in making the best decisions when designing,
acquiring, and managing information's. The objective of this study was a provide
information on the characteristics, of a specific groups of International College
students from a developing country order to assist system managers in the
selections of OPACs. The major conclusions of this study are: (1) Academic level
of study and age of the students affected the preference for the type of OPAC
system selected, with effect a preference; major of the students does not effect
the preference; (2) System designers should prepare more specific instructions
regarding searching methods; (3) System designers should focus on the design
of the system menu, since the most common method of learning above the
OPAC system was the instructions in the menu; and (4) Menu-driven systems
should be the first selection of OPAC systems for Korean students.
Recommendations are proposed when designing, adopting, or managing new
OPAC system.
Martine-Arellano, Filiberto F (1996) ^^ conducted study under the title "User
attitudes and behavior before and after the implementing of an on-line
catalogue". The author discusses the results of a study completed before and
after an on-line catalogue was introduced in the central library of the National
Autonomous University of Mexico. After introducing an online catalogue in a
library, it has been observed that user attitudes and behaviour change. Thus,
the main objective of this study was to identify changes in user attitudes and
behaviour when dealing with a newly implemented on-line catalogue user. The
result indicated that some changes in user perceptions and behaviour were
associated with the introduction of an On-line catalogue. However, the extent of
29
this association was weak which indicated the existence of other variables having
influence on these changes.
Ballard, Terry and Smith, Jim (1992) * conducted study under the title
"The human interface: Ongoing study of OPAC usage at Adelphi University". The
study deals with the libraries at Adelphi University migrated from a CLSI
circulation system to an inopac online catalogue and circulation package. The
database contained just over 300,0000 bibliographic records and approximately
320,0000 item records. Although there had been public access to the collection
on CLSI, searches were done by means of circulation commands i.e., "2" would
precede a title search. The command structure was augments by function keys
on the Wyse 60 terminals. However, the system, known as ALICAT (Adelphi
library catalog) was not really designed for end users in this paper. Thomas,
Peters, Rhonda Hunter, and other have emphasized user log studies as a way to
improve the connection between the user and the OPAC. At Adelhpi University,
we have also found that the data from the usage log is tremendously valuable;
particularly information concerning unsuccessful searches. Every unsuccessful
search could give clues that would lead to a more efficient system or more
efficient users.
Husain, Shabahat and O'Brien, Ann (1992) ^ ^ conducted the study under
the title ''Recent trend in subject access to OPACs: An evaluation". The authors
describes that the OPACs have undergone large scale improvements but the
basic contention remains their accessibility by library clientele without any formal
training. The author throws light of their functional capabilities of OPACs
according to Hilderth have developed the three generations. These and other
problems were Investigated and solutions were found in improving search
methods such as work streaming, extending, search methods such as word
streaming, indexing, search to full bibliographic record and providing end user
thesaurus and indexing techniques such as enhancing subject headings with the
table of contents and back of the book indexes or by traditional classifications
systems. More recent research indicates that the real answer to the question of
30
"Precisions without sacrificing recall lies in developing 'user friendly novel
interfaces" and also in designing 'Knowledge based system'.
Byrne, Alex and Micco, Mary (1988) ^ ^ conducted study under the title
"Improving OPAC subject access: The ADFA experimenr. The author discusses
on improving OPAC In subject access.. After reviewing six months of work
involving some 6,000 books, this study attempts a preliminary attempt to show
the value of a user-centered approach In the project management involved in
developing such a service as recommended by Human Computer Interaction
(HQ) studies. Evaluation studies of the online catalogue, the network OPAC a
web prototype Interface and of OPAC 97 are reviewed briefly and the results
described in relation to the OPAC 97 project. Although the OPAC 97 interface
made use of various HCI recommendations, user feedback sometimes contracted
these in specific instances, revealing the value of detailed user evaluation in
developing services.
Nye, Julie Blume (1988) ' conducted the study under the title "User
interaction with the authority structure of the online catalogue: Result and
survey". The author analyses the survey which was conducted during 1987 to
identify how online catalogue users interact with various aspects of the
catalogues authority control structure questionnaires were sent to major online
catalogue system vendors and to selected university libraries and networks
known to have developed In house online catalogues. The twenty one usable
responses were received, twelve describing commercially available systems and
nine from locally developed system. In this article finding shows that the user
searches authorized heading. The system would be display either authority
records bibliographic records, or both, depending on user identification, terminal
or some other criterion. As far as user searches unauthorized heading when
cross reference exists is concerned. 50% display the cross-reference; requiring
the user to do something before items are actually displayed. 50% display the
cross-reference and the number of items retrieved or the items themselves.
31
Finally only system automatically redirects the search under the authorized from
and displays items without explaining to the user.
Seaman, Scott (1988) * conducted a study under the title "Online catalogue
failure as reflected through inter library loan error requests". The authors discuss
the users failure to find existing entries In the online catalogue at the Ohio State
University. Approximately 9% of the 1988-99 interlibrary loan borrowing
requests were returned to the patron because library staff found the items in the
local online catalogue. These requests represent either a failure of the catalogue
to retrieve the required record. A sample of the borrowing requests was sorted
into user errors and catalogue errors. User enors represented 49% of the
sample and exhibited five characteristics; no apparent error, spelling errors,
incurrent authors or title, abbreviations, stop list words. Catalogue failure
represented 51% of the perhaps check out a known item- the screen would
notify them of the item's status. It would be nice to have the call number
printed on a slip of paper. They wish to locate several known items then
abbreviated author-title information plus call number needs to be printed. This
author discusses the issues involved in offering printing for online catalogues and
weights, in particular, the advantages and disadvantages of screen-printing
versus remote printing. Certain other technical issues are also covered,
particular buffered versus un buffered asynchronous printer ports.
Epple, Margie and Gincer, Bemice (1987) ' . Conducted study under the
title "Online catalogues and shelf list files: A survey of ARL libraries". TTie
objectives of the study was concerned (a) The online catalogues and records
management systems currently operating provide the data necessary to perform
typical technical services operations: (b) The factors affect the continued
maintenance of paper card files after the implementation of an online catalogue,
(c) The criterion determines when to stop producing cards and maintaining shelf
lists and to close public card catalogues. The survey was based on questionnaire
method. The consequence of study was concerned. The online public access
32
catalogue is indeed able to provide sufficient functionality to also public and
catalogues to be closed.
Lipetz, Ben-Ami and Paulson, Peter J. (1987) ^^°^ Conducted under the title
"A study of the impact of Introducing an online subject catalogue at the New
York state library". The authors report the findings of an impact study done at
the New York State Library. They Investigated the use of the card catalogue was
available. They also compared uses of two different subject catalogue systems.
They counted visitors traffic and interviewed a sample of visitors during three
different time periods. The new subject catalogue was accepted. The card
catalogue used decreased. A larger proportion of visitors used the catalogue
used, but the use of the catalogue by the library staff dropped. The proportion
of subject searches increased from 27 percent to 43 percent. The change in the
catalogue brought no improvement in the success rate of searches, nor did it
increase general satisfaction for visitors.
