ASSESSMENT OF THE CONCEPT OF THE USER IN REGULATORY ACTS GOVERNING LIBRARIES OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN AZERBAIJAN

Abstract

One of the main structural elements of the library system is its users. The library collection and the services provided are based on providing users with prompt services. Therefore, it is important to design services based on user characteristics. It should be noted that terms such as ‘reader,’ ‘customer,’ ‘member,’ ‘subscriber,’ and “client” are widely used to describe the concept of ‘user.’ Currently, the functions of the traditional concept of ‘reader’ have changed significantly. Along with those who use the library, potential users are also considered users. The language used in connection with any process, the form of expression presented, and the expressions used shape perceptions and views. From this point of view, the form of naming library users is of great importance in terms of defining users' points of view. The aim of this study is to examine the concept of ‘user’ and other related concepts and approaches to them in the main legislative documents of university libraries in Azerbaijan, as well as in library statutes and instructions. Document and data analysis using a descriptive method was widely used to collect data for the study. User definitions have emerged, and overall, comprehensive attention has been paid to the concepts of ‘user,’ ‘participant,’ ‘reader,’ ‘university,’ and ‘student.’ It was established that in the context of the modern approach, the concept of ‘reader’ is mainly defined as ‘user,’ and various expressions related to this term were also found. In general, definitions related to the user vary in form and expression. It is important for academic libraries to get to know their readers better and, accordingly, to serve them based on modern standards, especially by developing this topic from the users' point of view. It is believed that the results obtained can provide valuable information about the concept and perspectives of users in higher education libraries in Azerbaijan.