Information is an important national resource. It is a well-accepted
generalisation that a country which is rich in socio-economic sphere.
Users are the last link or recipient of information in the communication cycle.
It is therefore necessary to conduct from time to time users studies in order to
determine the use of need for and demand of information and also to be
acquainted with users' behavior. The fact meaningful library service was
realized in western countries half-a-centaury ago. In India, however it is
a new phenomenon. The present word which to the best of our knowledge, is the
first user study of its type conducted in Kerala is a collection of four studies
of users belonging to four different strata of user population in Kerala. The
population is chosen form distinct sector of user community, viz : secondary
school students, scientists, humanities scholars and development scientists. The
author has also discussed at relavent places the types, qualities, methods and
techniques of user study and ha made valuable ad workable recommendations for
developing healthy reading habit in users. The work, it is hoped will be useful
to those who are interested in the study of theoretical as well as practical
aspect of users' studies.
Dedication
Foreword
Preface
Chapter 1
Introduction
Chapter 2
Reading Interest of Secondary School Students
Chapter 3
Users' Approach to Information in Pure Sciences
Chapter 4
Information Needs and Use Pattern of Humanities Scholars
Chapter 5
Reading Interest and Use Habits of Development Scientists
Appendix I
Reading Interest of Secondary School Students: A Survey
Appendix II
A Survey of Users' Approach to Information in Pure Sciences
Appendix III
Information Needs and Use Pattern of Humanities Scholars
Appendix IV
Reading Interest and Use Habits of Development Scientists
Bibliography
Index
Dr. G. Devarajan did his B.Sc. (Botany), B. Lib. Sc., M. A. (Russian Language
& Literature) from the University of Kerala. He secured M. L.I.S. Degree from
the University of Madras securing First Rank with distinction. He secured his
Ph.D. Degree in Library and Information. Science from the University of Keala.
He is doing Post-Doctoral research in Library and Information Science in the
University of Kerala. He has completed two research projects financed by the
ICSSR and UGC. He worked in Kerala University Library and centre for Development
Studies Library in various professional capacities from 1973 onwards until he
joined as Lecturer in the department of Library and Information Science,
University of Kerala in 1983. He has about 23 years professional experience in
the teaching and Library field. Dr. Devarajan has already authored 15 books and
85 research papers in the field of Library and information science. Dr.
Devarajan is an active member of several professional bodies in India. He was
general secretary and President of the Kerala Library Association for several
terms. He is a life member of KLA, KUTA, ILA, IASLI ,IATLI and CITS Presently he
is the Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, University of
Kerala and the Secretary of the Centre for Information and Technology Studies (CITS).
