Trends of
library usage and need for innovative intervention among youth of Kerala
Kushal Krishna Kharel &
Anish Joseph Kuriakos
MBA, University of Kerala
Abstract
The
growing trend of online platform among youth has influenced the habits of youth
in their day to day life. They prefer online platform for getting task done, it
may be filling electricity bills, online shopping, online ticketing, etc.
Youths of today are becoming choosey, they want everything to be perfect and in
time, so this paper proposes the library administration to come up with
improved ideas that can change in their traditional approach. Paper shows the
increasing inclination towards internet than going to the physical library. This
paper explains about the trend of library visiting among youth in Kerala and
offers the suggestion of amendment for improved service and increment in
library participants. Paper forwards the natural indication of youth towards
library they are having at present through the questionnaire- based survey.
Keywords:
library usage rate; online platform; physical library
Introduction:
It
is observed that students of this era are not using the library facilities
satisfactorily unlike the students in the past owing to the free accessibility
of the internet.Library here means a fixed place/physical structure where
people visit in search of books, magazines, online information for reading,
viewing and collecting information. The introduction of social sites like,
Facebook, twitter, viber, whatsapp are assumed as main reasons behind for the
less usage of library facilities. Book learning habits are being decreasing day
by day. B-schools are coming up with different programs to increase the
student’s participation or engagement in library but all goes in vain unable to
change the student’s attitudes. Learning habit gives the person all-round
improved life. The approaching trend of massive usage of internet platform
among youths in the whole world and changing expectation has badly affected the
tradition of visiting physical library. As Kerala has 94.65% of literacy
rate, It is one of the most literate
state in India , so we unveil the literacy status of Kerala especially in the
arena of library usage by the students living in it along with pictures.
Objectives:
i)
To know the students trend in visiting library.
ii)
To make student aware of importance of visiting library and reading books.
ii)
To find the innovative approach for enhancing the library participants.
iii)
To give the suggestions based on findings of problem.
Methodology:
An
exploratory research has been done as part of the study and for this a well
structure questionnaire was used. A detailed literature review was done and
some formal and informal talks with librarians were also carried to get in
depth knowledge about different factors affecting library usage. A theoretical
framework was designed based on the same. The questionnaire was administrated
to 100 students studying in different parts of Kerala using convenience
sampling and the researchers got a response rate of 65 per centage. 2
questionnaires were partially filled by the respondents and they were left out
which leaves the total number of available questionnaires for analysis at 63.
Scope
of the study:
The
study includes the libraries run by both academic and non-academic body. Indian
nationals are only considered as sample for our study. No other nationals
studying in Kerala, India was considered as sample/part of study. Student of
both full and part time academic program are taken as input for sample
collection.
Literature
review:
Library
fully deals with the discipline of sharing and storing the knowledge and skills
which helps the learner to excel in their career. There is no exact time we can
say that history of library began from. But it is believed that tradition of
archives by the temples gave a concept of library which brought to today’s
modern level. Different studies are showing the diminishing rate of the library
visiting ratio tremendously in youth which is ultimately affecting the future
development and direction of the world it is believed. This also reflects level
of knowledge and performance of the students.
M.
Owusu-Acheaw (2014) has listed the intentions of students for visiting the
library. Out of 1000 respondents, 75.0% were of the view that they only read to
pass examination and when quizzed on when they engaged in reading, 5.0%
indicated that they read to gain knowledge , 15.0% were of the opinion that
reading helps improve spoken and written English , while 5.0% indicated they
did that foe pleasure and fun. The inference was must of the respondents
engaged in reading mainly to pass their exams. Akanda, Hoq, Hasan (2013)
studied in Rajshahi university among students of different departments (272
copies of questionnaire forwarded, only 260 was return filled)observed that the
younger generation, especially young students, are experiencing many changes in
their choices, likings and disliking, because of the great changes happening in
the socio-cultural and technological landscapes. Their reading habit is quite
naturally affected by these changes.
Another
study carried in Indian university by Saikia and Gohain (2013) regarding the
use and user’s satisfaction on library resources and services in Tezpur
University concluded that library design should be made according to the
changing environment to maximize the library visit of students others wise it
will limit as a center of borrowing and lending books only where half of
students among 200 respondents are found to prefer. ICT application in library
services used to provide opportunities to users to access and utilize both
online resources and services effectively. Respondents were satisfied with this
online model of library. This shows the changing concept of youth on library
From these above papers we can see the down falling
pattern of visiting library among youth generation especially for reading
books. People engaged in reading only to get pass rather than acquiring extra
piece of knowledge because they are finding visiting social sites more worthy
than lingering in library. The extent of degradation on this culture may differ
but it is sure that tradition of going to library is being affected by various
environmental and social factors. Rouis, Limayem, Salehi (2011) did a study in
Lulea University of Technology in Sweden among undergraduate students for
knowing the psychological aspect and response of face book users in their
academic performance shows that face book use leads to a decrease in students’
academic performance but a positive effect on satisfaction with life that
limits the undesirable effect. This result predicated from 239 students shows
the deep impression of social sites in students. In Indiathere is no much
difference of age between UG and PG students, moreover the free access of net
facilities consumes most of their time in social networks such as face book and
you tube which can be otherwise devoted for reading libraries and books.
