Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Study on Library Resource Usage Among Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Students: A Cross‐Sectional Single‐Center Study

BACKGROUND: Library resources play a critical role in supporting academic learning and research, particularly in health sciences education. Despite increased availability of both physical and digital library materials, the extent to which dental students utilize these resources remains uncertain. AIM: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to library resource usage among undergraduate and postgraduate dental students at a single dental institution. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The survey assessed students' awareness of available library resources, their attitudes toward library use, and their actual practices regarding both physical and digital resource utilization. Data were analyzed using Pearson chi-square test and a p value of ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The study included 300 participants of which 221were undergraduates and 43 post graduates. While most participants acknowledged the importance of library resources for academic success, only a moderate proportion reported frequent use of these resources. Postgraduate students demonstrated higher awareness and usage of digital resources compared to undergraduates. Several barriers were identified, including lack of time, insufficient awareness of available resources, and limited digital literacy. CONCLUSION: Although dental students exhibit a positive attitude toward library use, there exists a gap between their knowledge and actual practices. Strengthening awareness programs, improving digital resource access, and integrating library training into the curriculum are recommended to enhance resource utilization and academic performance.