Relationship between information access and public visiting the Indonesian National Library

Libraries provide reliable sources of information. Libraries have an important role in lifelong learning. The existence of a library provides easy access to information sources and provides many benefits. There are many roles that libraries can play, starting from being a place to study and conduct research to functioning as a center for cultural and community activities. By doing so, the library has successfully created a competitive environment. In the digital era, the existence of libraries in a country is crucial, helping people to get accurate and reliable information. Libraries provide extensive access to various sources of information, including books, journals, magazines, and electronic databases. With innovative databases and systems, it has attracted library visitors (Baba et al., 2023). For people who have an interest in continuing to learn and develop knowledge and skills, libraries are places rich in learning resources. The many forms of collections allow visitors to access information appropriately and quickly. The library has become a place of information and knowledge. With advancements in information technology that continue to grow rapidly, libraries in the digital era continue to evolve and adjust to meet the demands of modern society. Users are turning to options that are completely online, such as e-learning platforms and other online information sources (Twum et al., 2020). In the current digital era, libraries not only function as traditional information providers but also offer a variety of additional facilities and services that use electronic technology as a means to captivate public interest. Libraries play a major role as recognized institutions in preserving the nation’s intellectual heritage. All of this makes libraries a destination that will attract people seeking a diverse range of resources and knowledge-based experiences. As we know, libraries aim to provide services to the community through the fulfillment of a number of needs. So, a library organization can meet many types of needs. As stated in Law No. 43 of 2007 Article (1) Paragraph 1 concerning Libraries, which states that what is meant by a library is an institution that manages collections of written works, printed works, and/or recorded works professionally with a standardized system to meet the educational, research, preservation, information, and recreational needs of the users (Republik Indonesia, 2007). Moreover, with easy access, comfortable facilities, and quality services, libraries can become centers of knowledge that appeal to various groups (Omar et al., 2021). The National Library of Indonesia is a library specifically established by the government to carry out its duties as a center for information providers and functions to store, manage, and serve the community in the field of providing community learning resources (Fauzi, 2022). The National Library of Indonesia is a non-ministerial government institution that is under and directly responsible to the President. In the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 43 of 2007, it is explained that The National Library is a non-departmental government institution (LPND) that carries out government duties in the field of libraries that function as supervisory libraries, reference libraries, deposit libraries, research libraries, preservation libraries, and library networking centers, and its location is in the national capital ( Republik Indonesia, 2007). The National Library of Indonesia has many services, facilities, and diverse collections to support it as an information center on a national scale. User satisfaction is one of the service objectives (Malik et al., 2023). In its effort to achieve the goal of facility services, the library faces demands to meet the users' needs. The library not only provides various sources of information, but it also needs to pay special attention to physical facilities, service quality, and technology that can help the service process. A strategic environment also helps create user satisfaction to return to the library at any time (Abukari, 2019). Well-equipped and modern physical facilities and rich resources play an important role in creating a satisfying experience. Library resources are essential in achieving the goals of the library itself (Yeboah et al., 2018). Different types of needs become the reasons and purposes that encourage a person to visit and utilize library services. The more services provided and the better the services provided to meet the needs of users, the greater the satisfaction, which will increase library visits. This satisfaction is related to the interest of visiting library users, who feel happy when their needs and desires are met (Maharani, 2022). Interest can be explained based on a relationship with liking and interest without any external encouragement. Satisfaction arises as a result of satisfying user needs triggered by service improvements oriented towards increasing the frequency of visits. Therefore, user satisfaction is crucial and sustainable in terms of visiting interest (Hindagolla, 2021). Sardiman (2020) clarifies the meaning of a person's interest in relation to appropriate needs and desires. Partap (2019) mentions that attractive and quality service will create a sense of interest in the library. Moreover, people who feel satisfied have great potential to return to visit the library. Hence, a successful library is a library that can be useful, as reflected by the high enthusiasm of the people who visit it. So, libraries need to maintain the quality of services provided in an ever-changing information environment (Alam, 2021). Therefore, it is crucial to build and maintain service quality so that the users' needs are met, and users can utilize the library properly. In addition, several elements influence public interest in visiting the library. It also includes interactions between librarians and visitors (Lois, 2020). These elements include facilities, collections, and librarian services themselves (Afthanorhan et al., 2019). These elements play the most important role in increasing public interest in visiting the library. By providing good, relevant and responsive services, the library can attract more attention from the community. One of the reasons why people have an interest in visiting the library is because of easy access and reliable sources of information. This statement aligns with Mawardi (2022), who mentions that libraries are designed to provide quick and precise access to a diversity of collections so that users are aesthetically attracted. This statement