Analysis of Utilization of Book Collections

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 104 views

Introduction

The University of North Sumatra (USU) library is a vital resource for students and faculty members in the field of dentistry. The library's collection of books is a crucial component of the academic experience, providing students with access to a wide range of materials that support their studies. However, the level of utilization of these book collections has been a concern for the library, with uneven usage rates across different classes and years. This research aims to evaluate the utilization of book collections in dentistry in USU library, identify the issues that contribute to this imbalance, and provide recommendations for improvement.

Methodology

This research employed a descriptive research method, using probability sampling techniques to select a sample of book titles from the library's collection. The population studied consisted of 1,035 book titles with a total of 3,021 copies. The sample determination was carried out randomly through the online system of Public Access Catalog (OPAC) of the USU library. The study period spanned from 2009 to August 2016, during which data was collected on the level of utilization of book collections in dentistry.

Results

The evaluation results showed that the level of utilization of the entire collection of books in the field of dentistry over the past eight years was only 38.93%. This indicates that a significant portion of the book collections in dentistry are not being utilized optimally. The collection of books in class 617,6307 was recorded as the highest utilization every year, but this number still shows that there is room for improvement in terms of book collection services.

Analysis of Utilization of Book Collections

The uneven utilization rates of book collections in dentistry can be attributed to several factors, including:

Lack of Promotions: The library may not be effectively promoting the available collections, leading to a lack of awareness among students and faculty members.
Lack of Student or User Knowledge: Students and faculty members may not be aware of the importance of references from these books, leading to a lack of utilization.
Utilization Imbalances: The utilization imbalances in various classes indicate the need for strategies to improve library services.

Recommendations for Improvement

To address the issues identified in this research, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Collection Socialization

Hold an Event: Organize an event that introduces a collection of new books and less well-known books, so that students and lecturers are aware of the existence and importance of these books in supporting their studies.
Promote the Collection: Promote the collection through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, and in-library promotions.

2. OPAC Use Training

Provide Routine Training: Provide routine training on the use of OPAC for new students and library visitors, so they can find and use existing collections more efficiently.
Make OPAC Accessible: Make OPAC accessible and user-friendly, with clear instructions and tutorials available for users.

3. Development of Collection

Conduct Surveys and Analysis: Conduct surveys and analysis of user needs to ensure that there is a collection of books that exist are relevant and up-to-date, as well as meeting the needs of students in the field of dentistry.
Update the Collection: Update the collection regularly to reflect the changing needs of students and faculty members.

Conclusion

The evaluation of the utilization of book collections in dentistry in USU library has identified several issues that contribute to the uneven usage rates across different classes and years. By implementing the recommendations proposed in this research, the library can improve the quality of services and utilization of book collections in dentistry, contributing more to student academic achievements.

Q: What was the purpose of the research?

A: The purpose of the research was to evaluate the utilization of book collections in dentistry in USU library, identify the issues that contribute to the uneven usage rates, and provide recommendations for improvement.

Q: What was the methodology used in the research?

A: The research employed a descriptive research method, using probability sampling techniques to select a sample of book titles from the library's collection. The population studied consisted of 1,035 book titles with a total of 3,021 copies.

Q: What were the results of the research?

A: The evaluation results showed that the level of utilization of the entire collection of books in the field of dentistry over the past eight years was only 38.93%. This indicates that a significant portion of the book collections in dentistry are not being utilized optimally.

Q: What are the reasons for the uneven utilization rates of book collections in dentistry?

A: The uneven utilization rates of book collections in dentistry can be attributed to several factors, including:

Lack of Promotions: The library may not be effectively promoting the available collections, leading to a lack of awareness among students and faculty members.
Lack of Student or User Knowledge: Students and faculty members may not be aware of the importance of references from these books, leading to a lack of utilization.
Utilization Imbalances: The utilization imbalances in various classes indicate the need for strategies to improve library services.

Q: What are the recommendations for improvement?

A: The following recommendations are proposed to address the issues identified in the research:

1. Collection Socialization

Hold an Event: Organize an event that introduces a collection of new books and less well-known books, so that students and lecturers are aware of the existence and importance of these books in supporting their studies.
Promote the Collection: Promote the collection through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, and in-library promotions.

2. OPAC Use Training

Provide Routine Training: Provide routine training on the use of OPAC for new students and library visitors, so they can find and use existing collections more efficiently.
Make OPAC Accessible: Make OPAC accessible and user-friendly, with clear instructions and tutorials available for users.

3. Development of Collection

Conduct Surveys and Analysis: Conduct surveys and analysis of user needs to ensure that there is a collection of books that exist are relevant and up-to-date, as well as meeting the needs of students in the field of dentistry.
Update the Collection: Update the collection regularly to reflect the changing needs of students and faculty members.

Q: How can the library improve the utilization of book collections in dentistry?

A: The library can improve the utilization of book collections in dentistry by implementing the recommendations proposed in this research, including:

Promoting the collection: Promote the collection through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, and in-library promotions.
Providing OPAC use training: Provide routine training on the use of OPAC for new students and library visitors, so they can find and use existing collections more efficiently.
Updating the collection: Update the collection regularly to reflect the changing needs of students and faculty members.

Q: What are the benefits of improving the utilization of book collections in dentistry?

A: The benefits of improving the utilization of book collections in dentistry include:

Improved student academic achievements: By providing students with access to relevant and up-to-date materials, the library can contribute to improved student academic achievements.
Increased student satisfaction: By providing students with a more comprehensive and accessible collection of materials, the library can increase student satisfaction.
Enhanced library services: By implementing the recommendations proposed in this research, the library can enhance its services and provide a more supportive learning environment for students.