Use of Internet in Malaysian Academic Libraries

Abstract

The widespread use of Internet in the world is creating an impact on library services as well. Malaysian academic libraries are no exception. Little information is available on the use of Internet and its implications in Malaysian academic libraries. This exploratory survey focused on the use of Internet in Malaysian academic libraries. The purpose is to find out (a) the areas where the Internet is more extensively used, (b) the existing awareness among librarians on the Internet, (c) the education programmes that have been provided to librarians concerning the Internet, (d) the types of facilities that have been provided by the libraries for enhancing the use of Internet and (e) the success rate of using the Internet in Malaysian academic libraries (the latter including a survey on the academic users). Nine academic libraries were chosen and questionnaire technique was used. The data collected were analysed and described accordingly using Quattro-Pro and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). It was found that all surveyed libraries used Internet and it has become an integral part of most library functions. Among the major obstacles for a wider use of Internet were; lack of trained staff and lack of awareness among users. Of the academic users of Internet, majority is from the science field followed by the arts and humanities field. The use of Internet is spreading rapidly and there is a need for more trained staff to meet user needs. There is tremendous potential for Muslim librarians too. Suggestions were made according to the findings and areas where future studies needed are also pointed out.