Journal of Library and Information Sciences

Evaluation and Use of Special Library Collection: The Perspectives of Two Libraries in Malaysia
Yahya Ibrahim Harande

Abstract
Libraries generally are regarded as organs through which information is dispersed, knowledge is fetched etc. They occupy an important position in educational institutions, government ministries and agencies, financial institutions, companies and other specialized organizations. One way of ascertaining the strength and weakness of any type of library is to evaluate its collection and usage. This study however evaluates the collection of two special libraries in Malaysia and explores on the perception of users as regard their usage of the libraries. The finding indicates that, both the two libraries keep current and relevant materials. Accessibility is highly pronounced in both the two libraries. But in terms of quality materials users generally complained of not having comprehensive quality materials. Also on the flexibility of the library staff, a large number of the users (74%) complained of not having smooth response and relationship expected from the library staff of one of the two libraries. Staff training is hereby recommended for the library staff so that good relation ship can be enjoyed among the two parties. More studies and investigations can be carried out to further find out the conditions of special libraries globally.

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