Nielsen, Brian and Baker, Betsy (1987) ^ ^ conducted the study under the
title "Educating the online catalogue user: A model evaluation study". The author
describes that the primary objective of "Educating the online catalogue user"
project. This objective is described in the context of Northwestern's setting with
a brief description of LUIS (Library User Information Service), the online
catalogue component of NOTIS. The study had four objectives (1) to developed
a set of systematic and formalized instructional objectives for teaching online
catalogue use that could adopted by other academic libraries seeking to develop
an online catalogue instruction program; (2) to implement an instructional
programmed; (3) to evaluate the success of this programmed through a variety
of established evaluative techniques in Including the use of transaction log data;
and (4) to access the viability of transaction log monitoring as data source for
bibliographical instruction evaluation. As far as evaluating the model is
concerned. The objective developed for online catalogue instruction involved
acquisition of both cognitive and behavioural learning. It was important to
33
develop an evaluation strategy that addressed objective achievement of a group
of representative's users solving both the behavioural problems.
Camp, John A (1987) ^ ^ conducted study under the title "Survey of online
system in U.S. academic libraries". A survey of online system in U.S. academic
libraries was conducted to gather information on acquisitions, etc. Libraries
reported on present systems and future plans, methods of financing, and use of
systems personnel, as well as backup systems types of computers, source for
system, and function within systems. Only 25 out of the 208 libraries responded
affirmatively to the question of whether they have an online public access
catalogue. This means that only slightly over 12% have automated in this way.
The libraries 65% currently without an OPAC plan to implement one, and the
percentage of machine-readable records they possess. Survey results indicated
that 15% of libraries have no online systems and that 16.2% plan no additional
ones. Cataloging and interiibrary loan units are the most frequently automated.
Schnelling, Heiner (1987) ^"^ conducted the study under the title "Online
public access catalogue in UK and West Germany present and future trends".
The author describes the strengths and weaknesses of UK OPACs observed
during a research visit in autumn 1986. West German Librarians are increasingly
interested in OPAC, at present there are only a few OPACs available in West
Germany. Some of the difficulties impending the introduction of OPACs are the
result of preference for closed stacks in old research libraries and the problems
of retrospective cataloguing. The West German situation is compared with that
in the UK, where quite numerous first generation OPACs are available. First
generation OPACs are quite reliable in Known-item searches, very much in the
way conventional card or fiche catalogues, but performing at higher speed for a
search on a fairiy specific author's name and a first title word, the fastest results
were given by search options like 'QUICK SEARCH; AUTHOR/TITLE KEY" or
TINGER PRINT'. The OPAC research in the UK and West Germany, emphasized
that other. Results shows that students are taught such strategies online first,
followed by lectures on the card catalogue. Their test scores increase more for
34
those taught in the reverse order. The performance and preference are similar
in American and International students, they were incorporated in the
bibliographic instruction programs. These findings would be improving teaching
effectiveness.
Baker, Besty (1986) ^"^ conducted the study under the title "A new direction
for online catalogue instructions". The author exploring some of the issues
surrounding efforts to introduce the online catalogue to users. The processes we
have used seem, at least in part, to be motivated by attitudes and physiological
perspectives grounded on our increasing interaction with technology. As a
foundation for this, relevant research results from a project that was recently
completed at Northwestern University would be presented. The project which
was entitled "Education the online catalogue useK; A model for instructional
development and education." With this context some of the inherent difficulties
and practical concerns in teaching online catalogue use would be discussed. By
exploring attitudes, examining practical concerns, and stressing the necessity of
linking the use of computers in libraries with the use of computers in other facts
of life, a new direction for online catalogue instruction planning would be offered.
Hafter, Ruth (1986) ^ ^ conducted study under the title "Born again
cataloguing in the online network". The participation in an online network means
that the work of individual libraries and their cataloguers become visible to, and
utilized by many other libraries Network participation also creates new ways to
evaluate quality. Access to the network's communal catalogues makes an
immense public records visible nationwide on every participating library's
terminal. Results of a 1983-84 case study of six academic libraries indicates that
the shift from in house to nation wide evaluation of cataloguers records
enhanced status and influence for to identify master cataloguers by online
inspection of their work. Thus the network has showed the seeds for the de
professionalization of cataloguing it has also reaped the crop of the new brand of
bom-again cataloguers.
35
Noble, Grant and O'Connor, Steve (1986) ^"^ conducted study under the
title "Attitudes towards technology as predictors of online catalogue usages". The
author presents that the studies have concentrated on evaluation of specific
online public access catalogue software. This study addresses the general
acceptance of computer technology as well as user attitudes towards OPACs.
The CLR research found that over 90 percent of users thought the OPAC systems
to be acceptable One of the goals of the present study was investigate those
factors that effect user acceptance of OPAC systems. Questionnaire data was
subjected to factor and discriminate analysis in order to seek out predictors of
future OPAC use the survey. Questionnaire was administered online, on the
same terminal as the catalogue software. Each of the questions assessing
attitudes toward technology was scored on a liker scale. The survey data were
collected over a period of three weeks in April and attracted 271 valid sets of
responses. Each user of the online catalogue was Invited to respond to the
questionnaire, which they were able to access upon entering on appropriate
command. These analyses defined two distinct groups of respondents: the
''reluctant OPAC user" and the "naive OPAC enthusiast.
Carson, Elizabeth (1985) ^"^ conducted study under the title "OPACs: The
user and subject access". The author analyses a surveys of studies on subject
access in an online public access catalogue. The author repeats the finding that
user requests do not match the heading assigned by experts. In an online
catalogue user expect improved subject access through additional access points,
subject term display, search, delimiters and keywords. LCSH's are considered
inadequate. The online systems makes classification numbers available as
access points, but this fails to satisfy the demand for access to the contents of
the book.
Alzofon, Sammy R. and Pulls, Noelle Van (1984) ^^^. Conducted a study
entitled "Patterns of searching and success rates in an online catalogues". The
authors describes that the survey of 430 users of the online catalogue at Ohio
State University Libraries. It was found that most of users are undergraduate
36
students and that majority of users choose the online catalogue as their first
source of information. Of the users sun/eyed, fewer performed known-item
searches than previous catalogue use studies have shown, and their success
rates for these searches generally were higher than reported in earlier studies.
Success rates also suggested that there is a group of online catalogue users who
are highly motivated to seek out instruction and learn to use the catalogue.
Cochrine, Pauline A and Markey, Karen (1983) ^ ' conducted study under
the title "Catalogue use studies since the introduction of online interactive
catalogue: Impact on design for subject access". The author discusses that the
years 1981-82 market the beginning of a trend towards experimentation in
library catalogue design. These years also marked a new era in catalogue use
studies descriptive surveys and questionnaires were added transaction log
analysis, system analysis, protocol analysis focused-group interviews, and online
search and retrieval experiments. Research studies employing each of these
methods are discussed in this article along with the limitations of the
methodology and the types of research questions that each method could
answer. Libraries have a mountain of data but are still without answers to
questions relating to ergonomics aspects of costs of online catalogues.
