A survey of the perceptions of librarians regarding the impact of interactive computer technology in small academic libraries.

Abstract

This study consists of a literature review and a subsequent survey of librarians in small academic libraries concerning their perceptions of the impact of the interactive computer technologies upon themselves and the organization of their libraries. A survey instrument was designed and sent out to seventy-six small academic libraries in thirteen states of the mountain plains region. An eighty-three percent return rate was received. The survey instrument presented a broad spectrum of questions which centered around five areas: 1) planning/policy; 2) job descriptions/rewards; 3) reeducation/retraining; 4) emotive; and 5) patrons. The survey was intended to reveal areas of concern for librarians as they deal with the new interactive computer technologies in small academic libraries in academic institutions with less than 6,000 head-count enrollment. The results show that the perceived impact of automation on these libraries varied. However, the results indicate that when it comes to the interactive computer technology in their libraries, the most common cause for concern for small academic librarians is in the areas of reeducation/retraining and patrons.