Innovative application of the
library model should be introduced to avoid the effect of declining visitors,
cover the each and every class of people and territory. A case study presented
by Michele Hampshire and Cathy E. Sanford (2009) showed the problem faced by Contra Costa County Library, USA
and solution they made to encourage the visitors and cover the different groups
of people and address the fast growing population. The Contra Costa County
Library offers a "Welcome" screen with a JavaScript slideshow
consisting of book jacket images of the ten newest books in the machine. "Frequently
asked questions" pages are available in English and Spanish - as are
step-by-step overviews on "How to borrow a book". The machine holds
up to 400 paperback books, and users can login, select a title and have it
dispensed in under a minute. His success story of USA can be helpful on both
online and offline libraries across the nation to enhance the service and
encourage library tradition.
Agee and Patricia (2003) argued
that the gap between declining trend in the number of people visiting library
and dramatic increase in the use of remotely accessed research databases has
gave rise to the concept of disintermediation, where library users seek and
retrieve information without assistance of the librarian, and the realization
that librarians are no longer present when users need in developing successful
search strategies and evaluating the information they find. Librarians are not
present at that teachable moment. Librarians need to evaluate their services
and recreate their instructional strategies in innovative way so that they are
available to the users of information wherever those users are to overcome the
effects of disintermediation.
On the contrary, a research by
Jones (2002) argues that theaccess of internet to college students has always
benefited them in their personal as well as academic development. Research has
studied the benefit under three different ways. a) College students are early
adopters and heavy users of the internet. B) College students say the internet
has enhanced their education. C) College social life has been changed by the
internet. Students said that internet
access helped them to interact with professors, classmates, to do research work
and library materials. They find their social circle stronger.
Country like India having fast
growing economy is facing multiple challenges and needs to amendment the
traditional flow to give equivalent with modern system and Kerala is one of the
highly literate state among 29 states in India. We are eager to know influence
in the learning trend of Kerala among youths which has high probability of
dragging it back to unexpected Learning should be connected with technology and
technology should be brought and implemented to universities/institutes they
affiliated with. They are more attracted towards high-tech with the
introduction of new application and technology it is generally assumed. But, at
the same time we too observed the papers of scholars concluding negative impact
of digital/online model of library.
Table
no.1: Frequency of library visiting
Frequency of library
visiting
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
Everyday
|
4
|
6.35%
|
Once a week
|
7
|
11.11%
|
Twice a week
|
12
|
19.05%
|
Occasionally
|
40
|
63.49%
|
Total
|
63
|
100%
|
This
above table speaks about frequency of library visit by youth of Kerala. Table
no.1 shows that students occasionally visiting library are more (63.49%)
whereas, only very few visits to the library, i.e. 6.35%.
Table
no.2: Purpose of visiting library
Purpose of library visit
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
To pass the examination
|
6
|
9.52%
|
To gain information
|
13
|
20.63%
|
To use internet
|
2
|
3.17%
|
To borrow reading
materials
|
41
|
65.07%
|
Others (specify)
|
1
|
1.58%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.2 shows the purpose of youngsters in visiting library where we find majority
of students visit to borrow reading materials whereas only 3.17% of total
respondents visits for using internet.
Table
No.3: Preference of the books
Preference of books
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
Fiction
|
17
|
26.9 %
|
Non-Fiction
|
5
|
7.9 %
|
Textbooks
|
39
|
61.9 %
|
None of these
|
2
|
3.17%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.3 shows the preference of books by the youths. It is observed that majority
of them (61.9%) prefers textbooks whereas, very few of respondents looks for
books out of syllabus.
Table
No. 4: Factors influencing the reading of books
Factors influencing books
reading
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
Cover page
|
5
|
7.9%
|
Author
|
22
|
34.9%
|
Recommendations
|
22
|
34.9%
|
Abstract
|
14
|
22.2%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.4 shows the factors influencing for selection of books in reading. We found
author and recommendations are the equal major factors for selecting the books.
