Users’ Perceptions of Makerere University Library Services

Abstract

 This paper presents findings of the 2012 mini survey of Makerere University Library (MakLib) services.  The aim of the study was to gain an insight into the attitudes of users towards the Library and to determine whether the users’ needs were being met. The study adopted a mixed methods research design. The qualitative research design provides opinions about users’ information needs, experiences, and their recommendations. The quantitative design consisted of both printed and online survey aimed at obtaining a measure of the overall levels of satisfaction and attitudes to particular aspects of service delivery. Key findings indicated that, the library users are satisfied with a wide range of information services available. However, computer hardware and software, technical support and training were all identified as significant technological needs. In addition, there is a wide gap in the staffing levels within the library, therefore, there is need to recruit more staff. Greater emphasis should be put on re-skilling librarians and User Education programmes to impart access and retrieval skills among users.