proves that there is a link in the interactions that occur involving people, places, and information. Additionally, there are various purposes for visiting, such as for personal enjoyment and satisfaction, to obtain something like specific information or objects, and to complete tasks by utilizing the facilities and collections provided. So, the library has succeeded in providing service to meet visitor satisfaction (Soltani-Nejad et al., 2021). In an era characterized by an explosion of information and advances in digital technology, many people face difficulties in filtering information. With the existence of high-quality libraries and services, people can access verified and verified sources of information, thereby improving the quality of information they obtain. Quality has a direct impact on patron satisfaction and library productivity (Mugo etal., 2021). As quality will create satisfaction Kachwala et al. (2021), this certainly plays an important role in supporting the concept of lifelong learning and the personal development of the community itself. Visiting interest refers to a person's interest, desire or tendency to visit and even utilize a particular place or facility. Tara et al. (2019) argues that visiting interest is always identified with the image of a library. In the context of the library, visiting interest reflects the extent to which people or visitors are interested in coming to use and utilize the services, collections, facilities and others provided by the library. Visiting interest is an important indicator to assess whether an institution can meet the expectations and needs of its users. High interest in visiting the library can also be an assessment of a person's interest in reading. In other words, a person's interest in reading can be seen from how often people access information centers such as the National Library of Indonesia. A library is defined as a place specifically designed to store, organize and provide access to information with the aim of serving the community in the field of providing learning resources in various types of reading materials. Increasing public interest in visiting the library is a strategic effort, not only to create a conducive learning environment but also to support the development of literacy in the community. The library is not just a place for reading and learning; they are also centers that accommodate various information needs of the community. Based on this, researchers are interested in conducting research at the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia and pouring it into the title "The Relationship between Access to Information and Public Interest in Visiting the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia". The indicators involved by the researcher consist of information, user, and place factors. Cisek et al. (2018) agree with Karen E. Fisher that information, place, and people can be attributes of the phenomenon in the reciprocal relationship of information delivery. These indicators are also used to explain how information access relates to the public's interest in visiting the National Library. In the research process, researchers used previous studies as references in compiling this scientific article. First, a study conducted by Fitriyani et al. (2018) aims to know the effect of library facilities, service quality, and librarian performance on community visiting interest both simultaneously and partially. The results are calculated using the multiple linear regression equation with SPSS. So simultaneously and partially, there is a positive and significant influence between library facilities, service quality, and librarian performance on community interest in visiting the Pemalang Regency Regional Library. Second, the study conducted by Jayanti, et al. (2020) is an associative or relationship (influence) study using a quantitative approach, which aims to determine the effectiveness of promotions on library visitor growth. The results show that the more frequently promotions are carried out, the more visitors will come to the library. Third, the study conducted by Palilingan et al. (2023) aims to determine whether there is an effect of collection availability on library visiting interest in the archives and library office of Kotamobagu City. The type of research used in this study is quantitative research method with data collection techniques using a questionnaire. The results show that the availability of the collection has a significant effect on visiting interest, where correlation analysis obtained results with a moderate level between the availability of the collection and visiting interest. The above studies have some similarities with this research, both in terms of methods and other aspects. However, this research brings an element of novelty, where the focus will be on the indicators supporting the interests of the community itself. The element of novelty provides a foundation for scientific progress and can be a driver of positive change in aspects of research and community life. Contributions to research, relevance to information seeking, innovation, and sustainability of research are elements of novelty that researchers aspire to. The novelty element in this research was based on the research location, which was at the National Library of Indonesia. The National Library of the Republic of Indonesia is one of the libraries that provides various types of library material with various types of information and services that all library visitors can use. Information in the form of a collection of library materials contained in the national library in 2022 reached 7,774,375 copies with details of collections that all visitors can access, as many as 4,883,516 copies, and the remaining 2,890,859 copies are deposit collections. The public interest in visiting the library is high, with a capacity of 2,000 visitors per day. This is evident from the bustling activity within the 24-story building. Based on the background explanation above, this study aimed to determine whether information factors, people factors including gender and occupation, and place factors had a significant association relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia. These factors were depicted in the Information Ground model. The results of this study would assist future researchers in addressing issues related to visiting interests. A deeper understanding of information access and visiting interest was expected to contribute to library development. Information is needed by everyone to meet needs and answer questions. Additionally, the findings of this study can be utilized as a reference for information behavior models.

