Use and Service Experience of Library Resources in Government Medical College Libraries of Bhopal Division A Secondary Comparative Analysis of Gandhi Medical College Bhopal and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College Vidisha

Abstract

Background: Medical college libraries support competency-based education, evidence-informed learning and research, yet evidence from newly expanding public medical-education systems in central India remains limited. Objective: To assess library use, awareness, satisfaction, preferred resource format, reported barriers and selected institutional capabilities in the government medical college libraries surveyed within Bhopal Division, Madhya Pradesh. Methods: This paper is a secondary analysis of aggregate tables from a doctoral survey. Internally consistent user tables for Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College, Vidisha were combined, yielding 82 respondents. Descriptive statistics were calculated. College-level differences in dichotomized outcomes were explored using two-sided Fisher’s exact tests because several expected cell counts were small. Institutional indicators were synthesized from the library-staff schedules. Results: Frequent library use was reported by 59 respondents (72.0%), general awareness by 73 (89.0%), satisfaction with facilities by 70 (85.4%) and overall satisfaction by 69 (84.1%). Study was the main purpose for 65 respondents (79.3%). A hybrid print-electronic collection was preferred by 51 (62.2%). Internet facilities were recognized or used by 68 (82.9%), but ICT-trained staff support by only 18 (22.0%). Inadequate internet (37.8%) and seating (28.0%) were the leading barriers. No significant between-college difference was detected for frequent use, awareness, satisfaction, full awareness, hybrid preference or study purpose (all p>0.05). Institutional data showed LAN and e-library availability at both colleges, alongside unequal automation and e-journal provision. Conclusion: The surveyed libraries were well used and positively evaluated, but their impact potential was constrained by uneven digital infrastructure, limited specialist support and persistent access barriers. A coordinated hybrid-library strategy, reliable connectivity, trained staff and repeated information-literacy programs are recommended.