Page 67 - DLIS102_LIBRARY_AND_ITS_USERS

Library and its Users

Notes this is to talk about those programmes which ensure that people (of school age and up) are taught
about information not only available within the library in print and digital form, but are also provided
with the context in which information is created, located and utilized in the wider world of
information and knowledge.
The ever expanding volume of information available through print and digitized formats has the
capacity to both stimulate and overwhelm. The digitizing of information and the development of IT
based tools to access, manipulate and deliver information available in electronic formats is an element
of what has been called the Information age. The vast quantity of information available in a variety
of media and the fact that especially through the Internet much information has not been through a
process of peer reviewer scholarly editorial process before being widely disseminated means that it
is imperative that users apply critical thinking to the information gathering and evaluating process
if their own work is to withstand scrutiny.

11.1 Concepts

Concepts of User Education

Tremendous increase in the volume of publication as well as the resulting complexity of libraries
and the methods by which literature is organized and disseminated necessitate the user education.
Rapid changes in teaching methods and the resulting trend towards a wider use of multi-media
learning resources ranging from the press cutting to slide tapes package and multiple kit. Such
format has added new dimensions to the learning process in all types of institutions.
Dr. S.R. Ranganathan’s Second Law is user oriented law. Every citizens has the right to access the
information (Right to Information Act, 2004). This law guides the library or information professionals
to take care of information users, so that they can access information without any obstacle. Here is
a necessity of User Survey, User Study and User Education. User Orientation may help in acquiring
the need and satisfying the purpose.
According to Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, books are for use. Every reader is a book. Every book is a
reader. Tape recorder saves the time of the reader and a library is a growing organism. The above
mentioned laws expected to meet the challenges of fast paced social and cultural changes which
affect the library users. Hence, library serves humanity. Library is a store house of knowledge. One
must use modern technology to gather information from the library.

Education is a long life process, there is no end. As far as library activities are
concerns, the users are illiterates.

They need some sought of user education on how to use library resources and services. Because the
collection libraries are very complicated. To know how to use and what the service available is etc.,
they must need assistance and guidance (Instructions, Initiation and education).
It has its own objectives. Broadly it means to bring the awareness about or to guide the users, about
library facilities, collection, services, etc., for new users this type of guidance is necessary.

Definitions

According to Shahi “It is a process of activities involved in making the users of the library conscious
about tremendous value of information in day to day life to develop interest among the users to
seek information as and when they requires”.

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