Methods In Business Research

Research Project

“Library use pattern of students at institute

of Business Management”

Prepared by:

Muhammad Adeel Mustafa (2009-1-26-10132)

Syed Afaq Hashmi

Hena Tabassum

Mujhtaba

Section: E

Submitted to:

Mis Kausar Saeed

 Abstract

The study investigated the library use patterns of students of IOBM and how
effectively the students are making use of the library services. The study
population sample consisted of 200 students of all disciplines, randomly
selected from bachelors and master levels. Their library use patterns were
tested to discover how IOBM students use the library in information seeking..
The results provide an insight into the factors that influence both female and
male student’s library use pattern and their satisfaction to the library
services. The study can be used by the iobm administration to identify
weather the students are making effective use of library. The study makes
recommendations that could lead to the improvement of library services for
students in their use of the library for information seeking and use.
Introduction

Libraries play an indispensable role in the academic development of students

in general. While this might be the case, a user’s perception of the library
and its role does determine the use to which the library is put. Martin and
Metcalfe(2001) acknowledged that modes of informing are specific to each
person’s concern, as are the topics they want to be informed about. Both
noted that libraries in the past sought to accommodate this need by
promoting current awareness services and selective dissemination of
information, either through print or electronic means.

IOBM has one of the most modern and resource rich library which facilitates
the resource needs of students. Students use library for different purposes.
Some of the main uses are completion of assignments, using PC, chatting,
reading for examination, reading newspapers and magazines, group studies,
copying lectures etc. IoBM library resource includes a large number of books,
journals, periodicals and reference materials. It is being developed to cater
to the needs of students and faculty.

IoBM library has been established with the primary aim of supporting the
teaching, learning and research activity at IoBM, by providing a conducive
learning environment for study and research, by making available the library
resources, and by actively facilitating the use of library collection and
services to its members. It has over eighteen thousand resources including
Reference material, and thirty five subscribed journals in print, and access to
electronic journals through the HEC Digital Library and JSTOR on
subscription. The library has two large Reading Halls and provides sixty three
PCs with Internet access, where members login with their own accounts.
Literature review:

The library plays a major role in the students information seeking and use.
Information Seeking Behavior can be described as an individual’s way and
manner of gathering and sourcing for information for personal use,
knowledge updating and development. Kakai Et Al.(2004) referred to it as
the way people search for and utilize information. He observed that, often
students’ information seeking behaviour involves active or purposeful
information as a result of the need to complete course assignment, prepare
for class discussions seminars, workshops, conferences, or write research
papers.

Studies conducted among undergraduate students have shown that most of

them are inadequate in using libraries. Zondi (1992) established that
the majority of students show very low level of involvement in the use of a
library and display poor information seeking patterns. Kamanda (1999) in a
similar study observed that more than half of students experience problems
in locating library information materials. Kamanda noted that the majority of
students either locate materials through browsing the shelves or seek
assistance from library staff, but they did not make full use of library
services. Ssendikadiwa (1996) observed that although the catalogue is the
most essential library tool in accessing library collections, it is the most
avoided and least consulted by undergraduates.
Callinan (2005) while examined student's awareness and use of different
sources of information for their course work, their use of the E-library, why
they visited the university library, the type of assistance they receive in
using the library as well as the type of instruction they would like to receive
in the future. The work concluded that lack of awareness was a major reason
students under utilize the services provided by the library and librarians.
George et al (2006) notes that students library use pattern amongst others is
influenced by the attitude of university library staff.

Al Shanbari and Meadows (1995) reported that 36 percent of the

academicians in Saudi universities were spending only four hours per
week on reading, because of inadequate and irrelevant library collections,
lack of information infrastructures, ineffective library services, inadequately
trained and less co operative library staff. Guest (1987) noted that that
librarian rated the lowest as a source for getting the needed information
among 85% of his respondents. Thus, Mwila (1993) submits that the success
of a library in meeting the information needs of its user plays an important
role in the number of their future library visits.

