Survey of branch libraries

Abstract

The results of the survey that appear in this project report were taken from a selection of thirteen branch libraries on a cross-sectional criteria of the island. This was done purposely to examine and evaluate as genuinely as possible the situation that prevails in these libraries at different areas of the island. These libraries were surveyed in the four main features that affect mainly their failure or success namely staffing; building and equipment; stock and their use by the public and school students. The survey was conducted by means of a relevant questionnaire and visits which I have made personally. During the visits I saw physically what was declared in the questionnaire and spoken to sub-librarians to get a more clear idea of what they meant by their answers in the questionnaire. Although it was not the intention of this project to deal with history of branch libraries, I found it logical to let the readers of this work know at least a brief background of the development of branch libraries of today, so that they would know more about them and involve themselves even better into the context. Attention was given so as not to suggest any kind of recommendations which would be impossible to actuate.