Factors Affecting Utilization of Public Libraries for Adults' Lifelong Learning}n Garno Gofa Zone
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Date
2012-06
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Addis Ababauniversity
Abstract
public libraries and its challenges in selected woredas of Gamoa Gofa Zone. Based on
this related literatures were reviewed. The research design employed was descriptive
survey under quantitative and qualitative methods. The main data collection topi was one
set of questionnaire for adults who utilize public libraries. In addition, interv? ant:i----/
document analysis were used to support data obtained through the questionpaire. Data
were gathered from adults, librarians, woreda educational experts and admitlistrators. In
order to select sample areas and sample population purposive, availability and
accidental sampling techniques were employed. Non-parametric statistical tools mean
and qualitative approaches were used in order to analyze and interpret data. The study
revealed that the majority of users were male students whose information needs were
basically for academic pUipose. The available resources in the libraries were inadequate
and in most cases not suitable in a particular situation. Additionally, the main problems
related to the utilization of public libraries were: absence of trained librarians, poor
facil ities of libraries, shortage of recent materials, lack of Internet and reprographic
material access, lack of willingness of educational experts to support public libraries.
Furthermore, it was found out that there were problems related to scarcity of financial
support and lack of willingness of adults to read different books that credited to poor
utilization of public library services. As the result, the current state of the public libraries
in study area isfarfrom what they should be. Improvement is needed in utilization and in
increasing the funding, providing recent materials and raising the awareness of public
library services to the population. Hence, for the success of public library services, the
respective government bodies, community and other concerned stakeholders should
accomplish their responsibilities in organized manner to promote adults' lifelong
learning in public libraries
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Adults' Lifelong Learning}n Garno Gofa Zone