An index of library practices at University of Boras, Sweden

Abstract

The project aimed at developing an index of library practices at University of Boras, Sweden. The study objectives were three-fold; to identify and document library practices at University of Boras, to assess challenges faced in the provision of library services and developing an index of library practices at University of Boras, Sweden. The methodology adopted in undertaking the study includes; interviews, Questionnaires, photography, and observation were the data collection methods used in data collection. random sampling strategy was employed by the researchers to determine the respondents who participated in the study. The sample size was 19 library staff of University of Boras, Sweden. From the project, it was established that the library services offered at the University of Boras Library are, Circulation, Writing references, Norm criticism, Interlibrary loan, Support in research publication. The research findings also further established that University of Boras Library carries out a number of library practices which include among others, Library tags/cards, Library breakfast, User Education and many others as discussed in chapter four. The challenges faced in the provision of library services include reaching out to students and researchers to know what help the library can render to them, getting to know the needs of users; attitude of students when they come to seek for help at the information desk (some users be rude to librarians); developing skills i.e., specifically communication skills. From the study, the researchers recommend that; the University of Boras library staff should encourage its staff members to use indexes in identifying library services and practices to be offered for efficiency and effectiveness in the library. The researchers also recommend that the library should be able to update the developed index after an interval to ensure the index is kept up-to-date all time round. Information Literacy, Librarians should make sure that library users are aware of the library services provided in the library. Basing on the research findings, the researchers concludes that Makerere University library should adopt the practices offered at University of Boras Library. These will help to improve on the quality of the services being offered at the Makerere University Library.