Markely, Karen (1983) ^^°^ conducted study under the title "Thus spake the
OPAC user". An OCLC project transconducted focused group interviews with
OPAC users and non users plus library staff at six libraries. A moderator at each
library led group of 6 to 12 individuals through an open discussion to elicit
participants needs and perception online catalogue words. Data analysis yielded
six generalizations; users like the online catalogue; some features of the card
catalogue should be Implemented in the online catalogue; users have problems
finding the right subject heading; users have suggested features to improve
subject access; users wants access to much more than books; and they want the
OPAC to provide new services.
Ferguson, Douglos and others (1982) ^ ^ conducted study under the title
"The CLR public online catalogue study; an over view". The author deals with the
37
Council on Library Resources (CLR) funded five organizations to conduct a
coordinated study of the user responses to public online catalogues. The
principals In this consortium were J. Matthews and Associates, the library of
congress, the online computer library center (OCLC), the research libraries
group, and the University of California., The main study involves a questionnaire
completed at the terminal by catalogue users and another questionnaire
computer catalogue. The survey was conducted at 30 libraries system having 17
different online catalogue computer systems. The questionnaires and
methodology were pilot-tested, the main data collection was to be done, and
analysis and reporting which describes the scope, objectives, and status of the
study.
Moore, Carole Weiss (1981) ^"^ Conducted a study entitled "User Reactions
to online catalogues: An exploratory study". In this study, an exploratory survey
was conducted at from institutions (a) to observe user reaction to their fledging
online catalogues, and (b) desirable characteristics for design of such catalogues.
As for as methodology is concerned, questionnaire and observation methods
were used. The pilot study also used. The findings were consistent in all
systems: (a) user reaction was overwhelmingly favourable compared to manual
catalogues, and (b) improved subject access was considered the greatest need.
Norden, David J and Lawrence, Gail Hemdon (1981) ^^^ conducted the
study under the title "Public use in an Online catalogue; some preliminary
results". The authors have studied the transaction counts from two and one half
years activity at the public use terminals of the Ohio State University Ubraries
prototype online and catalogue to determine in this paper study search options
academic library patrons use the most often and this pattern varies from that
reported in major catalogue use studies. The findings indicates significant
differences in searches in the online system, or special searches used by patrons
and they choose them should be important factors in the design of future online
catalogue.
38
Lipetz, Ben-Ami (1972) ^ * conducted study under the title "Catalogue use In
a large research libraries". The author summarizes a study of catalogue use that
was carried out at the main library of Yale University. The study was carefully
designed to provide a reprehensive sample of catalogue use, including volume of
catalogue use, nature of the user population, types of catalogue and potential
responsiveness of the catalogue. The primary motivation for this study was a
twofold conviction: first, that computerization of the catalogue for all or most
large libraries is inventible sooner or later. Second that knowledge to guide
library managers in determining when the time for conversion has arrived and
accomplished is lacking. This article, search success was detemiined. Followed-
up studies were performed on the catalogue cards and actual books identified in
successful searches. The reason for search failure was determined for known
item searches. Availability and accuracy of different categories of search clues
were ascertained.
Ramesh, Babu B (1966) ^^ conducted study under the title ''Thus spake the
OPAC users: Quantitative analyses". The author describes the installation of
OPAC in the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) Library. A sample of 50 users.
The author sketches the history, design and future plans of VUBUS, on online,
mini-based library system for a medium sized, European academics library.
Unique to VUBIS is Its user-friendly access facility, which is the core of the
system. This public access module self-explanatory; catalogue searches could be
performed in three different languages (Dutch, French and English); not patron
knowledge either of cataloguing rules or of data processing theory and practice
is assumed; bibliographical descriptions are retrievable in a variety of forms
(upper case and/or lower cases, with or without diacritics, inverted or no
invert:ed name forms, titles with or without beginning article, etc.) and on the
basis of truncated Information. The available character set permits input and out
put of all standard Western European characters.
39
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. ALZOFON (Sammy R) and PUUS (Noellevan). Pattern of searching and
success rates in an online Public Access Catalogue. Colleges Research
Ubraries. 45,2; 1984, Mar.; 110-15.
2. AZOFON (Sammy R) and PUUS (Noelle Van). Patterns of searching and
success rates in an online public access catalogue. College Research
Ubraries. 45,2; 1984, Mar.; 110-15.
3. BAKER (Besty). A new direction for Online Catalogue instruction.
Information Technology and libraries 5,1; 1986, Mar.; 35-41.
4. BALLARD (Terry) and SMITH (Jim). The human Interftice: On ongoing
study of OPAC usage at Adelphi University. Advances In Online Public
Access Catalogue. 1; 1992; 58-73.
5. BYRNE (Alex) and MICCO (Mary). Improving OPAC subject access: The
ADFA experiment. College and Research Ubraries. 49,5; 1998, Sep.;
432-41.
6. CAMP (John A). Survey of Online system In U.S. academic libraries.
College and Research Ubraries 48,4; 1987, Jul.; 339-50.
7. CAROON (Elizabetn). OPACs: The user and subject access. Canadian
Ubrary Journal. 42,4; 1985, Mar.; 110-15.
8. COCHRINE (Pauline A) and MARKEY (Karen). Catalogue use studies since
the Introduction of online interactive catalogues: Impact on design for
subject access. Ubrary and Information Science Research. 5,4; 1983;
337-63.
9. EPPLE (Margie) and GINCER (Bemice). Online Catalogues and shelf list
files: A survey of ARL Ubraries. Information Technology and Ubraries.
6,3; 1987, Sep.; 288-96.
40
lO.HUSAIN (Shabahat) and 0' BRIEN (Ann). A Recent trends in subject
access to OPACs: An evaluation. International Classification. 19,3; 1992,
Mar.; 140-45.
ll.UPETZ (Ben-Ami) and PAUBON (Peter J). A study of the impact of
introducing an online subject catalogue at the New York State of Library.
Library Trends. 34,4; 1987, Spr.; 587-617.
12.LIPETZ (Ben-Ami). Catalogue use in a large research library. Library
Quarterly.. 42,1; 1972, Jan.; 129-39.
13.MARKELY (Karen). Thus spake the OPAC uses. Information Technology
andUbraries. 2,4; 1983; Dec.; 381-87.
14.MARTINE (Arellano), nilBERTO (F). User attitudes and behaviour before
and after the implementing of an online catalogue. Tfie International
Information and Library Review. 29,3; 1996, Sep.; 275-87.
15. MOORE (Carole Weiss). User reaction to online catalogues: An exploratory
study. College Research Libraries. 42,4; 1981, Jul.; 295-302.
16. NIELSEN (Brian) and BAKER (Besty). Educating the online catalogue user:
A model evaluation study. Library Trends.. 35,3; 1987, Sep.; 671-85.