Mwila (1993) also found that humanities and social science faculty members
used library more often compared to science faculty members. Hart (1993)
reported that, on average, each faculty member made 7.3 visits per
semester to the library. Majid, Anwar and Eisenschitz, (2000) found that
nearly 42% of the respondents from University of Putra, Malaysia visited
their library once or twice a week, 37% once or twice a month and 21%
several times a year. Oyesiku (2005:2) says: “there is a strong and positive
linear relationship between frequency of use of the library.”
Problem Statement

The students of iobm are expected to maximally utilize the institute’s library.
This is because it is one of their major sources of information in addition to
several other information sources. But whether these students explore and
sufficiently employ the vast resources of the library is another thing entirely.
There are several factors that can determine the information seeking
behavior of an individual or a group of individuals. It is, therefore, desirable
to understand the pattern of using library by iobm students, how greatly
students are utilizing offered library services and their satisfaction level to
the offered library services.

Purpose of the study

There are several factors that determine the library use pattern of a student.
Our research will try to explore these factors. It is, therefore, desirable to:

1. Find out the purpose(s) for which IoBM students visit the library.

2. Examine the library use pattern of Iobm students.

3. Examine the use of services by IoBM students provided by the library

4. Examine the satisfaction level of IoBM students with the offered services.

5. To suggest ways of improving the library use pattern of students

Hypotheses

H01: There is no difference in library using pattern of IoBM students

H02: There is a difference in library using pattern of IoBM students

H02: There is no significant difference in the purpose(s) for which iobm

students use the library.

HA2: There is a significant difference in the purpose(s) for which iobm

students use the library

H03: Students are utilizing all library services

HA3: Students are not greatly utilizing all library services

H04: Students are satisfied with all library services

HA4: Students are not satisfied with all library services

Methodology

Research type

This research is a descriptive survey that employs reviewing of past related

studies and applied it to the iobm students.

Research Population

The population of this study consisted of all the bachelors and master
students of IoBM in the 2009/2010 academic session. Both male and female
students are included in the sample.

Sample size
A total sample of 200 students was taken from the population consisting 150
bachelor students and 50 master students. Both male and female students
are included in the sample. 92 females and 108 males have participated in
the research. A breakdown of this population is shown as follows:

Study Level Students

Bachelors 150

Masters 50

Total 200

Sampling type

The sample for this study was drawn through stratified sampling. Students
were divided into two categories of bachelors and masters and then random
sampling was used to select the respondents.

Data collection Method

A questionnaire was used for collecting data in this study. The questionnaires
were distributed to the students who were presented in the library and in
class rooms. The questionnaire is in two sections. Section A is devoted to
demographic data covering gender and level of study. Section B consists of
set of items from which the respondents are expected to choose from which
border on pattern of information seeking. The questionnaire consisted of
both open ended and close ended questions to get deep details for the
study. The data is then analyzed by using the SPSS software to test the
validity of the hypothesis.
Results

Spending of free time by IoBM students

Descriptive Statistics
 Spending of free time * gender Crosstabulation

gender

female male Total

Spending of free time activity center Count 46 50 96

% within gender 50.0% 46.3% 48.0%

library Count 27 35 62

% within gender 29.3% 32.4% 31.0%

cafeteria Count 17 21 38

% within gender 18.5% 19.4% 19.0%

sitting in corridors Count 2 2 4

% within gender 2.2% 1.9% 2.0%

Total Count 92 108 200

% within gender 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Graphical Analysis
Analysis of Findings
The students of IoBM can spent their free time socializing in the activity center,
studying in the library, eating in the cafeteria or sitting in corridors. The results
indicates that about 48% of the students spent their free time in activity center and
about 31% of the students study in the library during their free time. Students who
spent their time in cafeteria constitute 19% and only 2% students spent their time
sitting in the corridors.

This concludes that most students like to spend their free time in the activity center
and library as compare to cafeteria and sitting in the corridors.
Searching priorities of the students when they are
looking for information about a topic
Descriptive Statistics

Material search * gender Crosstabulation

gender

female male Total

Material search consult the teacher Count 11 11 22

% within gender 12.0% 10.2% 11.0%

search in the library Count 4 4 8

% within gender 4.3% 3.7% 4.0%

search on the internet Count 64 80 144

% within gender 69.6% 74.1% 72.0%

consult to friends Count 13 13 26

% within gender 14.1% 12.0% 13.0%

Total Count 92 108 200

% within gender 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Graphical Analysis

Analysis of finding
The students of IoBM have many options to find the related content regarding their
research on a topic. Some students like to consult the teacher to get the
information, some use library to search books and journals for the related material,
some students like to search on the internet and some are interested to consult
their friends to help them search out the required content.

