Patron Use of Computers in Public Libraries. [Report No.: CS-86-203b

Institution	Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Titel	Patron Use of Computers in Public Libraries. [Report No.: CS-86-203b
Quelle	(1986), (18 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Beigaben	Tabellen
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Monographie
Schlagwörter	Quantitative Daten; Computer Literacy; Computer Software; Library Services; Library Surveys; Microcomputers; National Surveys; Public Libraries; Questionnaires; Tables (Data); Use Studies + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Computerkenntnisse; Bibliotheksarbeit; Public library; Stadtbücherei; Öffentliche Bibliothek; Fragebogen; Tabelle; Benutzerschulung
Abstract	A survey was conducted to determine the extent to which public libraries have made computer hardware and software available to their patrons. In December 1984, questionnaires were distributed to a stratified national probability sample of 900 public library systems. Results, based on a response rate of 99%, indicate that: (1) 42% of the systems serving large populations (100,000 or more) had computers for patron use, compared with 26% for medium-sized populations (10,000-100,000), and 13% for small populations (fewer than 10,000); (2) an estimated 3,300 computers were available for use in the nation's libraries; three-fourths were situated inside the library while one-fourth could be checked out for loan; (3) about half of all computers were purchased primarily with state or local funds, and one-third were obtained through gifts; (4) patrons used computers inside public libraries for a total of 52,000 hours a week, or about 23 hours per computer per week; (5) 71% of the patrons using computers inside libraries were under 18 years old, but only 30% of outside users were; (6) the typical loan period allowed for computers taken outside the library was one week (67% of systems); (7) 9 out of 10 library systems that provided computers also had computer software for use inside or outside the library; and (8) about one-half of the library systems with computers offered training or orientation sessions. Libraries also indicated a high priority for initiating or increasing hardware and software availability and the number of staff trained to assist patrons. Ten data tables and a copy of the questionnaire are provided. (JB)
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2004/1/01