Factors Influencing Undergraduates’ Satisfaction with the Library: with Special Reference to the Science Library, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

University libraries play a vital role in the information society through the provision of quality information effectively and efficiently to the academic community. The proliferation of Information Technology opens avenues for easy accessibility of information and eliminates the need of physical library visits to satisfy information needs. It is crucial that university libraries adopt innovative strategies to satisfy tech-savvy users in this digital era. Therefore, the library management should identify the significant factors influencing students’ satisfaction towards the library. In this study, undergraduates’ satisfaction was assessed by a conceptual model with the dimensions of Library services, resources and staff. The simultaneous effects of these variables on satisfaction were also determined. Data were gathered through a survey performed among 442 Science undergraduates of University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka and the model was tested using multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that Library services, Library resources and Library staff were strong determinants of undergraduate satisfaction. Library facilities accounted for 41.1% of the variance of students’ satisfaction. It is recommended that the library management should improve Library facilities such as services, resources and staff to enhance the level of undergraduates’ satisfaction with the Library.