Comparative Measurement of Book Availability in Academic Libraries |
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| Authors: | Kingo Mchombu |
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| Institution: | Department of Library and Information Studies, University of Botswana, Botswana. |
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| Abstract: | AbstractPaul Kantor’s methodology for availability analysis was applied to measure the degree of success or failure of the users of the General Collection of Punjab University Main Library in getting their needed documents. The availability success rate in this library was found to be 41·3%. Measurement of different performance factors indicated that segmentation of the library collection, absence of appropriate records for tracking down searches, inadequate user skills and insufficient and incompatible acquisitions were among the most significant factors impeding the availability of wanted items. These results were then compared with similar studies conducted in the academic libraries of the United States based on the same measurement methodology. Significant differences were noted in the overall measure of availability as well as for the factors related to library, users and acquisition. Implications of the study were reviewed to propose corrective measures. |
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