COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES OF SPECIAL LIBRARIES IN AIZAWL: A SURVEY Dr. Lalngaizuali Assistant Professor, DLIS, Mizoram University, Aizawl Ms. Lallawmawmi Research Scholar DLIS, Mizoram University, Aizawl

Libraries have to build their collections and services according to user’s interest and information needs. The paper investigates the collection development and services of special libraries in Aizawl.

Objectives of the study Ascertain the type of collections available in the special libraries under study. Find out the type of services provided by the special libraries. Assess the use of the special libraries under study. Suggest for improvement.

Scope and limitation of the study Sl.no Name of Library  1 Civil Hospital 2 Health and Family Welfare Department 3 District Institute of Education and Training 4 State Council of Educational Research and Training 5 Aizawl Theological College 6 Academy of Integrated Christian Studies 7 Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences 8 Administrative Training Institute 9 College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Central Agriculture University 10 Women Polytechnique 11 Doordarshan Kendra 12 Presbyterian Hospital 13 Mizoram College of Nursing 14 Mizoram Law College 15 Law and Judicial

Methodology of the study Data Sources The primary data is collected through a structured questionnaire, interview method and schedule method. Questionnaires are prepared for the study which is distributed to the library users to obtain data relevant to the study.

Analysis User respondent Gender analysis Age group of users Users qualification Frequency of visits made to the Library Purpose of visit Availability of materials Accessing of materials Assistance from the librarian Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction Areas for improvement suggested by the users

Findings The number of female users are higher compared to the male users. Majority of the feedback are received from the institutional library. The highest numbers of users are mostly between 20-30, followed by users between 30-40 years. This reveal that majority of the users are among the youngest group. The library collections are not to the satisfaction level of the users. The average visit made to the library is weekly with the purpose of assignment and to seek information. Majority of the users are fairly satisfied with the services rendered. Users prefer to seek information on their own. The library infrastructures like, study table, reading room and the library building as a whole are also not to the satisfaction level of the users.

Suggestions Human resources – trained, specialize staff with up to date knowledge and skills Book Selection –should be done judiciously so that the collection meets the demands of the users Skills and Competencies – ICT Skills Information Management – Ability to collect, access, store and retrieve information to users. Communication Skills – Effective and interactive communication skills In-service training – Seminars, conferences, workshop, special training programme should be conducted at regular intervals.

Special libraries aims to enable the users to make the most effective use of the resources and services of the libraries. In fact, the present study is important and will be beneficial as well for the parent organization to know the status regarding the collection and the services rendered by the libraries and at the same time will take a step to develop their collection and improve their services so that users can benefit and satisfy their information needs.

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