What strategies are effective in promoting library usage?

Offering tutorials and conducting orientation sessions is an effective strategy to promote library usage because it directly engages users by educating them on how to utilize the library's resources and services. These activities familiarize students and patrons with the library's layout, available materials, databases, and technology. By providing guidance and instruction, libraries empower users to maximize their learning opportunities, navigate the library more effectively, and gain confidence in their information-seeking abilities.

This proactive approach also helps to build a positive relationship between library staff and patrons, making the library feel more accessible and user-friendly. Orientation sessions, especially for new students or faculty, can emphasize the library's value within the educational environment, thereby encouraging regular use as individuals become more aware of what the library has to offer.

In contrast, limiting access to resources, prohibiting group work, or only selling library materials would create barriers to usage and engagement, reducing the likelihood that patrons would explore and utilize the library in a meaningful way.