Electronic databases allow rural libraries to expand information access beyond the limits of their material collection. How are these libraries to know which databases best meet the needs of their clientele? Research done at the onset of this project revealed no previous studies on the ability of databases to answer real questions. In this study, public library patron questions received by the Arizona State Reference Center were searched on ten different databases recommended in William Katz's Introduction to Reference Work, 6th edition, and available through DIALOG Online Services. Given the limitations and exploratory nature of this study, the results indicate that of the databases tested, the set of Books in Print, Magazine Database, ABI/INFORM, PAIS, and GPO Publications could qualify as a set of databases that would enable rural public library staff to find sources for 90% of the patron requests for information not found within the library.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/278522 |
| Date | January 1995 |
| Creators | Canepi, Kitti, 1955- |
| Contributors | Hurt, Charlie D. |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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