Regular Analysis of User Information Requirements

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 30 views

The Relevance of Library Collections to User Information Needs in the Postgraduate Branch Library of the University of North Sumatra

Introduction

In today's digital era, libraries play a vital role in supporting the teaching and learning process in educational institutions. The Postgraduate Branch Library of the University of North Sumatra, located on Jl. Academy Civitas No. 9, USU Campus, Medan, is one such institution that provides a vast collection of resources to its users. However, a study conducted to evaluate the extent to which the library collection meets the information needs of its users revealed that the collections provided were still considered less relevant by users. This article aims to discuss the relevance of library collections to user information needs in the Postgraduate Branch Library of the University of North Sumatra and provide recommendations for improvement.

Methodology

The study involved a population of 623 students registered as members of the library, with 85 people as samples, determined using the Slovin formula and proportional stratified random sampling techniques. The data was collected through a survey, which aimed to understand the types of information most needed by students and the relevance of the existing collections.

Results

The results of the study showed that the collections provided by the Postgraduate Branch Library of the University of North Sumatra were still considered less relevant by users. Almost half of the respondents, precisely 43.53%, felt that the library collection was not sufficient for their needs. As many as 50.59% of respondents stated that the existing collections were not in accordance with the curriculum they went through. In addition, 44.71% of respondents felt that the collection was less helpful in completing their college assignments.

Discussion

The relevance of library collections is very important in supporting the teaching and learning process in educational institutions. When the existing collection does not meet the needs of student information, this can negatively affect the quality of education and the ability of students in completing their studies. The lack of compatibility between the existing collection and the curriculum shows that the library manager needs to evaluate and adjust the available collections.

Recommendations for Improvement

To improve the relevance of library collections to user information needs, the following recommendations are made:

Regular Analysis of User Information Requirements: The library manager needs to analyze the user's information requirements regularly. The use of surveys or interviews can help in understanding the types of information most needed by students. With this data, the library can increase relevant collections, including books, journals, and other digital sources that are in accordance with the discipline of the scientific taught.
Cooperation between Libraries and Faculties: Cooperation between libraries and faculties is also a key factor. With good collaboration, the library can better understand the curriculum and provide better support to students. Increased collections that are in accordance with student academic needs will not only increase user satisfaction, but also enrich their learning experience.
Use of Information Technology and Digital Platforms: The use of information technology and digital platforms in library collections is also worth considering. With access to digital information sources, students can more easily find and get the information they need. Therefore, investment in developing a digital library information system is a strategic step to support user information needs in this digital era.

Conclusion

The relevance of library collections to user information needs is an important indicator in assessing the effectiveness of the library function as a source of information. Through an appropriate evaluation and sustainable improvement, the Postgraduate Branch Library of the University of North Sumatra can be better in supporting the student education process, so that they can achieve higher academic success.

Limitations of the Study

The study has some limitations that need to be acknowledged. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single institution. Therefore, the findings may not be generalizable to other institutions. Additionally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases.

Future Research Directions

Future research can build on the findings of this study by exploring the following research questions:

How can libraries improve the relevance of their collections to user information needs in the digital era?
What are the key factors that influence the relevance of library collections to user information needs?
How can libraries measure the effectiveness of their collections in supporting user information needs?

By addressing these research questions, future studies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relevance of library collections to user information needs and inform the development of effective strategies for improving library collections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relevance of Library Collections to User Information Needs

Q: What is the purpose of the study on the relevance of library collections to user information needs?

A: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the extent to which the library collection meets the information needs of its users and to identify areas for improvement.

Q: What was the methodology used in the study?

A: The study involved a population of 623 students registered as members of the library, with 85 people as samples, determined using the Slovin formula and proportional stratified random sampling techniques. The data was collected through a survey, which aimed to understand the types of information most needed by students and the relevance of the existing collections.

Q: What were the results of the study?

A: The results of the study showed that the collections provided by the Postgraduate Branch Library of the University of North Sumatra were still considered less relevant by users. Almost half of the respondents, precisely 43.53%, felt that the library collection was not sufficient for their needs. As many as 50.59% of respondents stated that the existing collections were not in accordance with the curriculum they went through. In addition, 44.71% of respondents felt that the collection was less helpful in completing their college assignments.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings?

A: The study's findings have implications for the library's collection development and user services. The library needs to evaluate and adjust the available collections to meet the needs of its users. This can be achieved by analyzing user information requirements regularly, cooperating with faculties, and using information technology and digital platforms.

Q: How can libraries improve the relevance of their collections to user information needs?

A: Libraries can improve the relevance of their collections to user information needs by:

Analyzing user information requirements regularly
Cooperating with faculties to understand the curriculum and provide better support to students
Using information technology and digital platforms to provide access to digital information sources
Increasing relevant collections, including books, journals, and other digital sources that are in accordance with the discipline of the scientific taught

Q: What are the benefits of improving the relevance of library collections to user information needs?

A: The benefits of improving the relevance of library collections to user information needs include:

Increased user satisfaction
Enriched learning experience
Better support for student education
Higher academic success

Q: How can libraries measure the effectiveness of their collections in supporting user information needs?

A: Libraries can measure the effectiveness of their collections in supporting user information needs by:

Conducting regular user surveys and feedback sessions
Analyzing user behavior and usage statistics
Evaluating the relevance and quality of the collections
Conducting impact studies to assess the effectiveness of the collections in supporting user information needs

Q: What are the future research directions in this area?

A: Future research can build on the findings of this study by exploring the following research questions:

How can libraries improve the relevance of their collections to user information needs in the digital era?
What are the key factors that influence the relevance of library collections to user information needs?
How can libraries measure the effectiveness of their collections in supporting user information needs?