Collection Availability and Visiting Interest at Magelang City Public Library: Holdings and User Perceptions

Abstract

Research Objective. This study examines the relationship between collection availability and visiting interest at Magelang City Public Library. It also asks whether a large collection is matched by users' experience of finding the materials and information they need. Research Method. A cross-sectional correlational survey involved 99 library users selected through purposive sampling. Questionnaire data were supported by non-participant observation and institutional records on collections and recorded visits. Analysis Data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. Additional checks examined whether the main relationship remained stable when regression assumptions, potentially overlapping questionnaire items, and influential cases were considered. Results. The library documented 48,329 titles and 70,662 copies. Collection quantity had the lowest mean among the three collection-availability groupings (M = 2.87), while the statement that needed information was always available received M = 2.77. Collection availability was strongly and positively related to the visiting-interest score (r = .777, p < .001; R² = .603). The relationship remained substantial after three outcome items that also referred directly to collections were removed (r = .762) and after five influential cases were excluded (r = .720). Conclusions. Users who rated collection availability more positively also tended to report stronger visiting interest. However, the cross-sectional design and purposive sampling do not establish causality. The findings support collection development that considers relevance, currency, number of copies, physical condition, ease of finding materials, and user needs alongside collection size. The study contributes by considering documented collection size and users' perceptions of collection availability as complementary evidence in interpreting the collection-visiting relationship.

Keywords: Collection Availability; Collection Development; Visiting Interest; Public Library; User-Centered Evaluation