17. NOBLE (Grant) and 0' CONNOR (Steve). Attitudes towards technology as
predictors of online catalogues usage. College and Research Libraries.
47,6; 1986, Nov.; 605-10.
18.N0RDEN (David J) and LAWRENCE (Gail Hemdon). Public use in an online
catalogue; some preliminary results. College and Research Libraries.
42,4; 1981, Jul.; 308-16.
19. NYE (Julie Blume). User Interaction with the authority structure of the
online catalogue: Result of a survey. Information Technology and
Libraries. 7,3; 1988, Sep.; 313-18.
20. PARK (Iljong). A comparative study of major OPACs in selected academic
libraries for developing countries:User study and subjective user
evaluation. Intemabonal Information and Library Review. 29,1; 1997;
67-83.
41
21. FERGUSON (Douglos) and others. The CLR public online catalogue study:
An overview. Information Technology and Libraries. 1,2; 1982, June.;
84-97.
22.RAMESH BABU (B). Thus Spake the OPAC user: Quantitative analysis.
Human Relations in librarianship. Seminar, Vijaywara, 1999.
23.SCHNELLING (Heiner). Online Public Access Catalogue in the UK and West
Germany-present and future trends. Journal of Ubrarianship. 19,4; 1987,
Oct.; 244-57.
24. SEAMAN (Scott). Online Catalogue Failure as reflected through Inter
Library Loan error requests. College and Researches Libraries. 53,2;
1988, Mar.; 113-20.
25.SONWANE (Shashank S). Retrieval aspects of OPACs. Caliber. ; 1999;
288-95.
^p ^p ^p ^h ^n
42
s Chapter-Ill
MethodoCogy
Chapter-Ill
METHODOLOGY
This chapter deals with the methodology used in the study and has been
discussed under the following heading:
SELECTION OF THE PROBLEM
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
HYPOTHESIS
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
METHODOLOGY
> Observation method
> Personal Interviews
> Telephone Interview
> Questionnaires Method
> Schedules Method
• TOOLS USED FOR THE STUDY
> Sample Population
> Scope of the study
• DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE
• DATA ANALYSIS
43
SELECTION OF THE PROBLEM
The problem selected for the present study entitled "Applicability and
Utility of Online Public access catalogue among Delhi Library users: A Survey".
The problem deals with the applicability of Online Public Access Catalogue
among Delhi Libraries users. The OPACs allow searches through access point as
author, title, subject, class, keyword, combination etc. The combination search
provides opportunity for a user to form search strategies, using Boolean logic.
Boolean logic and truncation provides additional provision in OPAC. In this study
the investigator tried to find out the problems faced by the users in searching the
document.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
Document access Is still one of the most important approaches of users to
visit the Library. A study of the effectiveness of an Online Public Access
Catalogue Is very useful in this respect. Regarding results sometime users ftice
problem of recall and precision. In some of the search users are not able to find
out relevant documents on account of various factors.
SCOPE AND LIMITATION
The objective of the present study entitled "Applicability and Utility of
Online Public Access Catalogue among Delhi library users: A Survey" is to know
the opinion of users regarding the awareness, utilization, satisfaction through
Online Public Access Catalogue.
The investigator had some limitations during the survey.
- Poor response of the respondents.
- Non cooperation and unwillingness on the part of respondents.
44
HYPOTHESIS
The following hypotheses were formulated for the present investigation.
1. A large number of library users are aware about the Online Public Access
Catalogue.
2. A large number of library users are utilizing the available Online Public Access
Catalogue services in libraries of Delhi.
3. When the user's initial approach fails, system do not assist by providing
alternatives search strategy.
4. Most of the users are satisfied with the behaviour of library staff.
5. A large number of users are satisfied with the Online Public Access Catalogue.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1) To know the purpose of visit to the library.
2) To find out the most used method for searching the document.
3) To find out user's opinion regarding the awareness, utilization, satisfaction
level to use the OPAC.
4) To know the strategy to search the library material.
5) To find out the user's opinion regarding hit terms found through OPAC.
6) To know the members reaction about the behaviour of library staff.
7) To recognize the user's opinion about the OPAC.
8) To know whether Delhi Libraries provide special training to their users for
appropriate use of OPAC.
9) To know the user's opinion about updating of information.
METHODOLOGY
Obseivation Method:
Observation is a well-established technique for collection of data. It is
method of acquiring knowledge about the wortd around us. The observation
method is normally employed in measuring, testing, characterizing human
behaviour. Under the observation method, the information is sought by way of
investigator's own direct observation, without asking from the respondent. In
45
measuring, testing characterizing human beings the researcher usually being
with the observation behaviour.
Personal interviews:
This method of collecting data involves presentation of oral-verbal stimuli
and reply in terms of oral-verbal responses. In this method the investigator
follows a rigid procedure and seeks answers to a set of pre-conceived questions
through personal interviews. This method is usually carried out in a structured
way where output depends upon the ability of the interviewer to a large extent.
Such interviews Involve the use of a set of pre-determined questions and of
highly standardized techniques of recording.
Telephone inteiviews:
Telephone interview method of collecting information involves contacting
the respondents on telephone. This is not a very widely used method but it
plays an important role in industrial surveys in developed regions, particularly,
when the survey has to be accomplished in a very limited time.
Questionnaire Method:
Goode and Hatt State "Questionnaire refers to a device for securing
answers to questions by using a form which the respondent fills himself
Questionnaire is a tool to collect data from diverse large and widely scattered
population groups. The important step in this method is to take care in the
design of questions. This method consists of a careful translation of the
objectives of survey into a set of questions, may ask for the opinion or factful
information. The question are formed in such a way that the relation of one
question to another can be readily apparent to the respondent, question
sequence must be clear and answer can be given by checking yes or no by
selecting one of the possible answer provided in the questionnaire.
Schedules method:
Under this method the enumerators are appointed and given training.
They are provided with schedules containing relevant questions. These
enumerators go to respondents with these schedules. Data are collected by
46
filling up the schedules by enumerators on the basis of replies given by
respondents. Accuracy depends upon the capability of enumerators in this
method. Some occasional field checks on the work of the enumerators may
ensure sincere work.
TOOLS USED FOR THE STUDY
Questionnaire, Observation, informal interview are used as the tools for
the study for collecting necessary data.
Sampling
Data originally collected for an investigation are known as primary data.
Such data are original in character. The primary data may be collected by
following either census method or the sampling method.
Under the census method data are collected from each and every unit of
the universe. The universe may be person, household, shop, field, factory,
university and the like.
Sampling method is the process of learning about the population on the
basis of a sample. Sample Is that part: of the universe which we select for the
purpose of investigation . A sample should exhibit the characteristics of the
universe. It should be a microsome a word which literally means 'Small Universe'.
Paul L Erdos and Arthur J. Morgon define a sample, "Statistical Sampling
may be defined as a process of selecting a segment of the universe to obtain
Information of ascertainable reliability about the population"
Blalock and Blalock define a sample as "It is a small piece of the
population obtained by a probability process that mirrors, with known precision,
the various patterns and sub-classes of the population".