The findings of our research indicate that most of the students (72%) prefer to use
internet to get the desired information. Then they will prefer to consult to their
friends (13%) help to obtain the information. Consult to the teacher to get
information is their third preference (11%) and minority of students like to search
the library to get the information (4%).
Library visiting pattern of IoBM students
Descriptive Statistics

Library visiting pattern * gender Crosstabulation

gender

female male Total

Library visiting pattern once a week Count 31 35 66

% within gender 33.7% 32.4% 33.0%

2-3 times a week Count 40 48 88

% within gender 43.5% 44.4% 44.0%

once a month Count 8 12 20

% within gender 8.7% 11.1% 10.0%

occasionally Count 10 10 20

% within gender 10.9% 9.3% 10.0%

rarely Count 3 3 6

% within gender 3.3% 2.8% 3.0%

Total Count 92 108 200

% within gender 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Graphical analysis

Analysis of Findings
The results indicate that the students of IoBM are frequently visiting the library.44%
of the students visit the library two to three times a week. 33% of the students visit
the library once in a week. 10% of the students visit library once in a month and
10% said they are visiting the library only in particular occasions. Only 3% of the
students are making very rare use of library.
Borrowing of study material from library by IoBM
students
Descriptive Statistics

Borrowing study material * gender Crosstabulation

gender

female male Total

Borrowing study material yes Count 36 42 78

% within gender 39.1% 38.9% 39.0%

no Count 54 64 118

% within gender 58.7% 59.3% 59.0%

Not remembered Count 2 2 4

% within gender 2.2% 1.9% 2.0%

Total Count 92 108 200

% within gender 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Graphical Analysis

Analysis of findings
The results reveal that a considerable number of iobm students are
hesitating in borrowing study material from the library. About 39% of the
students like to borrow study material from the library where as 59% of the
students indicate that they are not interested to use library for borrowing
study material. 2% of the students do not remembered whether they
borrowed any material from the library.
Type of study material students like to borrow
from library
Descriptive analysis

Type of borrowing material * gender Crosstabulation

gender

female male Total

Type of borrowing material course books Count 56 64 120

% within gender 60.9% 59.3% 60.0%

magazines Count 6 8 14

% within gender 6.5% 7.4% 7.0%

novels Count 23 29 52

% within gender 25.0% 26.9% 26.0%

journals Count 3 3 6

% within gender 3.3% 2.8% 3.0%

others Count 4 4 8

% within gender 4.3% 3.7% 4.0%

Total Count 92 108 200

% within gender 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Graphical Analysis

Analysis of findings
The results reveal that most of the iobm students like to
borrow their course books and reference material from the
library (60%). Different types of novels are also in demand
when we talk about borrowing study material from the library
(26%). Less than 10% of the iobm Students are interested in
borrowing of the study materials like magazines, journals and
other materials.
Preference of students to borrow course books
from library

preference to borrow course books * gender Crosstabulation

gender

female male Total

preference to borrow course yes Count 32 36 68

books
% within gender 34.8% 33.3% 34.0%

no Count 47 59 106

% within gender 51.1% 54.6% 53.0%

Sometimes Count 13 13 26

% within gender 14.1% 12.0% 13.0%

Total Count 92 108 200

% within gender 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Graphical Analysis
Analysis of findings

Iobm offers its students to borrow their course books and related reference
material from the library. The books are to be reissued every 15 days. Our
research on whether the students like to borrow the course books from the
library or like to buy them reveals that about 53% of the students are
interested in buying the course books. 34% of the students are in favor of
borrowing the books from the library where as 13% said that sometimes they
borrow the books from the library.