Table
no. 5: Time spend in reading
Length of time in reading
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
1-3 Hours
|
52
|
82.53%
|
3-5 Hours
|
9
|
14.29%
|
5-7 Hours
|
1
|
1.59%
|
Above 7 Hours
|
1
|
1.59%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.6: Reading habit of newspaper
Reading habit of newspaper
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
Yes
|
22
|
34.92%
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
Not regularly
|
41
|
65.08%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no. 6 shows reading habits of newspaper where majority of the respondents found
reading newspaper not regularly.
Time spent in reading newspaper
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
1-2 hours
|
57
|
91.9%
|
2-3 hours
|
5
|
7.9%
|
3-4 hours
|
1
|
1.6%
|
Above 4
hours
|
0
|
0
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
From
the above table no.7 it can be infer that students prefer to spend only 1-2
hours for reading newspaper. Very few, i.e. 1.6% are interested to spare 3-4
hours for newspaper.
Table
no.8: Use of internet in library for reading purpose
Use of internet in library
for reading
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
Yes
|
28
|
44.44%
|
No
|
35
|
65.08%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.8 shows the rate of using internet for reading purpose. Majority answered no
for this question whereas only 44.44% agreed with the question.
Table
no. 9: Place where online library is mostly used
Place to use library
facilities online
|
Respondent
|
Percentage
|
Cyber café
|
2
|
3.1 %
|
Home
|
31
|
49.2%
|
Central Library
|
11
|
17.4%
|
Computer Lab
|
19
|
30.1%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Above table no.9 shows the area where library facility
mostly preferred. Most of youth prefer facilities of library at their home
whereas only few agreed to use library at cyber café.
Table
no.10: Length of internet usage
Length of internet use
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
1 Hour
|
10
|
15.87%
|
2 Hour
|
17
|
26.98%
|
3 Hour
|
12
|
19.04%
|
Above 3 Hour
|
24
|
38.09%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.10 shows the time spend by respondents in internet per day. We got the mixed
result where 38.09% for above 3 hours and 26.98% for 2 hours duration. Only
15.87% of respondents found saying that they use net only an hour for a day.
Table
No. 11: The purpose of using internet
Purpose behind using
internet
|
Respondent
|
Percentage
|
To read online books,
journals, newspapers etc.
|
16
|
25.3%
|
To do research
|
8
|
12.6%
|
For discussion and forums
|
12
|
19%
|
For downloading files
|
19
|
30.1%
|
Others (specify)
|
8
|
12.6%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.11 shows the purpose of youths in using internet facilities where most of
them found to be downloading files, i.e. 30.1% again 25.3% are found to read
online books, journals, newspapers etc.
Reading
magazines/periodicals in online
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
Yes
|
27
|
42.86%
|
No
|
36
|
57.14%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.12 shows the reading habits of magazines/periodical in online. Majority of
respondent denied for usage of online platform for reading magazines/periodical
purpose. Where only 27 out of 63 agreed with the question.
Table
No.13: The ways in which leisure time is spent
The way leisure time is
spent
|
Respondent
|
Percentage
|
Reading Books
|
8
|
12.69%
|
Reading Newspaper
|
2
|
3.1%
|
Playing games
|
9
|
14.2%
|
Browsing internet
|
34
|
53.9%
|
Sleeping
|
5
|
7.9%
|
Watching television
|
5
|
7.9%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table no.13
shows the way the leisure time youth want to spend. It is observed that
majority of respondents, 34 out of 63 spend their time by browsing internet
whereas only few, i.e. 3.1% are interested in reading newspaper.
Type of information for
visiting library
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
Academic information
|
47
|
74.60%
|
Research information
|
11
|
17.46%
|
Recreational information
|
3
|
4.76%
|
Other(specification)
|
2
|
3.17%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.14 shows the type of information for which they are visiting library. 47 of
respondents agreed that they visit to get academic information whereas few
mentioned for other purpose.
Table
no.15: Most important source of information
Most important source of
information
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
Library
|
7
|
11.11%
|
Teachers
|
10
|
15.87%
|
Friends
|
6
|
9.52%
|
Internet
|
40
|
63.49%
|
Others(specifications)
|
-
|
-
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.15 shows the most important source of information for youngsters. They refer
internet as the major one, keeping friends and then library at the lowest, i.e.
9.52% and 11.11%.
Table
No. 16: Obstacles encountered during the usage of library
Obstacles encountered on
way
|
Respondent
|
Percentage
|
Lack of interesting
reading materials
|
31
|
49.2%
|
Unavailability of books
|
21
|
33.3%
|
Unpaid tuition
|
3
|
4.7%
|
Recreational activities
|
7
|
11.1%
|
Others(specify)
|
1
|
1.58%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.16 shows the obstacles encountered by respondents while using the library.
It is viewed that lack of interesting reading materials obstacles them to
approach library mostly, i.e. 49.2%.
