Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the service quality of special libraries using Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) method. This study also applied the working year factor to IPA model for establishing more improved library service strategies. A total 127 library users who work in governmental policy or research institutions in South Korea participated in this study. This study conducted regression analysis to compare with the results of IPA. The results of survey revealed that special library users had high expectation for library services, but they perceived the performance of the library service as insufficient. Special library users assessed that the information services of libraries were well provided but required additional efforts in services related with space and provided by librarian. Interestingly, when the library services were measured by working years, special library users who have worked for more than eight years were generally satisfied with library services with no "possible overkill" services, but users with less than three years working experience particularly expressed dissatisfaction with the service provided by librarians. The results of regression analysis supported the results of IPA. Finally, this study provides several important suggestions for better special library service.