Information Literacy of State Central Library Users: A study of Library Services Utilization

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyse users' awareness and utilization of the services offered by State Central Libraries in the Northeastern states of India. It also emphasizes the importance of information literacy or library orientation in improving users’ ability to effectively navigate through, access and utilise the various resources and services available in these libraries. The study adopted a quantitative research approach. The data was collected from 122 users using structured questionnaires and observation tools. The collected data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. The study revealed that most of the users frequently visit the library primarily for competitive exam preparation.  Although the prescribed libraries offer a wide range of services, only a very small proportion of users use them. The findings indicate that a lack of information literacy leads to poor awareness and utilization of available services. Therefore, it is important to impart knowledge in this regard through organising information literacy or users' education programmes, which help enhance users’ awareness, improve information discovery efficiency, and encourage greater utilisation of library resources and services. Also, users are positive about the staff behaviour and the way their queries are answered, but it is necessary that the State Central Libraries in the northeastern states of India should focus on improving the resource availability, infrastructure, smooth functioning, and delivering effective services.