National Mission on LibrariesMinistry of Culture, Government of India

Qualitative and Quantitative Survey of Libraries

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National Mission on Libraries will conduct a national census of libraries by undertaking a nationwide survey. Collection of census data on libraries would provide baseline data for planning. NML has decided to conduct a representative survey (quantitative and qualitative) to understand the perception of the people regarding the services rendered by the libraries and what needs to be done to make public libraries vibrant institutions. A total of 5000 libraries will be surveyed to obtain descriptive statistics. These statistics will facilitate study of the pattern of library usage in terms of average number of readers, number of books issued, other services available, etc. The qualitative survey will study the level of satisfaction of library ‘users’ and ‘non-users’ about the role played by the libraries in terms of their traditional role as readership promoters as well as their new role as service and information providers and the impact of public libraries on the quality of life and economic gains of local people. A suitable questionnaire is being framed to generate data which can also  be used to develop quality and performance indicators for the library system.