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Dissertation Information for Steven Donald Robertson

NAME:
- Steven Donald Robertson

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- University of Southern California (USA) (1986)

ADVISORS:
- None

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- None

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Not_Inspected

Title: PUBLIC MICROCOMPUTING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY LIBRARIES

Abstract: The study included four components: (1) A review of the relevant literature. (2) Selection of the survey sites. An initial survey determined which libraries in a 10-county, Southern California area had microcomputers for public use. A second survey was sent to these libraries to collect specific information about services offered. Results of the preliminary surveys indicated 79 sites with computers for public use. The final 3 survey sites were selected on the basis of hardware and software available, as well as similarities among the communities served. (3) A patron survey instrument was tested at one of the sites to validate the instrument and test the survey methodology. (4) All patrons using the facilites in the one-week survey period were given a survey form. Response rates were in excess of 90% at all sites.

Regular patterns appear in the data which support general observations found in the literature. Games will predominate if they are allowed to. Patrons will bring games to the library but do not, apparently, bring other types of software for use on the library computers. Where non-game software is available, it is used. There is a correlation between age and activity. Younger users will be predominantly game players and programmers, while older users will be more application oriented. Adult use of the computers will be greater if there is application software available. Not surprisingly, game players are tolerant of, and some prefer, louder environments than other users. Most patrons want more room than that which is provided. Putting the computer in a standard A-V equipment carrel does not provide enough workspace. This is especially true for programmers and word processing users, but game players also indicated the same need, possibly to accommodate friends.

Other results show differing patterns from those reported in the literature. A majority of the patrons surveyed were library users before they started using the computers. Most computer users at the sites surveyed do not consider themselves novices. Most of the respondents use computers regularly at work or school.

Hypotheses are also included as the basis for further research

MPACT Scores for Steven Donald Robertson

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:25:14

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