In this study, researchers used a survey method with a quantitative approach and the research instrument used was a questionnaire. The instruments in research are the breath of the research itself (Makbul, 2021). This study was based on the post-positivism paradigm, where this approach emphasized data collection, either in certain populations or samples, using research instruments in the form of questionnaires and analyzing data quantitatively. This approach provided a solid methodological foundation for testing hypotheses and analyzing data in the context of this study. It aims to test the hypothesis previously set by the researcher (Prijana et al., 2020). Sugiyono (2018) explains that quantitative methods are defined as research methods based on the positivism philosophy, which is used to research certain populations or samples. The research location was at the National Library of Indonesia at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 11. The subjects in this study were people who visited the National Library of Indonesia. The implementation of this study was carried out from August to September 2023. By focusing on this period, researchers can explore understanding research purposes in-depth and the needs of respondents in the form of information or services. The population in this study were visitors to the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, who had a sample size (n) of 510. In this study, the data collection method was carried out through the distribution of questionnaires. The questionnaire, which was previously designed by the researcher, was then distributed to the visitors of the National Library of Indonesia. The questionnaire contained 17 nominal data questions divided into two sections: (1) questions regarding the respondent's data, consisting of gender, age, education, and occupation, and (2) 13 types of contingency questions regarding information access (X) and visit interest (Y). The questionnaire served as the primary instrument in data collection, containing a series of questions or statements that had to be answered or responded to by the respondents. The structure of the questionnaire is structured based on indicators of the research variables, ensuring that the data collected is in accordance with the research objectives. The nominal data collected in the study was built in the form of a contingency question. After the data was obtained and analyzed, the researcher conducted hypothesis testing and data interpretation. Research data on the questionnaire is categorized as categorical nominal data and respondent data using discrete nominal and vice versa (Prijana et al., 2023). The data statistical analysis method was selected and adjusted to the research objectives. The statistical analysis method in this study employed the chi-square procedure and formula. Chi-square is one type of non-parametric comparative test performed on two variables, where the scale of the two variables is nominal. If, of the two variables, there is one variable with a nominal scale, the chi-square test is carried out with the reference that the test with the lowest degree must be used. This chi-square test is the most widely used non-parametric test by researchers. This chi-square test is carried out to test the hypothesis (Permatasari et al., 2023). It is because the sharpness of chi-square analysis can help researchers to make decisions. In this study, to facilitate data testing, researchers used the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) program. Before data testing was conducted, the researcher made a coding sheet. The coding sheet contained numbers, starting with the respondent number, respondent data, and research data. Making a coding sheet in this study was useful to facilitate the data input process into the SPSS program, facilitate decision-making, and others. Furthermore, the data that was converted into the form of computer code (coding) was then analyzed using SPSS version 27 for Windows. The use of digital version analysis is one with the aim of observing the results more precisely and accurately. Then, hypothesis testing was performed with a confidence degree of 99% or α = 0.01 and 95% or α = 0.05 and df (degrees of freedom) determined based on the number of columns and the number of rows of the configuration table with the formula df = (row - 1) x (column - 1). The researcher then interpreted the data using Sturges to determine the optimal number of classes or intervals in a data distribution. Sari et al. (2018) state that the Sturges method is a rule for determining the width of data intervals in a bar graph. The Sturges method is the most well-known rule for determining the number of class intervals. Thus, data presentation in the form of a grouped frequency distribution table is used to accommodate data with equal class intervals. The Sturges method is employed because it has the advantage of providing more accurate data information, ensuring precision, and facilitating data analysis (Prijana et al., 2020).

