Information technology gradually started to play a major role in the service
rendering of academic libraries since 1994. Large amounts of money became
necessary to enable libraries to provide the latest formats of information sources, as
well as access to quality electronic databases. Prices of printed information sources
also increased dramatically over recent years, along with a high South African
inflation rate. Government subsidies for academic institutions also started to decline
annually (De Kock, 1997).
User needs, and information seeking patterns of library users also changed over
recent years because of major information technology developments. Many authors
performed studies on changing user needs in recent years, of which five were
chosen to form the basis of this study. It became of utmost importance for libraries
to monitor user needs regularly, to be able to identify changing needs and
expectations. This will enable academic libraries with tight budgets to render more
relevant and appropriate information services to specific user groups.
Research procedures and methodology:
A literature study was done in order to determine which information rendering
models currently exist, as well as to find prior research on the information needs of
engineers. This was followed by a qualitative study by means of semi-structured
interviews. Personal interviews is a flexible method. which enables the researcher to
ask follow-up questions, as well as to ask respondents to explain certain issues in
detail (Huysamen, 1993 :15 1).
The interview schedule contained thirty-three questions, based on eleven theoretical
hypotheses constructed throughout the study. The following engineering
departments were included in this study: Electronics, Applied Electronics &
Electronic communication, Process instrumentation and Control, Power,
Mechanical, Civil & Building, Metallurgy, Industrial & Production, and Computer
Systems engineering.
The aim of the study:
This study is aimed at determining the information needs of engineering lecturers in
particular, and also to determine if the Gold Fields library currently satisfies their
information needs. All engineering lecturers have access to electronic databases as
well as internet from their offices, and in many cases don't need to make use the
physical library building any more. This study aims at finding out what their current
information needs are, and which avenues they are currently being used to acquire
relevant subject related information. Lecturers will also be probed about the role of
the Gold Fields Library in their information needs.
Conclusion:
This study reveals that the information needs of engineering lecturers revolve
primarily around their personal research interests, as well as changing lecturing
methods. Printed and electronic information sources are currently complementing
each other, and in no way is one replacing the other. This study also showed that the
Gold Fields Library is currently not satisfying engineering lecturer's information
needs, with specific reference to the intranet; some printed and electronic resources;
training on electronic databases; packaging of information; personalized
information services, and the subject knowledge of information librarians.
Engineering lecturers were satisfied with the following: information interviews
conducted by information librarians; personal attributes of information librarians;
information technology competency of information librarians, and ethics. It became
evident that the Gold Fields Library should consider certain changes and expansions
to the information services currently rendered to engineering lecturers. / Thesis (M.Bibl.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/614 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | De Bruyn, Karien |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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