Awareness and use of Online Public Access Catalogue among the Social Science Researchers at Dr. V.K.R.V. Rao Library, ISEC Bangalore: A Study

Abstract

This paper examines the awareness level and the use of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) by the Social Science researchers at Dr. V.K.R.V Rao library, ISEC, Bangalore. The study assesses the usage pattern in terms of awareness, frequency and the purpose of use, search pattern, problems faced while using the OPAC. A survey method with a questionnaire as a tool was used for determining the usage patterns of OPAC among social science researchers. The authors distributed 140 questionnaires and received 117 (83.57%) questionnaires. The findings of the study show that 80.34% of the researchers are aware of OPAC provided by the library. Those who use OPAC occasionally, use title of the work and name of the author search options. Majority of the researchers are highly satisfied with OPAC in locating the library resources. The study also reveals that most of the researchers use OPAC for locating current journals and books for their research work. Hence, the study suggests in improving the OPAC functionality and organizing user orientation programmes so as to facilitate a proper utilization of the OPAC.