Usage and User Satisfaction of Chiang Mai University Digital Collections: A Case Study of Chiang Mai University Library Users

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the usage behaviors of the Chiang Mai University Digital Collections (CMUDC), and 2) assess user satisfaction with the system. The sample consisted of 400 users of the CMU Library, selected through convenience sampling, with the sample size determined using W.G. Cochran's formula. Data were collected using a questionnaire, which was validated by experts for content validity and demonstrated a reliability coefficient (Cronbach's Alpha) of 0.85. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

The findings revealed that the majority of users accessed the system irregularly, primarily on an ad-hoc basis driven by specific needs (51.50%). The main purpose of usage was for further education and research (30.82%). Personal computers or laptops were the most preferred devices for access (63.65%). Research papers were the most frequently utilized resources (26.19%), and users reported applying the gained knowledge at the highest level. Regarding satisfaction, users were highly satisfied with the system overall (  = 4.15, S.D. = 0.67). Specifically, the usefulness of the system received the highest satisfaction score (  = 4.28), followed by system design ( = 4.27), system usage (  = 4.07), and system efficiency (  = 4.00), respectively. The study recommends enhancing proactive public relations and providing user training to promote continuous and sustainable utilization of the digital collections.