Advantages of Sampling Method
The following advantages make sampling a desirable method of obtaining
information.
1. Information is collected from only a portion of the population. It is less
costiier to survey a sample of 100 people than to survey a population of
1,000 people.
47
2. The data can be collected and summarised more quickly and so decisions
could be taken without much delay.
3. Sampling gives scope for more accurate data. The investigator can
concentrate on the sample and make a thorough probing. The investigator
cannot discharge his work with that level of diligence as required in dealing
with a large population.
4. It is possible for the investigator to collect more elaborate information from
the few sample units than from the large population.
5. When the universe is extremely large, it will be very difficult to study every
unit of the universe. Hence sampling is the only practical method for
collection of data.
Having all these advantages, it was thought that this Sampling method
may be suitable for this present study.
Types of sampling
- Probability sampling and
- Non probability sampling
In probability sampling each unit of the universe has a known chance
of being selected. In probability sampling design, the population must be clearly
defined and the list of target population must be available.
Non probability sampling In this sampling method, each unit of the
population dose not have equal chance of being selected.
Sample Population:
It is not feasible to collect large quantities of data having each and every
library user In different library. Therefore samples were selected by using
Stratified Sampling method (Having Graduate, undergraduate, M. Phill, Ph.D.
students),Under stratified sampling, random sample technique was adopted.
The present study was conducted on a sample of 100 users of different
libraries of Delhi. A total number of 128 questionnaires were disbibuted In
different libraries. A total number of 115 filled questionnaires were returned
back from the users. The investigator selected only 100 out of 115
48
questionnaires for tlie analysis of data as 15 questionnaires were rejected
because of incomplete response from the respondents.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
In order to achieve the objective of the study and get the meaningful
conclusion the sample taken from the various library users viz.,
> Dr. Zakir Husain Library, Delhi
> Jawaharlal Nehru University Library, Delhi
> Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
> National Infomiation System for Communication and Information Resources
[NISCAIR], Delhi
> Defence Science Information and Documentation Center [DESIDOC], Delhi.
DATA COLLECTION
Investigator visited in different libraries of Delhi and approached the user
to collect the necessary data. Questionnaires were disbibuted to the users and
filled in questionnaire were collected back after one day. The investigator
personally consulted users and made an informal talk regarding various aspects
of their libraries. Besides this observation method is also used to observe the
effective functioning of Online Public access catalogue system.
DATA ANALYSIS METHOD
The collected data were systematically analyzed after different operations
like editing, classification and coding etc., and interpreted on the basis of
objectives formulated. Description about the analysis of data are tabulated and
presented. Based on the analysis of data, finding and some suggestions have
been given.
4c*:(c:|c4c
49
Chapter-IV JinaCysis
and Interpretation
Chapter-IV
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
The problem for the present study is ""Applicability and Utility of
Online Public Access Catalogue among Delhi Library Users: A Survey".
The collected data are organized and tabulated by using statistical methods,
table and percentages. This chapter deals with the analysis and interpretation of
the data which have been collected through questionnaire, interview and
observation. A total number 128 questionnaire, were distributed among the
Delhi Library users but only 115 questionnaire were returned and the investigator
selected only 100 responses for the analysis of data. Rfteen questionnaires were
not considered for the analysis of data because of Incomplete response from the
respondents. Analysis was done for only 100 respondents of various Delhi
Library users. Twenty users were chosed from each five libraries for analysis of
data.
Among various libraries of Delhi, libraries were chosed viz.,
> Dr. Zakir Husain Library, Delhi
> Jawaharial Nehru University Library, Delhi
> Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
> National Information System for Communication and Information
Resources [NISCAIR], Delhi
> Defence Science Information and Documentation Center,
[DESIDOC], Delhi.
50
The frequency of visit to the library helps to know the use of the library and is an
index to judge the utilization of the library resources. If users visit the library
frequently, it can be said that they are using the library efficiently.
Table 1 Frequency of visit to the Library
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Frequency
Daily
Bi weekly
Forhiightly
Monthly
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
10
(50%)
8
(40%)
2
(10%)
-
20
JNU
16
(80%)
4
(20%)
-
-
20
irr 15
(75%)
5
(25%)
-
-
20
NISCAIR
6
(30%)
11
(55%)
-
3
(15%)
20
DESIDOC
8
(40%)
9
(45%)
-
3
(15%)
20
TOTAL
55
(55%)
37
(37%)
2
(2%)
6
(6%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
It is dear from the table 1 that out of 100 respondents 55% users of the
library used the library daily, while 37% of them visit biweekly, 2% used the
library fortnightly and 6% visited only once a month.
51
>, = s s
>» ^ 0) (U « m B
>»
^ u> c •K O
LL.
Q
> s f
1_ o
B
§1 o
iintniitkiiiimii i^;$($SSS^^$$$$$!S^(^(!^
o o 9 (n UJ Q
o
iitiiiiittnnttnnmm li^^i^S^^SS^SSSSSSi
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
i fc^^^^^^^^^^^^^^:^^^^^^^^
a. < o I
s . I 1 "5
M « n
u c » 3
«
Ol
If) O _ (o (o in in
( N CM ••- • . -
(%) sjssn ain ;o suodsa^
The purpose of users visit to the library was ascertained to find out
whether they come to meet their informational needs for research or for
updating their knowledge.
Table 2 Purpose of visit to the Library
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Purpose of
visit
To get book
issued
To obtain
references
To work in a
peaceful
place
To keep
abreast with
latest
development
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
5
(25%)
4
(20%)
6
(30%)
5
(25%)
20
JNU
5
(25%)
7
(35%)
5
(25%)
3
(15%)
20
irr 5
(25%)
5
(25%)
4
(20%)
6
(30%)
20
NISCAIR
-
3
(15%)
8
(40%)
9
(45%)
20
DESIDOC
-
5
(25%)
7
(35%)
8
(40%)
20
TOTAL
15
(15%)
24
(24%)
30
(30%)
31
(31%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
Table 2 evidence that among 100 respondents 15% of users used the
library for the purpose of book is using, 24% users used the library to obtain the
references, 30% users used the libraries as a peaceful working place and most of
the users (31%) used the library to keep abreast with latest development. The
above analysis also shows that highest percentage i.e. 31% and 30% of users
visit the library for updating their knowledge and for worthing in a peaceful place.
53
•o 0) 3 CO <0
o o X3 • - • (D O) O H s
(/) 0) o
I—
C (0 ^ o o H B
<D O (Q Q.