Average time spent in the library by IoBM students

Descriptive statistics
 Time spent in library * gender Crosstabulation

gender

female male Total

Time spent in library less than an hour Count 47 53 100

% within gender 51.1% 49.1% 50.0%

1-2 hours Count 38 48 86

% within gender 41.3% 44.4% 43.0%

2-3 hours Count 7 7 14

% within gender 7.6% 6.5% 7.0%

Total Count 92 108 200

% within gender 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Graphical analysis
Analysis of findings
On researching the time spend in the library by iobm students, we come to
know that about 50% of the students spend less than an hour in the library
per visit. 43% of the students spend between 1-2 hours in the library while
only 7% of the students are spending 2-3 hours per visit to the library. The
study shows that almost negligible number of students is spending more
than 3 hours in the library.
Purpose(s) for which IoBM students use the library

Descriptive Statistics

Purpose of library visit

Purpose

Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never Total

Valid To borrow books 6 38 82 44 30 200

3.0% 19.0% 41.0% 22.0% 15.0% 100.0%

To complete class assignments 126 50 18 6 0 200

63.0% 25.0% 9.0% 3.0% 0.0% 100.0%

To read for examination 106 68 16 10 0 200

53.0% 34.0% 8.0% 5.0% 0.0% 100.0%

To get information 64 82 42 10 2 200

32.0% 41.0% 21.0% 5.0% 1.0% 100.0%

To socialize 4 26 42 112 16 200

2.0% 13.0% 21.0% 56% 8% 100.0%
To read news papers and magazines 22 52 98 22 6 200
11.0% 26.0% 49.0% 11.0% 3.0% 100.0%
To copy lectures 84 74 38 4 0 200
42.0% 37.0% 19.0% 2.0% 0.0% 100.0%
Graphical Analysis

Analysis of findings
Results reveal that students some times use library to borrow books and to
read news paper. Students very often use library to complete class
assignment, to read for examination and to copy lecture. Students often use
library to get information but rarely use library to socialize. Thus
socialization, reading magazine and newspapers and to borrow books are not
very frequent purposes that the iobm students are utilizing library

Use of Library services by IoBM students

Descriptive Statistics

Use of library services

Service

Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never Total

Valid Book collection 20 48 82 38 12 200

10.0% 24.0% 41.0% 19.0% 6.0% 100.0%

Internet 148 42 10 0 0 200

74.0% 21.0% 5.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0%

HEC digital library 0 0 14 88 98 200

0.0% 0.0% 7.0% 44.0% 49.0% 100.0%

Librarian assistance 6 42 134 14 4 200

3.0% 21.0% 67.0% 7.0% 2.0% 100.0%

Conference room 0 4 32 88 76 200

0.0% 2.0% 16.0% 44.0% 38.0% 100.0%
Graphical Analysis

Analysis of findings

Results reveal that book collection and librarian assistance are the services
some times used by the iobm students. Internet is the service that is very
often used by the iobm students. Students are very rarely using conference
rooms and HEC digital library facility. Thus students are fairly utilizing
advantages from the offered library services except HEC digital library and
the conference rooms.
Satisfaction level of students with library
services
Descriptive statistics

Satisfaction level with library services

Service

Very Very
satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Total

Valid Internet facility 62 114 16 8 0 200

31.0% 57.0% 8.0% 4.0% 0.0% 100.0%

Library environment 84 98 12 6 0 200

42.0% 49.0% 6.0% 3.0% 0.0% 100.0%

Study space 34 86 60 20 0 200

17.0% 43.0% 30.0% 10.0% 0.0% 100.0%

Searching easiness 14 62 108 12 4 200

7.0% 31.0% 54.0% 6.0% 2.0% 100.0%

Latest material 10 74 78 34 4 200

5.0% 37.0% 39.0% 17.0% 2.0% 100.0%
Assistance from librarian 4 30 108 12 0 200
2.0% 15.0% 54.0% 23.0% 6.0% 100.0%
Locker service 30 134 26 10 0 200
15.0% 67.0% 13.0% 5.0% 0.0% 100.0%

Graphical Analysis
Analysis of findings
Results show that students are satisfied with the internet facility, Library
environment, study space and locker service. Majority of students have
neutral views about latest material, assistance from the librarian and
searching easiness. Some students also show their dissatisfaction regarding
latest material and study space but over all students are satisfied with
majority of library services.

