Psychological Effects of Library Environment on Library Users: A Selected Study of Karachi’s Higher Educational Institutions

Abstract

Library has always been an important part for any educational institution. Library environment tempts an individual towards it. Settled books in surrounding compel the visitors think how all that knowledge was originated, how the writers became able to produce all that, etc. These arising questions force him to think and keep thinking. When he starts reading, find answer of these questions because reading opens his mind and thoughts. An environment, where an individual lives, always influences his psychology. His thoughts, behavior and attitude reflect the complete picture of that environment. Healthy mind and positive thoughts take any nation on the path of development. Library environment gives healthy mind and positive thoughts to its users by providing them knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of library environment on users. A survey method was used to conduct the study and 53 respondents from five higher education institutions of Karachi responded to the questionnaire. Findings reveal that majority of the users’ visits library once a week and most of them read textbooks or course-related material. They consult 1-2 books in a week. Non-availability of requisite material is the major annoying factor which irritates the users who keep themselves away from library material and find alternate ways of reading and studying. Inadequate cooperation and unpleasant attitude of library staff is another reason of frustration. Besides all that, the library’s peaceful and amiable atmosphere helps them to spend their time there as they feel comfortable to read in such an environment.