Dissertation Information for Diane Ruth TebbettsNAME:
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SCHOOL: ADVISORS: COMMITTEE MEMBERS: MPACT Status: Fully Complete Title: Integrating microcomputers in ARL libraries : management considerations Abstract: This research study Investigated whether ARL Libraries In New England are Integrating microcomputers Into their plans for automated integrated library systems. The hypothesis was that there Is little relationship between the libraries' use of micros and their plans for automated integrated library systems. The research objectives of this study were: To determine what plans the ARL LIbraries In New England have for a total automated library system; to discover what plans the ARL Libraries In New England have for the use of microcomputers; to discover how appropriate tasks for the micro are Identified and assigned; and to determine whether compatibility of the micros with existing or proposed university equipment Is a major factor In microcomputer selection. Since Information on the total computerization of library systems Is difficult to ascertain, and since each library has unique characteristics which are reflected In Its automation efforts, the case study method was deemed to be most appropriate. In-depth Interviews were conducted at the nine ARL LibrarIes In New England. The dIrector or hIgh-level administrator and systems librarian, If approprIate, were IntervIewed at each institution. PrIor to these Interviews, pretests were conducted at three non-ARL LIbraries In New England to determine effectiveness of the prepared interviews. As a result of these Interviews, It was determined that four of the libraries have plans for a total automated Integrated system--al have different systems; one 15 automating circulation with the possibility of an Integrated system; one 15 at the point of deciding upon an automated Integrated system; one has an In-house online catalog which 15 not Integrated; and two have no plans for an automated integrated library system. There seems to have been a pattern to automation among ARL Libraries In New England. In the mid to late 1970'5, many of the libraries began looking for circulation systems. In the early 1980'5 many libraries switched their emphasis to the automated integrated library systems. Since none of these are operational, there appears to be a growing concern about the fact that no large libraries actually have integrated systems operational. There may be the beginning of a reaction to the concept of the automated Integrated system. Microcomputers are being used In ARL Libraries, but mainly as stand-alone machines for word processing and electronic spreadsheet, with a few other applications, such as database management and Interaction with laser disks being mentioned. These findings closely parallel a national ARL study. There Is some Integration of micros with the automated Integrated library systems, but mainly as I Inking devices with the bibliographic utilities and personal workstations. There Is no use of micros as training devices, limited use of micros as dumb or Intel I Igent terminals within the library, Imlted use of the micro as a backup for the automated system, and limited use of micros In connection with laser disks. This research revealed that there Is very little planning for microcomputer use among New England ARL LIbraries. Again, this parallels the findings of the national ARL study. In some libraries, the microcomputers were considered In the same category as typewriters, so there was no high-level decision-making concerning their use. The university's preference for microcomputers appears to be a major factor in the library selection process, and compatibility with the campus network, If there Is one, Is essential. The hypothesis of this study seems to be substantiated I n that there appears to be little relationship between the libraries' use of micros and their plans for automated Integrated library systems. |
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