Dissertation Information for Timothy Michael Huston NAME: - Timothy Michael Huston
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- University of California, Berkeley (USA) (1989)
ADVISORS: - Patrick Wilson
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Robert D. Harlan - Guy Benveniste
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: A study of the use of local information by county planners and the members of a local historical society
Abstract: Scope. This study focuses on the use of local information by county planners, and members of the Sonoma County Historical Society. The context of this study is the potential development of a document-based regional information system using online bibliographic information systems as a model.
Method. A questionnaire was sent to the 500-member Sonoma County Historical Society. This questionnaire (143 items) contained both Likert scale and open-ended questions. There was a response by 136 members (27%), and within this response group approximately one-half provided answers in great detail. Questions fell into five categories: subject interests; methods of doing local research; use of information sources; use of institutions for research; and, characteristics of the population.
Interviews were conducted with planners from the general plan sections of county planning departments in three contiguous northern California counties. A total of 22 interview sessions were held with planners from Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino County planners concerning their use of information for preparation of the county general plan. The interview schedule included: data gathering activities from agency surveys; primary data acquisition; use of secondary information sources; use of other agencies and consultants; information problems; use of automated or manual information systems; geographical units; access points; and what planners would want an information system to do for them.
Major results. The findings for both groups were fairly consistent with previous studies of information use. Planners tend to rely heavily on maps and demographic data. They unanimously desire a parcel-based data system. Local historians rely upon books, journals and newspapers for their research. Based on these findings, the design of a regional information system is technically feasible. The most complex areas demanding further study include geographic codings and genealogical information. Findings on whether or not these populations would use such a system are less conclusive, and require further study.
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MPACT Scores for Timothy Michael Huston A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-05-29 14:13:54
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