Changing pattern of user expectations regarding the library catalogue as an information retrieval tool: a case study of Mangalore University

7-16Describes the efforts of Mangalore University Library in developing an Online Public Access Catalogue with the aim of increasing the information retrieval efficiency and providing easy access to the users. The changing pattern of user expectations about the catalogue has also been examined. In the survey conducted prior to the introduction of on-line public access catalogue, usefulness of the library catalogue, frequency of use, users approaches, user opinions about the adequacy of bibliographical details, sources of guidance in the use of catalogue and need for user education programmes have been assessed. Based on the findings, the steps initiated for updating the card catalogue have been described. Results indicate the necessity for the joint effort of library professionals and software development experts to find out solutions to meet the user expectations effectively. It was suggested that cataloguing of all the e-resources such as CD-ROMs, DVDs available in the library was the immediate need