3 >«— 0)
(0 <D
a. CO
j)^:
o •S o H B
•*->
w 0 •«-» _ro x: ^^ ^
• • - '
(0
9-Q-0) o <i> "^
P <D H T3
5
'^ sDBBBBBBDfflBBBBBBBBBBB
?i ftsttfflsissyssstites^^
o
8b
< o CO
IB
nfiiiilii
I I I I M
I
I
in
!Q ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
g t.A-%-%-%'%.S.S.-S'A-%»S'S\S.%.%.S.S.S.S.S.%.S.S.%.S.- ^
CM
o
—r-
in # «
# in
# o
# in
fP o
(%) SMsn a<D |o suodsajj
Table 3 Searching tools for the Library
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Searching
tools
Consult
library
catalogue
Search the
shelves on
their own
Ask the
library staff
Through
OPAC
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
6
(30%)
3
(15%)
2
(10%)
9
(45%)
20
JNU
6
(30%)
1
(5%)
2
(10%)
11
(55%)
20
irr
5
(25%)
5
(25%)
1
(5%)
9
(45%)
20
NISCAIR
3
(15%)
2
(10%)
2
(10%)
13
(65%)
20
DESIDOC
2
(10%)
3
(15%)
1
(5%)
14
(70%)
20
TOTAL
22
(22%)
14
(14%)
8
(8%)
56
(56%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
It is clear from the table 3 that out of 100 respondents 22% of users
search the documents from the library by using card catalogue,14% of the users
are search the documents from the library shelves themselves but only 8% of
the users get the help from library staff .Most of the users(56%) browse through
Online Public Access Catalogue. Thus, it is clear from the above table that users
generally prefer Online Public Access Catalogue for searching the document.
^^,,u-a_A2«d^£^i^^^
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Table 4 Frequency of using library catalogue.
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Frequency
Frequently
Moderately
Rarely
Never
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
8
(40%)
7
(35%)
4
(20%)
1
(5%)
20
3NU
8
(40%)
10
(50%)
2
(10%)
-
20
IIT
9
(45%)
9
(45%)
2
(10%)
-
20
NISCAIR
10
(50%)
6
(30%)
3
(15%)
1
(5%)
20
DESIDOC
9
(45%)
7
(35%)
2
(10%)
2
(10%)
20
TOTAL
44
(44%)
39
(39%)
13
(13%)
4
(4%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
Table 4 shows that among 100 respondents 44% users used the library
catalogue frequently, 39% users use the library catalogue moderately and 13%
users use the library catalogue rarely and 4% users never use the library
catalogue. Thus it is clear from the above table that users frequently use the
library catalogue.
57
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The OPAC system of modern times has changed the traditional concept of
access drastically. It allows multi-dimensional searches providing as many
access points as the data elements depending on the software used. It is an
advantage over the linear search provisions in the earlier form of catalogue.
Frequently use of Online Public Access Catalogues by the users shows that it is
most efficient tool for the library.
Table 5 Use of Online Public Access Catalogue
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use of OPAC
Frequently
Moderately
Rarely
Not used
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
9
(45%)
7
(35%)
2
(10%)
2
(10%)
20
JNU
7
(35%)
8
(40%)
4
(20%)
1
(5%)
20
irr 10
(50%)
6
(30%)
3
(15%)
1
(5%)
20
NISCAIR
11
(55%)
4
(20%)
4
(20%)
1
(5%)
20
DESIDOC
10
(50%)
5
(25%)
4
(20%)
1
(5%)
20
TOTAL
47
(47%)
30
(30%)
17
(17%)
6
(6%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
Table 5 indicates that among 100 respondents 47% users use Online
Public Access Catalogue frequently, 30% users use it moderately, and 17% of
them use it rarely and 6% not use OPAC. On the basis of the above table users
mostly use the OPAC.
59
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^
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Table 6 Accessibility of Online Public Access Catalogue
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Access of
OPAC
Easily
accessible
Moderately
accessible
Rarely
accessible
Not
accessible
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
9
(45%)
7
(35%)
2
(10%)
2
(10%)
20
JNU
6
(30%)
8
(40%)
4
(20%)
2
(10%)
20
irr 10
(50%)
6
(30%)
3
(15%)
1
(5%)
20
NISCAIR
11
(55%)
6
(30%)
2
(10%)
1
(5%)
20
DESIDOC
9
(45%)
7
(35%)
3
(15%)
1
(5%)
20
TOTAL
45
(45%)
34
(34%)
14
(14%)
7
(7%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
Form the table 6, it is clear that out of 100 respondents 45% users says
that Online Public Access Catalogue was easily accessible, 34% of them finds
that it was moderately accessible and 14% users think that it is rarely accessible,
7% users were not satisfied with the accessibility of OPAC.
61
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In order to know the strategy for searching the document within the
librar/, the searching strategy have been classified into four categories as shown
in table 7.
Table 7 Strategy for Searching the Document through OPAC.
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Search
Strategy
By subject
By author
By title
By key words
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
5
(25%)
12
(60%)
2
(10%)
1
(5%)
20
JNU
3
(15%)
11
(55%)
4
(20%)
2
(10%)
20
irr 5
(25%)
10
(50%)
2
(10%)
3
(15%)
20
NISCAIR
7
(35%)
8
(40%)
3
(15%)
2
(10%)
20
DESIDOC
8
(40%)
10
(50%)
1
(5%)
1
(5%)
20
TOTAL
28
(28%)
51
(51%)
12
(12%)
9
(9%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
Table 7 evidences that among 100 respondents, 28% of users search the
document through subject approach, 51% of users search the document through
author approach, 12% users approaching through title for searching the
document and 9% of the users search through key words. On the analysis, it is
observed that maximum number of user search the document through author
63
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in . iJiAjUUIJ^
ifiiifiiiifi ^ss?:^^ <
z
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gitttiiittiiiiiitittti
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Table 8 Satisfaction of getting the relevant material through OPAC.
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Satisfaction
level
Fully satisfied
Satisfied
Rarely
satisfied
Not satisfied
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
7
(35%)
10
(50%)
1
(5%)
2
(10%)
20
3NU
2
(10%)
12
(60%)
6
(30%)
-
20
in 4
(20%)
11
(55%)
2
(10%)
3
(15%)
20
NISCAIR
7
(35%)
9
(45%)
3
(15%)
1
(5%)
20
DESIDOC
8
(40%)
7
(35%)
4
(20%)
1
(5%)
20
TOTAL
28
(28%)
49
(49%)
16
(16%)
7
(30%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
It is clear from the table 8 that out of 100 respondents 28% of users were
fully satisfied with the relevant document retrieved, 49% users were satisfied
with the relevant material, 16% users were rarely satisfied with the relevant
retrieved material through OPAC and only 7% users were not at all satisfied with
the material searched through OPAC.
65
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Generally, OPACs, allow searches through the access points as author,
title, subject, keywords and combination etc. OPACs in some modern software
provide options as place of publication, year of publication, publishers etc. as
well. An addition provision of truncations of terms is also available in the OPAC
system. This option makes the system most flexible. In order to know the
user's opinion about the search option four categories have been formed as
shown in Table 9.
