Australian Digital Theses Program

Thesis Details
Title	THE PERSONAL COMPUTER AND THE PUBLIC LIBRARY: A STUDY OF THE ABSORPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY AND AN ANALYSIS OF LIBRARIAN'S OPINIONS ABOUT THE PRESENT AND FUTURE IMPACT ON AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Author	Willard, Patricia
Institution	University of New South Wales
Date	1989
Abstract	The social impacts of new information technology have attracted much attention in recent years. This study looked at the personal computer's impact on the public library's services and functions. Particular attention was paid to the public access personal computer. The method involved a Baseline survey to establish the availability and use of public access personal computers in Australian public libraries and a Delphi survey to consider possible futures. The researcher's framework was drawn from reviews of the literatures on futures research; new information technology and its social impacts; the development and current situation of the public library; and innovation research. The Baseline survey revealed that public access personal computers were becoming increasingly common in public libraries, though their provision was not yet widespread. Existing and planned uses included games, literacy and various other educational activities. Overall the public access personal computer was viewed as a favourable innovation with the part it could play in developing community computer literacy receiving particular attention. The Delphi panel was comprised of 25 public librarians selected on the basis of their knowledge about computers in public libraries. The 41 Event Statements postulated a wide range of changes in - (1) the nature and method of service provision; (2) the patterns of client demand and use; and, (3) financial allocations. The results revealed greater variability of opinion about the likely time of occurrence of the Events than about their desirability. A high level of opinion change between the two Rounds did not produce much movement toward consensus - indicating that the panel had varied views of the future. Comment on both surveys indicated that the librarians were keen to develop services relevant to their communities and if public access personal computers were such a service they would strive to provide them. The Delphi survey proved a good vehicle for encouraging consideration of the future and further research using the method seems warranted.
Thesis	01front.pdf 745.5 Kb 02chapter1.pdf 1395.8 Kb 03chapter2.pdf 1632.0 Kb 04chapter3.pdf 2203.3 Kb 05chapter3a.pdf 3302.9 Kb 06chapter5.pdf 2067.6 Kb 07chapter6a.pdf 3528.9 Kb 08chapter6b.pdf 3220.3 Kb 09chapter7.pdf 3814.0 Kb 10chapter8a.pdf 4044.7 Kb 11chapter8b.pdf 5938.1 Kb 12chapter8c.pdf 5838.3 Kb 13references.pdf 3333.4 Kb 14Appendix3.pdf 1774.1 Kb 15appendices1.pdf 3786.3 Kb 16appendices2.pdf 3962.0 Kb 17appendices3.pdf 6033.9 Kb