Dissertation Information for Robert John Greene NAME: - Robert John Greene
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- Florida State University (USA) (1973)
ADVISORS: - Gerald Jahoda
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Harold Goldstein - Maurice Litton - Ruth H. Rockwood
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: FACULTY ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF A SYSTEM PROVIDING REMOTE BIBLIOGRAPHIC AND PHYSICAL ACCESS TO AN ACADEMIC LIBRARY
Abstract: John Greene Remote bibliographic and physical access to the book collection of Georgia Tech’s Price Gilbert Memorial Library has been provided for Georgia Tech faculty through a system called LENDS. Remote bibliographic access was provided through the distribution of the library catalog on microfiche to thirty five locations on the campus. Remote physical access was provided through a telephone request and book delivery service. Two related aspects of LENDS acceptance and use by faculty were investigated. First, a study was made of the effect of LENDS on faculty book circulation. This study included inquiries about the relationships between LENDS and: 1) the number of books borrowed by faculty; 2) the value or usefulness of books borrowed by faculty; 3) the ways in which faculty learned about books they borrow; and 4) the ways in which faculty obtain books they borrow. Second, a study was made of the use or non-use of LENDS by faculty. The purpose of this part of the investigation was to determine if any relationships exists between certain characteristics of the faculty or their departments and the use of LENDs. The characteristics faculty examined were; 1) attitude toward microforms; 2) use of Microforms; 3) attitude toward browsing; 4) dependence on browsing in selection of library materials; 5) distance of office from the library; 6) age; and 7) subject specialty. The two characteristics of the Departments examined were: 1) administrative attitude toward LENDS; and 2) access to the LENDS microfiche catalog within the Department. Data for this investigation were gathered in three ways: 1) compilation of book circulation statist tics for periods before and after the start of LENS; 2) questionnaires sent to faculty responsible for sampled book charges during sampling periods before and after the start of LENDs; and 3) interviews with fifty LENDS users and fifty LENDS non users. Some conclusions drawn from the study were: 1) faculty book circulation increased due to LENDS; 2) books borrowed through LENDS were not judged to be less useful than books borrowed in the conventional manner; 3) LENDS has affected the work patterns of some of the faculty and some of the library staff; 4) microform attitude was not an important factor in determining the use of LENDS; 5) distance of faculty offices from the library was an important variable in LENDS use.
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