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ERIC Number: ED324034
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1990-Jan
Pages: 84
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
User Reaction to the CD-ROM Databases at the Electronic Reference Station in the New York State Library.
Alger, Eleanor J.
In August 1989 the Committee on Automated Reference Service of the New York State Library conducted a use study of their CD-ROM workstations to determine: (1) the extent of user satisfaction resulting from CD-ROM searches at the New York State Library; (2) the ease of using CD-ROM as an information retrieval source; (3) whether training was adequate at CD-ROM stations; and (4) whether CD-ROM products meet user needs. Data were gathered from 77 respondents through a 7-item questionnaire focussed directly on understanding and evaluating the patron's needs and expectations. Although demographic information was not solicited, respondents were expected that patrons would be students, government employees, members of the general public, and library staff. The data were analyzed first by tabulating responses into groups and representing them in graph form; then by summarizing comments and suggestions; and finally, by computing the non-parametric method using the chi-square statistic. It was found that 41% of the respondents were greatly satisfied with their CD-ROM search, 56% found the instructional materials adequate, 63% received adequate training, and 91% will use CD-ROMs in the future. Recommendations include: establishing a CD-ROM help desk; making available command cards to supplement the instructional materials; distributing promotional materials to encourage CD-ROM use; and having more staff on hand to assist users. (A copy of the survey questionnaire and 12 references are included.) (SD)
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Masters Theses; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: Master's Thesis, State University of New York at Albany.