User's Perceptions of Libraries Physical Infrastructure Facilities in United Arab Emirates and India: A Comparative Study
Authors
Librarian, Sri K Puttaswamy First Grade College, Mysore (India)
Assistant Librarian, Maharaja institute of Technology Mysore (India)
Assistant Librarian, Maharaja institute of Technology Mysore (India)
Article Information
DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800178
Subject Category: Library
Volume/Issue: 12/8 | Page No: 1983-1989
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2025-09-04
Accepted: 2025-09-10
Published: 2025-09-18
Abstract
This study presents a comparative analysis of the physical infrastructure of university libraries in India and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on user satisfaction in reference sections. Data were collected through structured questionnaires at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), India, and the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD). Findings reveal that users at UOWD report higher satisfaction levels compared to VTU. Key areas of satisfaction include seating (89.7%), study spaces (81.4%), welcoming environment (87.2%), seminar rooms, Wi-Fi (82.7%), power outlets (85.1%), and lighting (89.0%). Overall, users expressed positive views on the libraries' physical infrastructure.
Keywords
Physical Infrastructure, Library Facilities, Comparative Study, Universities, UAE, India
Downloads
References
1. Balarabe, A.A., Anunobi, C., Nkiko, C. and Idiodi, E.O., Eds. (2016). A compendium of Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU) and Nigerian university libraries. Zaria: Ahmadu Bello University Press. De Bruijn, E [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Chaudhry, M.R. (1994). User services at the KFUPM Library, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Library Review, 43(2): 7-23. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Downs, R (1965), Resources of North Carolina Libraries, 1965. Governor’s Commission on library resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.242 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Gaffar, S., & J, C. (2023). Reference Services For Faculty And Students Of Ue And India: A Comparative Study (thesis). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Iwhiwhu, B.E., and Okorodudu, P.O. (2012). Public library information resources, facilities and services: user satisfaction with Edo State central Library, Benin City, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), article no 747. [Online]. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/747/. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Lawson, K. (2004). Libraries in the USA as traditional and virtual third places. New Library World, 105(1198/1199):125–130. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Nitecki. D. A. (2011). Space assessment as a venue for defining the academic library. The Library Quarterly: Information, Community, Policy, 81(1): 27-59. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Ogbuiyi, S.U. and Okpe, I.J. (2013). Evaluation of library materials usage and services in private universities in Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (Kuwait Chapter), 2(8): 33–41. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Omeluzor, S.U., Nwosu, C.C and Molokwu, U.E. 2018. Effects of library infrastructure on turnover intentions of librarians: a study of university libraries in South-South and South-East of Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 1967. [Online]. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1967/. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Shill, H. B., & Tonner, S. (2004). Does the building still matter? Usage patterns in new, expanded, and renovated libraries, 1995 - 2002. College & Research Libraries 65(2), 123. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]