An investigation into the contribution of selected factors to the satisfaction of users with public and combination school/public libraries in Newfoundland

Jackman, Douglas (1981) An investigation into the contribution of selected factors to the satisfaction of users with public and combination school/public libraries in Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (5MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the contribution of selected factors to the satisfaction of users of public and combination school/public libraries in Newfoundland. The main purpose of the investigation was to determine if the satisfaction of adult users of public libraries differed significantly with the satisfaction of adult users of combination school/public libraries. -- The data for the study were obtained through a structured interview based on a questionnaire. Interviews were conducted in a community with a public library and a community with a combination school/public library. The questionnaire dealt with the following: (1) characteristics of the people interviewed; (2) users' satisfaction with selected aspects of their respective library; (3) respondents' views on combination school/public as a means of providing library services to rural Newfoundland; and (4) non-users' reasons for not using the library in their community. -- An analysis of the data showed that adult users' overall satisfaction with a combination school/public library was not significantly different from adult users' overall satisfaction with a public library. There was no significant difference between the two groups' satisfaction with library hours, and atmosphere and surroundings. However, the users of the public library indicated a greater degree of satisfaction with the library's collection than did the users of the combination school/public library. -- The respondents were asked to express their attitude toward the idea of having combination school/public libraries provide library services to rural Newfoundland. There was no statistically significant difference expressed toward this idea in the community with a public library and the community with the combination school/public library. -- The researcher tested to determine if the library's collection, type of library, atmosphere of the library, distance users lived from the library, library hours, and users' level of education, sex, and age were statistically significant factors in determining users' overall satisfaction with library services. It was found that all of these variables except library hours had significant influence on users' overall degree of satisfaction with library services. The two most powerful contributors to users' overall satisfaction were the library's collection and users' level of education. -- An important recommendation emanating from the study is: a study should be completed to determine the significant factors that influence users' satisfaction wtih both public and combination school/public libraries.

Actions (login required)

View Item