Amedical library in Hungary from the users' point of view: experiences with and consequences of a survey

Abstract

The medical library of the Zala County Hospital in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, has conducted a survey in order to find out the attitude of medical doctors and other hospital staff toward the special library of the hospital. 121 questionnaires were obtained and processed. The results of the survey suggest that almost everybody is in aware of the position and services of the library. The popular services, like circulation, interlibrary loan, document copy preparation and local reading are well known. The most frequently used documents are journals and monographs rather than electrontc services. The respondents are particularly satisfied with the friendly attitude and professional skills of the library staff. They, however, are not fully satisfied with the choice of the library collections, and they would prefer longer office hours in the evening. In the next future the conditions of the library in terms of rooms and equipment are expected to improve. According to the questionnaires, many respondents are willing to support financially the development of the hospital's library.