Table
no.17: Suggestions for innovative library
Nature of innovation
|
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
Interesting materials
|
27
|
42.86%
|
Mobile library
|
7
|
11.11%
|
Online library
|
5
|
7.93%
|
Scientific Management of
library
|
24
|
38.09%
|
Total
|
63
|
100
|
Table
no.17 shows the answers of our open question that kind of innovation youngsters
want to see in the library they visit. Most of them find the arrangement of
books, misplacement, looks, space as unattractive so, they suggest it as the
major for the base of innovative library. Very few 11.11% agreed.
Discussion
The
study of library usage deals with the Kerala which has the high literacy rate
in India. It is observed that the library usage rate of students/youngsters is
declining rear by year. So, we are eager to know the most educated state real
situation of library usage rate among the students. We got the mixed
answer/preference among youth for library.
This
survey excites us more to explore in this area where we got both problem and
prospective solution which helps to minimize the problems. Firstly, we run a
survey to know the frequency of youths visiting library. A highly educated
state has got majority of youth going library. Very few agree that they visit
library every day. This is the real matter to be worried about.
Visiting
library makes a person to see the plain paper of books and stress on the issues
raised by it but here we find that most of youth goes to library only for
borrowing the books. As library consist volume of books stocked and it is
general perception that one can get the books they want in library to read. No
development of modern perception is seen in youth of this state. No one have
same preference in general. It is sure that while choosing career and books
also they have different taste. Majority
of youths looks for text books which show the horizon of knowledge they hold.
Few respondents had the desire to read fiction and non-fiction books.
In
this youngster time of human life different factors affects and compels them to
do the things differently. Like while choosing the books cover page of the
book, recommendation from known person, name of desired author and abstract of
the book has the power to influence youth in selecting and reading the books in
library. Author, recommendation and abstract are found to be the best indicator
of selection which shows the some knowledge about the nature of books and it is
truly positive sign. Learning happens only when a person spare and contribute
more of his time in reading because learning is all about good focus,
concentration in a subject and retention as well as reinforcement of knowledge.
But, we are sad to observe more than majority to spare their time only 1-3 hour
per day which is not satisfactory.
This
is fact that it is very rare to find the youth having no access to social
platform. So, it is sure that group belongs/associate also provides the inputs
in shaping the behavior they have. The answer of these respondents in most of
questions pointed towards the role of internet for visiting or not visiting
library. Youths are moving towards the online platform and showing less
preference in physical books. It may be the major source of information, device
to spend the leisure time or, length of time they preferred to send. All
figures shows changing direction of reading habit. The physical library is
converting as place where one can borrow and lend the academic books.
This
situation of state speaks that library administration or campus administration
take the matter seriously as most of respondents viewed on scientific
management of library, mobile, digital or online concept of library.
Suggested
innovative interventions
Going
library and surfing the internet are in direction of opposite pole among the
youth of Kerala. G library is decreasing. The users of online platform are
increasing annually whereas the tradition of visiting library is declining. The
thought of physical library is extent to only the place of borrowing and lending
the books. Youths
find no more interest in materials provided in library. Whereas, online
platform interests them to search new information and spend hours in that.
As
readers are the leaders the responsible authority should be aware about the declining
trend of the vising library. The materials of interest need to be revised
timely. The look of library should be manage properly and attractive. The
administration should ensure the installment of modern devices in their library
like vending machine, digital library card, etc.
Unless
and until the motivation is not provided to the youth the program to increase
their flow can’t be ensure. They need to be informed well that reading gives
them overall development as well increases social, economic and financial
benefits. The grading in the institute should be managed in such a way that the
youths love to read and perform more. Any awareness program organized in the
institute should ensure the continuous development of cognitive ability of the
participants.
Learning
activities are the lifelong process which goes parallel with the age of person.
Purpose of the reading among the youths for reading is not good. That false
impression must be effort to eliminate by the concerned authority. Growing
trends and changing mind must be considered while analyzing the deficiency of
library usage rate or improving the library facilities.
Conclusion:
Learning
happens only when a person is determined or passionate for the task s/he is
doing. Unless the ray of hope is fired in the heart of youth it is very
difficult to ensure the good and best learning habits. Library is the place
where participants assembles and explore the information they look for.
Universities, campus, teachers and parents should regulate and see the regular
academic performance (learning attitude) and driving factors which inspires as
well as obstacle the individual in learning process. Accordingly to the need of
time and demand of generation those places of reading books habit must be
increase and promoted.
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Note: This is a published research in the reputed journal, any unauthorized copy of it without the knowledge and agreement of both authors is not entertained and considered intellectual theft. The legal action may be taken to the person, firm, company or body whoever found doing so. The copyright is reserved with authors.
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