The Importance of Planning in Improving Services

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 40 views

Introduction

The Library of the Faculty of Economics, University of North Sumatra (USU) plays a vital role in the teaching and learning process for students. As a hub for academic activities, the library provides a conducive learning atmosphere where students and lecturers interact with each other. The library's primary goal is to facilitate student access to various sources of information needed for their studies. However, to achieve this goal, careful planning is essential in improving services to visitors.

The Importance of Planning in Improving Services

Planning is a crucial aspect of improving services to visitors in the Faculty of Economics Library. This is particularly important considering the development of information needs among students. The library needs to conduct an in-depth analysis of the needs of visitors, such as the types of books, articles, and journals that are most sought after. By understanding this need, the library can optimize its collection and provide appropriate and satisfying services.

Understanding Visitor Needs

To provide effective services, the library must understand the needs of its visitors. This involves conducting a thorough analysis of the types of resources that are most in demand. For instance, students may require access to textbooks, journals, and online resources. By identifying these needs, the library can develop a collection that meets the demands of its users.

Developing Infrastructure and Supporting Facilities

Planning also includes the development of infrastructure and supporting facilities. For example, providing comfortable reading rooms, fast internet access, and efficient book loan services. Visitors need to feel comfortable and well served so they want to come back. In addition to physical space, the library must also provide digital services that can be accessed at any time. Making a borrowing system and book returns online will make it easier for students to access reading material without having to come to the physical library.

Digital Services

The library must also provide digital services that can be accessed at any time. This includes online borrowing systems, digital collections, and e-books. By providing these services, students can access reading material from anywhere, at any time. This is particularly important for students who may have limited access to physical libraries or who prefer to study online.

Renewing and Expanding Collections

No less important, the library must continue to renew and expand its collection. Providing copies of print and digital from student thesis, as well as other reading sources that are relevant to the curriculum in the Faculty of Economics, is a strategic step to attract visitors. That way, students not only get the information needed, but also feel the real benefits of using the library.

Journal Reference Services

Journal reference services are also a main focus. The USU University library should take advantage of technological advances to provide access to various literature, both print and digital, as well as adequate internet services. In this way, students not only gain knowledge from useful sources, but can also conduct more in-depth research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, good planning in the Library Service of the Faculty of Economics, University of North Sumatra is very important. By understanding the needs of visitors, improving infrastructure, updating collections, and providing efficient services, the library can play a more active role in supporting student academic activities. This will not only increase the number of visits to the library, but also the quality of learning obtained by students.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis, the following recommendations are made:

Conduct a thorough analysis of visitor needs to identify the types of resources that are most in demand.
Develop infrastructure and supporting facilities, such as comfortable reading rooms and fast internet access.
Provide digital services that can be accessed at any time, including online borrowing systems and digital collections.
Renew and expand collections to include relevant reading sources, such as student thesis and e-books.
Take advantage of technological advances to provide access to various literature, both print and digital, as well as adequate internet services.

By implementing these recommendations, the Faculty of Economics Library, University of North Sumatra can improve its services to visitors and play a more active role in supporting student academic activities.

Q1: What is the importance of planning in improving services to visitors in the Faculty of Economics Library?

A1: Planning is crucial in improving services to visitors in the Faculty of Economics Library as it helps to understand the needs of visitors, develop infrastructure and supporting facilities, and provide efficient services. By planning effectively, the library can provide a conducive learning atmosphere for students and support their academic activities.

Q2: How can the library understand the needs of its visitors?

A2: The library can understand the needs of its visitors by conducting a thorough analysis of the types of resources that are most in demand. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, and other research methods. By understanding the needs of visitors, the library can develop a collection that meets the demands of its users.

Q3: What are some examples of infrastructure and supporting facilities that the library can develop?

A3: Some examples of infrastructure and supporting facilities that the library can develop include comfortable reading rooms, fast internet access, and efficient book loan services. The library can also provide digital services that can be accessed at any time, such as online borrowing systems and digital collections.

Q4: Why is it important for the library to provide digital services?

A4: Providing digital services is important for the library as it allows students to access reading material from anywhere, at any time. This is particularly important for students who may have limited access to physical libraries or who prefer to study online.

Q5: How can the library renew and expand its collection?

A5: The library can renew and expand its collection by providing copies of print and digital from student thesis, as well as other reading sources that are relevant to the curriculum in the Faculty of Economics. This will not only provide students with the information they need, but also give them a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning.

Q6: What is the role of journal reference services in the library?

A6: Journal reference services are an important part of the library's collection. The library should take advantage of technological advances to provide access to various literature, both print and digital, as well as adequate internet services. This will allow students to gain knowledge from useful sources and conduct more in-depth research.

Q7: How can the library improve its services to visitors?

A7: The library can improve its services to visitors by understanding their needs, developing infrastructure and supporting facilities, and providing efficient services. By doing so, the library can provide a conducive learning atmosphere for students and support their academic activities.

Q8: What are some benefits of good planning in the library?

A8: Some benefits of good planning in the library include increased visits to the library, improved student learning outcomes, and a more active role in supporting student academic activities. By planning effectively, the library can provide a positive impact on the academic success of its students.

Q9: How can the library measure the effectiveness of its planning?

A9: The library can measure the effectiveness of its planning by tracking student usage of the library, conducting surveys and focus groups, and analyzing student learning outcomes. By doing so, the library can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to enhance its services.

Q10: What is the future of the library in terms of planning and service improvement?

A10: The future of the library in terms of planning and service improvement is bright. With the increasing demand for digital services and the need for libraries to be more accessible and user-friendly, the library will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of its students. By planning effectively and providing efficient services, the library can remain a vital part of the academic community and support the success of its students.