Table 9 Complex search used by the user
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Responses
Frequently
Moderately
Rarely
Not at all
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
3
(15%)
8
(40%)
4
(20%)
5
(25%)
20
JNU
3
(15%)
5
(25%)
8
(40%)
4
(20%)
20
irr 5
(25%)
8
(40%)
5
(25%)
2
(10%)
20
NISCAIR
7
(35%)
9
(45%)
2
(10%)
2
(10%)
20
DESIDOC
8
(40%)
8
(40%)
2
(10%)
2
(10%)
20
TOTAL
26
(26%)
38
(38%)
21
(21%)
15
(15%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
Table 9 shows that among 100 respondents 26% respondents frequently
used the complex search, 38% users moderately used the complex search for
searching the relevant material, 21% users rarely used the complex search to
retrieve the relevant material and 15% users do not use this search.
67
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!9
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Table 10 User's reaction in case of failed search
S.
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Reactions
Ask through
Lib. Staff
Change
search option
Checic
{keywords
Do nottr/
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
9
(45%)
3
(15%)
5
(25%)
3
(15%)
20
JNU
5
(25%)
9
(45%)
4
(20%)
2
(10%)
20
irr 4
(20%)
8
(40%)
6
(30%)
2
(10%)
20
NISCAIR
6
(30%)
10
(50%)
3
(15%)
1
(5%)
20
DESIDOC
5
(25%)
9
(45%)
5
(25%)
1
(5%)
20
TOTAL
29
(29%)
39
(39%)
23
(23%)
9
(9%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
Table 10 Indicates that among 100 respondents 29% users take the help
from the library staff when search fails for retrieving the document, 39% users
change search option when they do not get the relevant materials, 23% users
check keywords and 9% users never try again.
69
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o
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With a view to find out the overall performance of the staff, the opinion of
the user was gathered. If they are not satisfied, it means their efficiency is
below the average, If fully satisfied, it means staff one performing their duties
very well. The analysis of the grading of efficiency of the library staff has been
done on four points scale.
Table 11 Behaviour of Library Staff
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Behaviour
Excellent
Very good
Good
Average
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries
ZHL
5
(25%)
10
(50%)
1
(5%)
4
(20%)
20
JNU
7
(35%)
8
(40%)
3
(15%)
2
(10%)
20
irr 6
(30%)
11
(55%)
1
(5%)
2
(10%)
20
NISCAIR
7
(35%)
10
(50%)
2
(10%)
1
(5%)
20
DESIDOC
6
(30%)
11
(55%)
2
(10%)
1
(5%)
20
TOTAL
31
(31%)
50
(50%)
9
(9%)
10
(10%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
It is clear form the table 11 that out of 100 respondents 31% users says
that behaviour of Library Staff was excellent, 50% of them says that library staff
behaviour was very good and 9% users are satisfied with their behaviour and
10% users remarked average about the behaviour of library staff. So we can say
that library staff is quite efficient.
71
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Table 12 Successfulness of Online Public Access Catalogue
s. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Online Public
Access
catalogue
Fully
successful
Moderately
successful
Rarely
successful
Not at all
successful
Total No. of
Respondents
Respondents of Delhi Libraries 1
ZHL
7
(35%)
12
(60%)
1
(5%)
0
20
JNU
7
(35%)
8
(40%)
3
(15%)
2
(10%)
20
irr
6
(30%)
11
(55%)
1
(5%)
2
(10%)
20
NISCAIR
7
(35%)
10
(50%)
3
(15%)
0
20
DESIDOC
8
(40%)
9
(45%)
2
(10%)
1
(5%)
20
TOTAL
35
(35%)
50
(50%)
10
(10%)
5
(5%)
100
Survey based on 100 respondents
Out of 100 respondents 35% of users were fully satisfied with the Online
Public Access Catalogue, 50% of users were moderately satisfied with the
successful operation of OPAC 10% users were rarely satisfied, 5% users give
negative responses towards OPAC. The above analysis reveals that Online Public
Access Catalogue are must for the libraries, because this help to increase the
efficiency of the library services. This also save the time of the users.
73
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Chapter-V ConcCusion, bindings
and Suggestions
Chapter-V
CONCLUSION, FINDING &
CONCLUSION
The present study sought to examine the Applicability and Utility of Online
Public Access Catalogue among Delhi Library users: A Survey in which most of
the objectives are met satisfactory and most of the users are satisfied with the
available Online Public Access Catalogue in the selected Delhi Libraries.
It appears that the libraries of tomorrow will become infomnation provider
and hence they would require more powerful tool for storage and retrieval of
information. In that case, outdated schemes for access the library documents
would have to be modified drastically, or replaced completely. However, the
present study reveal that library user's would like to use Online Public Access
Catalogue (OPAC) to search the documents despite some problems.
In the near future libraries will be totally depend on the Online Public
Access Catalogue to improved access to information retrieval systems.
The search possibilities of OPAC system depend largely on the technical
compatibility of the software and the perfertness of database. The user's
knowledge about the complex search in OPAC is also an important factor in
utilizing the possibilities. Many of the users are still unaware of these search.
This necessitates through user education about the use of OPAC in the
computerized environment.
However, the Online Public Access Catalogue is the most popular and
successful way of indicating the holdings and status of items in a library.
Major objectives of the study were
(a) To know the purpose of visit to the library; (b) To find out the most used
way for searching the document; (c) To find out user's opinion regarding the
80
awareness, utilization, satisfaction level of the use of OPAC; (d) To know the
search strategy of the user for locating material; (e) To find out users opinion
regarding hit terms obtained through OPAC; (f) To know the user's reaction
about the behaviourof library staff; (g) To recognize the user's opinion about the
OPAC; (h) To know whether Delhi libraries provide special training to their users
for better utilizing of the available OPAc service or not and (i) To know the user's
opinion about the updating of Information.
In order to achieve these objectives the hypotheses were formulated and
tested. The present study was conducted on a sample of five libraries In Delhi
viz; Dr. Zakir Husain Library, Delhi; Jawaharlal Nehru University Library, Delhi;
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi; National Information System for
Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), Delhi and Defence
Science Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), Delhi.
The investigator selected only 100 respondents for the analysis of data.
The tools used for the present study were questionnaire, observation and
Informal interview. The collected data were analysed to shed light upon the
factors mentioned In the objectives of the study.
MAJOR FINDINGS:
The following are the major findings that are generate from the present
study:
1) Most of the selected Delhi library users visit the library frequently
(Table 1).
2) In comparison with special library academic library users visited library
daily. The regular users percentage was upto 80% (Table 1).
3) Most of the users from various libraries visited the library to keep
themselves informed about the current development and also used the
libraries as a peaceful wori<ing place (Table 2).
4) University library users frequently used the library for the purpose of book
issuing as well as to obtain the references (Table 2).
81
5) Almost all selected Delhi libraries had Online Public Access Catalogue
facility.
6) A high percentage of respondent were utilizing OPAC as a searching tool
for retrieving the document. (Table 3).
7) Most of the users make little use of library staff assistance (Table 3).
8) Approximately 44% users from various libraries search the document by
library catalogue fticility frequently (Table 4).
