Login

Publications  •  Project Statistics

Glossary  •  Schools  •  Disciplines
People Search: 
   
Title/Abstract Search: 

Dissertation Information for Benjamin R. Williams

NAME:
- Benjamin R. Williams

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- University of Pittsburgh (USA) (1980)

ADVISORS:
- Patrick R. Penland

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- E. Blanche Woolls
- Thomas J. Galvin
- Donald Shirey
- Frank B. Sessa

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: ATTITUDES RELATED TO THE UTILIZATION AND EXPANSION OF INDEPENDENT STUDY INVOLVING THE ACADEMIC LIBRARY

Abstract: The impact of the independent study trend on academic librarianship has only recently begun to be felt. Therefore, the reported role of the college library in individualized instruction has become a recent one, principally in the post 1965 period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of library related independent study in order to determine its effects upon the librarian as interpreter of materials. This research had four major objectives: (1) to investigate the extent to which attitudes of deans of instruction and academic librarians differed in relationship to the utilization of independent study; (2) to investigate the extent to which the academic library participated and contributed toward independent study programs; (3) to investigate the anticipated future role of the academic library in independent study programs; (4) to investigate the extent to which independent study provided opportunities for widening the librarian's role as interpreter of materials.

The descriptive method was used in this study for its adaptability in identifying aspects and characteristics related to the use of independent study involving the academic library. Libraries in institutions of higher learning within the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey made up the population for this study.

The study found that an identifiable attitude did exist among librarians and deans of instruction toward independent study. There was a statistically significant relationship between utilization of independent study and the attitudes of deans and librarians regarding the overall future role of the academic library and independent study. There was no measurable statistical difference between the attitudes of deans and librarians as to the academic library's participation and contribution toward independent study. There was no statistical difference between the attitudes of both groups as to whether the specified technological advances would in the future, benefit and library through independent study.

The effective integration and utilization of independent study programs appeared to have provided the librarian with opportunities to: (1) serve as a provider of materials for individualized learning characteristics and interest; and (2) motivate and rekindle personal interest, to direct further study and fulfill the needs of individualized learners. It would appear that the academic librarian serving as a catalyst within the repository of informational resources will continue to use the potentials of technology in much more imaginative and effective ways. The difference in the attitudes of deans of instruction and those of librarians were not statistically atypical in relationship to the involvement of the academic library in independent study programs. As a result, it would appear that these two groups should be able to develop more of an integrated and effective approach to learning than presently exists. It would also appear that academic librarians should continue to seek increased flexibility and integration within the instructional programs of higher learning.

MPACT Scores for Benjamin R. Williams

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:22:20

Advisors and Advisees Graph

generating graph, please reload

Students under Benjamin R. Williams

ADVISEES:
- None

COMMITTEESHIPS:
- None