Public interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia has a relational pattern with information behavior to meet information access needs. The following is an analysis of data based on survey results, with a sample size (n) of 510 obtained in this study. The researcher developed four hypotheses. First, the researcher examines the relationship between the information factor in the information ground model and the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. H0: The information factor on the information ground has a non-significant association relationship with interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia H1: the information factor on the information ground has a significant association relationship with interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia Figure 1. The relationship between information factors on the information ground has a significant association with interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia Source: Result research, 2023 Figure 1 shows the relationship between information factors in the information ground model and the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. With a sample size (n) of 510, it is found that the Chi-Square count is 8,083. If at α 0.5, or with a degree of confidence of 50% and df (degrees of freedom) is 8, found that the Chi-Squareable is 7.344. If the Chi-Square count is greater than the Chi-Squareable, then it is declared significant, meaning the hypothesis is accepted (H1). Thus, it can be said that information factors have a significant relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. The information factors possessed by the National Library are identified based on five categories, namely information in the form of Collection A, Collection B, Collection C, Collection D, and Collection E. Data analysis showed that 22.74% accessed Collection A, 23.92% accessed Collection B, 20.58% accessed Collection C, 17.45% accessed Collection D, and 15.29% accessed Collection E. Suppose this information in the form of collections was divided into two groups. In that case, the data showed that the collection with category B, which was a collection of books, was the most frequently accessed by National Library users, reaching 23.92%. Conversely, the collection with category E, which included audio recordings and films, was less frequently accessed by users, with only about 15.29% of users accessing it. This indicated that the collection with category B played a central role in attracting visitors to the National Library, whereas the collection with category E tended to have lower engagement levels. When looking at the interest in visiting based on the purpose of visiting the library, the purposes for visiting the National Library were identified based on three categories: academic tasks, professional tasks, and other tasks. The data analysis was as follows: 55.09% visit the national library for academic purposes, showing the significant role of the library as an information source for educational needs. Besides, 2.94% visited the National Library for professional tasks, indicating the library's role in supporting the information needs of professionals. Additionally, around 41.96% visited the National Library for other purposes, reflecting the library's diverse functions in meeting various community needs beyond academic and professional contexts. This data analysis showed that the majority of visitors came to the National Library with academic tasks as their motivation. Second, the researchers established the relationship between the gender factor in the information ground model and the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. H0: The gender factor in the information ground has a non-significant associative relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. H1: The gender factor in the information ground has a significant associative relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. Figure 2. The relationship between the gender factor in the information ground model and the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia Source: Result research, 2023 Figure 2 shows the relationship between the gender factor in the information ground model and the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. With a sample size (n) = 510, the Chi-Square count is 37.089. With a confidence degree of 99% or at α = 0.01 and df (degrees of freedom) = 2. The Chi-Squaretable is 9.210. If the Chi-Square count is greater than the Chi-Squareable, then it is declared significant, meaning the hypothesis is accepted (H1). Thus, it can be said that the gender factor has a significant relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. The gender factor among National Library visitors shows a significant difference in the interest in visiting the library. Data shows that about 22.35% of visitors are male, while approximately 77.64% are female, indicating that visitors are predominantly female. Further analysis shows that 44.31% of library users are women who use the facilities for academic purposes. This indirectly indicates that the library plays a significant role in supporting the academic activities of all users, particularly women. When looking at the interest in visiting based on the purpose of visiting the library, the purpose of visiting the national library is related to the gender of the visitors. This is identified based on three main categories: academic tasks, professional tasks, and other tasks. The data analysis is as follows: 55.09% visit the National Library for academic purposes, showing the significant role of the library as an information source for educational needs. Meanwhile, 2.94% visit the National Library for professional tasks, indicating the library's role in supporting the information needs of professionals. Additionally, around 41.96% visit the National Library for other purposes, reflecting the library's diverse functions in meeting various community needs beyond academic and professional contexts. This data analysis shows that the majority of visitors come to the National Library with academic tasks as their motivation. Third, the researchers established the relationship between the occupation factor of visitors in the information ground model and the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. H0: The occupation factor in the information ground has a non-significant associative relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. H1: The occupation factor in the information ground has a significant associative relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. Figure 3. The relationship between employment factors in the information ground model and interest in visiting the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia Source: Result research, 2023 Figure 3 shows the relationship between occupational factors in the information ground model and interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. With a sample size (n) = 510, the Chi-Square count is 174.015. If α = 