9) Most of the users in various libraries had a tendency to use Online Public
Access Catalogue frequently. Only 6% users avoided to use Online Public
Access Catalogue. (Table 5).
10)Majority of users responded that Online Public Access Catalogue was
easily accessible. A very less percentage of users were not satisfied with
its accessibility (Table 6).
ll)Approximately 51% users from various libraries searched the document by
author name in the library (Table 7).
12)User's opinion regarding the satisfaction level of usage of Online Public
Access Catalogue was satisfactory. Most of the users were satisfied with
the service of OPAC (Table 8).
13)The study recorded that users were moderately aware about the expert
search. Approximate 38% users used the expert search for sharping their
search (Table 9).
14)Most of the users changed the search option when search fails for
retrieving the document. A very less number of users never try again
(Table 10).
15)Most of the users expressed their views that the library staff were very good in their behaviour (Table 11).
82
Tenability of hypothesis
The tenability of the hypothesis can be checked in the light of the above
findings.
Hypothesis 1
A large number of library users are aware about the Online Public Access
Catalogue (OPAC).
The Study revealed that all the users were aware about the Online Public
Access Catalgoue services provided byiheir library. So the hypothesis become
fully true.
Hypothesis 2
A large number of library users are utilizing the available Online Public
Access Catalogue services in libraries of Delhi.
Most of the users were utilizing the Online Public Access Catalogue
service. It was evident from the result of tiie study that high percentage of
users were using OPAC for searching the document. Therefore, this hypothesis
also proved true.
Hypothesis 3
When the user's initial approach fails, system do not assist by providing
alternatives search strategy.
It is clear from the survey that when user's initial approach fails, they
change their option frequentiy and at that moment Online Public Access
Catalogue do not provide alternative fonnulation of the search. Therefore, the
hypothesis also proved true.
Hypothesis 4
Most of the users are satisfied with the behaviour of library staff.
It is clear from the survey that a high percentage of users expressed their
views that the library staff were very good so this hypothesis also proved.
83
Hypothesis 5
A large number of users are satisfied with the Online Public Access
Catalogue.
It was evident from the result of study that high percentage of users were
using Online Public Access Catalogue available in the library. They are satisfied
with the working of OPAC. So the hypothesis become true.
SUGGESTIONS
The below suggestions drawn are based on the comments of the library
users supplemented by the results of various study.
1) The libraries should keep all the data updated. Information about the
new arrivals of books, journals etc. should also be included.
2) High percentage of users revealed that they are not much aware about
the expert search available in Online Public Access Catalogue in the
software used In the libraries. So library staff should make aware the
users about the above said search.
3) The libraries should conduct training programmes for those who are not
able to use Online Public Access Catalogue. So that the facility may really
reach to users especially from non-computer background users.
4) OPAC interface in the software should be more user friendly.
5) Brief explanation of the search should be available In the form of
abstract.
6) Online Public Access Catalogue does not work property sometime due to
mishandling of the system.
7) Search material should be relevant to the search option and access
should be fast.
8) Library staff should be more supportive in anticipating the demand and
delivering the required help to the users.
84
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
The present study brings into light on several topics on which further
research can be directed. Based on the findings of the present studying
following suggestions made for further research as-
1) The same study can be conducted to know the staff opinion about the
various Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) of the various libraries.
2) The same study can be extended to the other libraries of India.
:|c:tc3t::(::tc
85
Appendix » (BidCiograpHy
> Questionnaire
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89
Applicability and Utility of Online Public Access Catalogue
among Delhi Library users: A Survey
^Questionnaire Administered to Users"
AMITA
A.M.U., Aligarh
To,
Dear Friends,
I am conducting a study on the above topic for the award of M.L. & I.Sc.
Degree from Aligarh Muslim University. My Dissertation supervisor is Dr. Mehtab
Alam, Lecturer, Department of Library and Information Science, A.M.U., Aligarh-
202002.
With a view to collect accurate, comprehensive primary data required for
the study I have designed the enclosed questionnaire and I am seeking your
kind co-operation in filling up the same. The data supplied by you will be
immense value for this study and will be used for the dissertation purpose only.
I am aware of your busy schedule but without your help and assistance
my study will be incomplete. I should be grateful if you would kindly spare some
time from your busy schedule and fill up the Questionnaire.
Thanking you and with warm regards.
Yours faithfully,
AMITA
90
1. Name: 2. Age: 3. Name of the Library: 4. Designation: 5. Academic Qualification: 6. How many times you visit the library?
(a) Daily [ (b) Biweekly [ (c) Fortnightly [ (d) Monthly [
7. If you are not a regular user please mention the reason? (a) Collection is not good [ (b) Working hours are inconvenient [ (c) The library is far away [ (d) None of these [
8. Specify the purpose of visit to the library? (a) To get book issued [ (b) To obtain references [ (c) To work in a peaceful place [ (d) To keep abreast with latest development [
9. According to you, what are the most obvious searching tool for library material? (a) Consult the library catalogue card [ (b) Search the shelves on their own [ (c) Ask the library staff [ (d) Through Online Public Access Catalogue [
10. How often do you use catalogue? (a) Frequently [ (b) Moderately [ (c) Rarely [ (d) Never [
11. Do you use cataloguing system through Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)? (a) Frequently [ (b) Moderately [ (c) Rarely [ (d) Not used [
12. From where you came to now that OPAC is used in the library? (a) Yourself [ (b) Through friends [ (c) Through library staff [ (d) Through prospectus [
91
13. Does it require computer training to use OP AC? (a) Training required (b) Rarely required (c) Training not required (d) Can't say
14. Is Online Public Access Catalogue easily accessible? (a) Easily accessible (b) Moderately accessible (c) Rarely accessible (d) Not accessible
15. Do you require some orientation workshop to use OPAC? (a) Very essential (b) Essential (c) Not essential
16. What is your strategy for searching the document through OPAC? (a) By Subject (b) By Author (c) By Title (d) By Keywords
17. Are you satisfied with relevant material, which you get at the time of searching through OPAC? (a) Fully satisfied (b) Moderately satisfied (c) Rarely satisfied (d) Not satisfied
18. Are you aware about the complex search in OPAC? (a) Frequently (b) Moderately (c) Rarely (d) Not at all
19. Is Boolean logic (AND, OR, NOT) and Truncation option expend: search? (a) Mostly (b) Moderately (c) Rarely (d) Not
20. If it fails, what are your strongest reaction on such occasions? (a) Take the help of the library staff (b) To change search option (c) Check keywords (d) Do not try
s your
92
21. How do you rate the behaviour of Library Staff? (a) Excellent [ ] (b) Very Good [ ] (c) Good [ ] (d) Average [ ]
22. Do you think Online Catalogue is the popular and successful way to indicate the holding and status of items in a Library? (a) Fully Successful [ ] (b) Moderately successful [ ] (c) Rarely successful [ ] (d) Not successful [ ]
23. Your suggestion for better results
THANKS
93
