Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to study the image towards the librarian of 2 groups of library users : under graduate Library Science students, and under graduate Library Science students, and undergraduate students in other fields of Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, and Chiengmai University. The hypothesis was formulated according to a theory that there were 4 models of the philosophy of librarianship : Custodian, Humanitarian, Mediator and Promoter. Therefore the image of the librarian among the population research should reflect the difference of these models of thought. The data collected for an analysis were documentary research, and a questionnaire attempted to investigate users attitude. 477 copies (93.53%) of 510 distributed questionnaires were answered and analyzed statistically by percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Kendalls coefficient of concordance, F-test, t-test and LSD (Least Significant Difference) The first part of the questionnaire about users personal status revealed that a student spent 4-6 hours per week in the university central library for reading and/or studying for assignments. Among Library Science students, this subject was chosen as major because of the availiability of the job, while students in other fields thought that this subject was suitable for bookish people. The second part was the ranking order to investigate needed characters of a librarian. The character of a person with love of book and reading was chosen at highest rate. For models of thought, the research resulted that the image of the librarian according to undergraduate Library Science students differed from other undergraduate students at .01 level. At it was conclusively proved that the role of the librarian was well recognized among students the researcher suggested that:- 1. Desirable models of philosophy of librarianship as mediator, promoter should be promoted among librarians in order to reach the goal of this profession. 2. In revising their curriculum, library school should increase modern courses to meet the progress of technology. Seminars and workshops should be held for sharing new experiences and ideas 3. The university should provide funds for Librarian continuing education: training abroad, attending conference. A sabbatical leave for research is also needed at present. 4. The Thai Library Association should devote much of the time and effort to promote the use of advanced technology in library in order to recruit students interest in the profession.