Abstract

Author(s): R. Lakshmi Sankari, K. Chinnasamy, P. Balasubramanian, R. Muthuraj

This paper aims to present the results of a survey conducted to determine the effective use of online public access catalogue (OPAC) at the library of Unnamalai Institute of Technology in Kovilpatti. The paper examines the result from a questionnaire-based survey conducted at the library. 150 samples of the questionnaire was distributed randomly between the staff and students of Unnamalai Institute of Technology in Kovilpatti,out of which 130 completed and valid questionnaires (86.67 %) were received for analysis. The data received from the respondents through these questionnaires was analyse. The paper discusses various aspects of OPAC such as frequency of use, purpose, ease of use, satisfaction level, etc. An attempt is also made to explore the reasons for the least used search options of OPAC. The results of the study reveal that a significant number of users search information regarding the library material through OPAC despite encountering problems. Lack of basic skills among users was found to be the major reason for not utilising full features of OPAC. It is suggested that library should organise quality instruction programmes to improve knowledge and skills of the users.