Awareness and Utilization of Information Resources and Services among Library Users of JCBM College, Shringeri, India: A Study

College libraries are integral part of higher education institutions and they play an important role in raising the standard of education. The study was conducted at Sri JCBM College, Sringeri to assess users’ awareness and utilization of library resources and services. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and personal visits to the said college library. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. Seventy structured questionnaires were distributed and 52 duly filled questionnaires were returned back, the response rate is 76.04%. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (16.0) and Excel. The study revealed that the majority (86%) of the users are visiting library daily. The study revealed that majority of the users have awareness on amost all the services provided by the library. The majority of the users always use internet browsing service (50%), Reference service (44.23%) and Book bank facility (40.38%) while they visit the library. The users were satisfied with various resources and services provided by the library. The study suggested to provide a separate digital library with the adequate numbe of computers with high speed internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, access to more number of e-resources including CDs/DVDs and online journals to the users in the library. The library needs to explore innovative methods by making use of technology in reaching out to users