Validity of Hypothesis

Hypothesis:

There is no difference in library using pattern of IoBM students

Analysis:

As we can see from the results, some students like to spend their free time in
cafeteria and little less of the students like to spend their free time in the
library. Results also show that some students like to visit library 2-3 times a
week while some like to visit library once an week and other like to visit
occasionally and rarely. Other results reveal that some students like to spend
less than an hour in the library while an almost equal number of students like
to sit more than an hour. Thus these results indicate that students are not
following the same pattern of using the library so we reject the null
hypothesis

Conclusion: Reject the null hypothesis

Hypothesis:

There is no significant difference in the purpose(s) for which iobm students

use the library

Analysis:

Results of our study show that students use library for different purposes.
Majority of students use library to read for examination, to copy lectures, to
complete class assignments and to get information regarding their research.
Some students use library to read news papers and magazines and few
students use library to socialize. So we can not conclude that all the students
use library for only single purpose. Thus we will reject the null hypothesis.

Conclusion: Reject the null hypothesis

Hypothesis:

Students are utilizing all library services

Analysis:

Results show that majority of the students are using internet offered in the
library. A greater number of students show their dislike ion borrowing books,
which include course books and other study material, from the library.
Majority of the student preferred to search on the internet and seek friends
help to get information rather than searching in the library. Librarian
assistance and conference room are not very frequently used by iobm
students. Students are not utilizing HEC digital library service as much. Thus
we can say that students are not utilizing all library services and hence we
reject the null hypothesis.
Conclusion: Reject the null hypothesis

Hypothesis:

Students are satisfied with the library services

Analysis:

Results show that students are satisfied with the internet facility, Library
environment, study space and locker service. Majority of students have
neutral views about latest material, assistance from the librarian and
searching easiness. Very few students also show their dissatisfaction
regarding latest material and study space but over all we can conclude that
students are satisfied with majority of library services. Thus we do not reject
the null hypothesis

Conclusion: Do not reject the null hypothesis

Conclusion
From the research, the following findings are made:

• Students are not following the same pattern of using the library.
Different students have different pattern of visiting the library
• Students are not using library for only single major purpose. Different
students have different purposes of using the library.
• Students are not greatly utilizing all library services. Students are not
even very much aware of some services like HEC digital library.
 • Majority of IoBM students are satisfied with the services offered in the
library.

Recommendations
• Students should be motivated to borrow books, specially course books
and reference materials from the library on easy terms and conditions.
The borrowing period should be for the entire semester rather than the
students have to re-issue the books after every 15 days.
• Students have to book conference rooms for group studies. Conference
rooms should be readily available to groups by just taking the
permission from the librarian.
 • HEC digital library is a very resource rich source of getting information.
IoBM students are not fully aware of this service and how to use it. The
institute should prove a guide booklet to every student at the time of
admission or distributing in the classes, that contain details of using
the digital library.
• Some students have busy schedule of classes so they are unable to
spend their time in the library. There should be a break of around an
hour every day so that students can socialize and visit the library to
search for information if they have the need.
• There should be other services in the library available for the students
such as photocopying and printing, telephone service, projection
rooms for practicing presentations etc

References
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and information handling among scientists and engineers in Saudi
Universities”. Journal of Information Science.
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• Guest, S.S. (1987). The use of bibliographic tools by humanities faculty

at the State University of New York at Albany. Reference Librarian

• Kakai, M, ikoja-Odongo, R.&Kigongo-Bukeny, (2004).A study of the

information seeking
behavior of undergraduate students of Makerere University, Uganda.
World Libraries

• Kamanda, R.W. (1999). “Library use by university students: Case study

of the East African School of Library and Information Science.”
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• Majid, S.; Anwar, M.A., and Eisenschitz, T.S. (2000) “Information Needs
and Seeking Behavior of Agricultural Scientists in Malaysia”, Library
and Information Science Research.

• Martin, P. and M. Metcalfe, 2001. “Informing the knowledge workers,”

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• Mwila, A. B. 1993. The use of the University of Zambia library by the

social science, humanities, and science faculties. Ph.D. dissertation,
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• Oyesiku, F.A. (2005). “Library Resources Utilization As A Correlate of

Job Performance Among Law Lecturers In Nigerian Law Faculties”.
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• Ssenikadiwa, E.N.N. (1996). “Evaluation of library use instruction

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• The IoBM Library; information retrived from

http://www.iobm.edu.pk/library.html

• Zondi, L.E. (1992). “Library–use skills and information–seeking patterns

of first–year students at the University of Zululand.” South African
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