0.01 or with 99% confidence and df (degrees of freedom) = 10. The Chi-Squaretable is 23.209. If the Chi-Square count is greater than the Chi-Squareable, then it is declared significant, meaning the hypothesis is accepted (H1). Thus, it can be said that the visitor's job factor has a significant relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. The occupation factor of National Library visitors can be grouped into three main categories. Around 58.82% of the people who visit the library are students; approximately 24.31% come from other occupational backgrounds, while around 9.01% are private employees. This data also shows that 37.25% of the total library visits are dominated by students who visit the National Library for academic purposes. So, it can be concluded that the public's interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia tends to be more dominant in the context of academic tasks. This factor can provide important insights into improving library services to better align with the needs and interests of users, especially students who seem to play a significant role in library visit activities. When viewing the interest in visitingbased on the purpose of visiting the library, the purpose of visiting the National Library is related to the gender of the visitors. This is identified based on three main categories: academic tasks, professional tasks, and other tasks. The data analysis is as follows: 55.09% visit the national library for academic purposes, showing the significant role of the library as an information source for educational needs. Besides, 2.94% visit the National Library for professional tasks, indicating the library's role in supporting the information needs of professionals. Additionally, around 41.96% visit the national library for other purposes, reflecting the library's diverse functions in meeting various community needs beyond academic and professional contexts. This data analysis shows that the majority of visitors come to the National Library with academic tasks as their motivation. Fourth, the researchers established the relationship between the place factor in the information ground model and the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. H0: The place factor in the information ground has a non-significant associative relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. H1: The place factor in the information ground has a significant associative relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. Figure 4. The relationship between place factors in the information ground model and interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia Source: Result research, 2023 Figure 4 shows the relationship between place and interest in visiting the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia. With a sample size (n) = 510, the Chi-Square count is 2.328. If α = 0.4, or with 60% confidence and df (degrees of freedom) = 2. The Chi-Squaretable is 1.833. If the Chi-Square count is greater than the Chi-Squareable, then it is declared significant, meaning the hypothesis is accepted (H1). Thus, it can be said that the place factor of a library has a significant relationship with the interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia. The place and accessibility factor of the National Library of Indonesia are classified as very easy to reach. This can be seen from 96.66% of the majority of visitors agree that access to the National Library of Indonesia is easy to reach. In contrast, about 3.33% stated that it took much work to reach. The place of the National Library, which stands in the middle of downtown Jakarta, is one of the reasons why the National Library is easy to reach, not to mention the large number of public transportation available. When viewed at the interest in visiting based on the purpose of visiting the library. 55.09% visit the national library for academic assignments, showing the significant role of the library as an information source for educational needs. Meanwhile, 2.94% visited the national library for professional purposes, indicating the library's role in supporting the information needs of professionals. Additionally, around 41.96% visited the national library for other purposes, reflecting the diversity of library functions as a place that can fulfill various community needs beyond academic and professional contexts. Based on the new knowledge about how information access is related to the public's interest in visiting the National Library of Indonesia, it would be interesting for further research to investigate how the public's interest in visiting other libraries compares. By examining specific aspects related to visiting interest, this research will help raise public awareness and provide insights into the importance of library visits in meeting information behavior needs. By doing so, this research will stimulate the public's interest in more actively using library services and strengthen the role of libraries as credible information providers that support lifelong learning.

People's interest in visiting the National Library is influenced by the variety of information provided by the National Library, such as book collections. Conversely, people rarely search for information in the form of collections that include audio recordings and films. This behavior reflects how much the public is interested in obtaining information through the National Library's collections for further information searches. The visitor factor, viewed from the gender aspect, shows a significant comparison. The visitors are predominantly female, clearly using the available information for academic purposes. The uneven distribution of visitors at the National Library does not hinder the dissemination of information. In terms of occupation, visitors are predominantly students visiting for academic tasks. The high percentage of visit interest among students suggests that the number of visitors may vary. Students make up a high percentage, whereas private sector employees have a lower percentage. The place or accessibility factor shows a significant relationship with the interest in visiting. Visitors deem the National Library's location easily accessible, facilitating information searches. Various aspects make it easy for the public to visit or access information at the National Library, with convenient transportation being one of the attractions for the broader public. With new insights into the factors of information, people, and places related to public interest in visiting the National Library, this study may encourage other researchers to investigate further in different libraries. This study can assist authorities in making improvements and setting appropriate policies to address information seeking. It is hoped that future research can dig deeper to find specific aspects related to this study. These more specific aspects can be explored through in-depth interviews with visitors to understand their purposes for visiting the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia.