Training Aid in Cataloging Gopher Sites and Electronic Serials

Data and information resources on the Internet are growing at a rapid rate. To identify and organize these resources is not only necessary but crucial to the Internet community. An interactive training tool developed and tested at Northwestern University Library instructs serials catalogers in cataloging electronic serials on the Internet. Alternatively, the University of Nebraska is using non-MARC formals to give access to gopher sites.     

Adults Learning to Use the Internet: A Longitudinal Study of Attitudes and Other Factors Associated with Intended Internet Use

This longitudinal study, carried out between November 1993 and 1998, investigated the reasons that adult learners in Iceland gave for wanting to learn about the Internet, and their attitudes to it. Data were collected through a short open-ended electronic mail survey delivered to participants in Internet training courses held in Iceland over a three-year period. The authors describe the three stages in the research: identification of elements of an analytical framework; testing of a behavioral intention model of Internet use based on the theory of planned behavior; and use of the model to identify attitudes to the Internet, social influences on Internet use, perceived control of Internet use, and changes in these factors as the Internet became more widely known. They observed that learners' intended uses of the Internet became more specific between 1994 and 1996. While the influence of the media and the general community increased in this period, attitudes remained relatively stable. Participants found the Internet interesting and useful, with positive advantages over other media. They were positively disposed toward it as a source of information. For some, use was constrained by perceptions that they needed to have more knowledge or understanding in order to use the Internet better.     

Public library computer training for older adults to access high-quality Internet health information

An innovative experiment to develop and evaluate a public library computer training program to teach older adults to access and use high-quality Internet health information involved a productive collaboration among public libraries, the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and a Library and Information Science (LIS) academic program at a state university. One hundred and thirty-one older adults aged 54–89 participated in the study between September 2007 and July 2008. Key findings include: a) participants had overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the training program; b) after learning about two NIH websites (http://nihseniorhealth.gov and http://medlineplus.gov) from the training, many participants started using these online resources to find high-quality health and medical information and, further, to guide their decision making regarding a health- or medically-related matter; and c) computer anxiety significantly decreased (p < .001) while computer interest and efficacy significantly increased (p = .001 and p < .001, respectively) from pre- to post-training, suggesting statistically significant improvements in computer attitudes between pre- and post-training. The findings have implications for public libraries, LIS academic programs, and other organizations interested in providing similar programs in their communities.     

The level of Internet access and ICT training for health information professionals in sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are important tools for development. Despite its significant growth on a global scale, Internet access is limited in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Few studies have explored Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in Africa. OBJECTIVE: The study assessed Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in SSA. METHODS: A 26-item self-administered questionnaire in English and French was used for data collection. The questionnaire was completed by health information professionals from five Listservs and delegates at the 10th biannual Congress of the Association of Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA). RESULTS: A total of 121 respondents participated in the study and, of those, 68% lived in their countries' capital. The majority (85.1%) had Internet access at work and 40.8% used cybercafes as alternative access points. Slightly less than two-thirds (61.2%) first learned to use ICT through self-teaching, whilst 70.2% had not received any formal training in the previous year. Eighty-eight per cent of respondents required further ICT training. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: In SSA, freely available digital information resources are underutilized by health information professionals. ICT training is recommended to optimize use of digital resources. To harness these resources, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations must play a key role.     

The attitudes of health care staff to information technology: a comprehensive review of the research literature

Objectives: What does the publicly available literature tell us about the attitudes of health care staff to the development of information technology in practice, including the factors which influence them and the factors which may be used to change these attitudes? Methods: Twelve databases were searched for literature published between 2000 and 2005 that identified research related to information technology (IT), health professionals and attitude. English language studies were included which described primary research relating to the attitudes of one or more health care staff groups towards IT. Letters, personal viewpoints, reflections and opinion pieces were not included. Results: Complex factors contribute to the formation of attitudes towards IT. Many of the issues identified were around the flexibility of the systems and whether they were ‘fit for purpose’, along with the confidence and experience of the IT users. The literature suggests that attitudes of practitioners are a significant factor in the acceptance and efficiency of use of IT in practice. The literature also suggested that education and training was a factor for encouraging the use of IT systems. Conclusions: A range of key issues, such as the need for flexibility and usability, appropriate education and training and the need for the software to be ‘fit for purpose’, showed that organizations need to plan carefully when proposing the introduction of IT‐based systems into work practices. The studies reviewed did suggest that attitudes of health care professionals can be a significant factor in the acceptance and efficiency of use of IT in practice. Further qualitative and quantitative research is needed into the approaches that have most effect on the attitudes of health care staff towards IT.     

English literature students' perspectives on digital resources in a Spanish university

Digital resources have been more widely used in the university classroom since the Spring semester of 2020, but the reality is that Covid-19 simply accelerated an already leading tendency in education. The pedagogical potential of teaching with digital resources, editions and collections remains largely unexplored in the Spanish university context, especially in relation to the study of literary and historical texts. This article reports on a case study at the University of Alicante. An online questionnaire was dispensed to 134 English Studies undergraduates at Alicante in order to elicit the students' responses to electronic resources, their knowledge, uses and attitudes towards them. We also attempted to gauge their engagement with the library services at Alicante and beyond. The results indicate a statistically significant preference for electronic over print resources. Nevertheless, they also suggest the students' low degree of awareness of digital resources and their inability to discriminate between digital resources and general Internet sources. A lack of familiarity with the full potential that libraries offer is also reported, which stresses the need for further training in what seems to be a neglected but crucial area of their studies.     

Use of libraries and electronic information resources by primary care staff: outcomes from a survey

OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of existing libraries; usage of the Internet and biomedical databases; and need for training on use of the Internet and biomedical databases for primary care staff. METHODS: A postal survey of general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses (PNs) and practice managers (PMs) in Nottingham and Rotherham, UK. RESULTS: Overall, 243 questionnaires were used. The response rate in Nottingham was 24%, in Rotherham it was 34%. Reported use of libraries was low (30%), with PNs reporting significantly higher usage (65%) than others (P < 0.01). Most respondents reported using the Internet (81%), but fewer (44%) reported using databases. GPs and PNs were significantly more likely to report using databases than PMs (P < 0.01). Lack of training was the most reported barrier to using the Internet (67%) and databases (52%). Overall, 52% of respondents reported wanting Internet training, 64% wanted database training. The percentages requesting training on databases were high among GPs and PNs, but significantly lower for PMs (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in the usage of libraries and electronic resources among the primary care team, and in reported training needs. While the reported levels of usage of the Internet and biomedical databases are encouraging, our study identified a training need. If met, this could increase usage further.     

Internet网上信息资源研究

本文论述了 Internet网络信息资源的特点和不足 ,提出了高校图书馆应加强专业人员的培养并就如何在 Internet网上探索、开发和利用网上信息资源进行了探讨。     

Information searching behavior in the Internet age: A users’ study of Aligarh Muslim University

This study reports the results of a survey conducted at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to determine the extent to which Internet users are aware and make use of the Internet resources and services. The study examines the information searching behavior of Internet users. A questionnaire and follow-up interviews with the postgraduate students, research scholars and academic staff were conducted to collect data. A total of 489 questionnaires were distributed to the selected sample of eight faculties; 405 valid samples were collected. The data were analyzed according to the background of Internet users, Internet information searching behavior, use of Internet resources and services, quality of Internet information, problems of the Internet access and need for Internet literacy. The study found that the majority of respondents had a 5 year history of Internet access. The academic staff spent more time on the Internet than the students and research scholars. Although Internet search engines were the preferred information searching tool, other methods such as databases, gateways and World Wide Web (WWW) were also used. Online journals and databases were the preferred information sources among the Internet users. Respondents chose e-mail, WWW and search engines as important Internet services. About 60% of respondents believed that the good quality of information on the Internet made it a useful tool for education and research. Slow speed, lack of training and information overload were indicated as some of the factors affecting Internet usage. Further, recommendations are made to improve the use of Internet, including a well-planned Internet literacy program and preparation of subject gateways.     

Off-campus adult learners' levels of library anxiety as a predictor of attitudes toward the Internet

This study assesses what factors associated with library anxiety predict off-campus adult learners' attitudes toward the educational use of the Internet. Off-campus adult learners were graduate students attending classes at a distance of 50 or more miles from their home institution's library. Two factors associated with library anxiety, knowledge of the library and affective barriers, yielded a multiple R of .30, accounting for 9 percent of the variance in respondents' attitudes toward the Internet. Findings indicate that off-campus adult learners' perceptions of their information retrieval skills impact their anxiety levels while utilizing library and Internet resources. Findings suggest the benefit of including information in library tutorials about accessing databases and hands-on computer instruction to elevate adult learners' perceptions of their competency.     

网络信息资源的建设与管理

信息资源的网络化给图书馆的文献资源建设、组织与管理带来了深刻的影响.图书馆应顺应这种潮流,转变观念,利用新技术新方法对网络信息资源进行整序与管理,更好为读者查询与利用.     

网上中文社会科学信息资源利用研究--培训对用户利用行为的影响分析

本文试图从培训的角度,通过调查统计,研究网上中文社科信息资源的利用规律,侧重培训对用户利用行为的影响分析,结果表明,有些用户行为不因是否受过培训而改变,有些则因是否受过培训而不同,为了提高用户对网上中文社科信息资源的利用效率,建议用户主动参加图书情报方面的培训,网上资源提供者为用户培训提供方便。     

iVia系统对我国高校信息资源建设的启示

介绍iVia开放资源虚拟图书馆系统的框架结构、主要特色以及基于iVia系统构建的INFOMINE网络学术资源虚拟图书馆的特色，探讨我国高校图书馆网络信息资源组织的有关问题。     

Communicating the Impact of Free Access to Computers and the Internet in Public Libraries: A Mixed Methods Approach to Developing Outcome Indicators

The U.S. IMPACT studies have two research projects underway that employ a mixed method research design to develop and validate performance indicators related specifically to the outcomes of public access computing (PAC) use in public libraries. Through the use of a nationwide telephone survey (n = 1130), four case studies, and a nationwide Internet survey of PAC users administered through 636 public libraries, this approach will generate generalizable quantitative data on the extent and distribution of the use of public access computing resources, as well as provide rich contextual data that will help understand how people use the computers and Internet connections in public libraries and the impact it has on their lives.     

Internet-based resources citation by undergraduate students

Abstract

The first and unique training centre in Library and Information Science (LIS) in Benin has been training students since 1982. Ten years after the introduction of Internet in the country, students may have been aware of the importance and the richness of its resources. To what extent do students use Internet-based resources? How do citations to Internet-based resources vary in students’ works over years? This study covers especially LIS students’ dissertations. The results show that the percentage of Internet-based resources cited in dissertations was very low until 2001. Even if the trend line shows an increase starting from 2002, Internet-based resources are very rare in the dissertations (less than 10%). A few students give references to the maximum of Internet-based resources.     

Sources of information on postgraduate medical training programs - 2004 update

This is the biennial update listing directories, journal articles, Web sites, and general books that aid the librarian, house officer, or medical student in finding information on medical residency and fellowship programs. The World Wide Web provides the most current and complete source of information about postgraduate training programs and specialties. This update goes beyond postgraduate training resources to include selected Web sites and books on resume writing, practice management, personal financial issues, the "Match," exam preparation, job hunting, and the DEA license application process. Print resources are included if they provide information not on the Internet or have features that are particularly useful. The Internet continues to be a major marketing tool for hospitals seeking to recruit the best and brightest for their residency and fellowship programs. Even the smallest community hospital usually has a presence on the 'Net.     

Sources of information on postgraduate medical training programs and medical specialty career resources-2006 update

This is the final biennial update listing directories, journal articles, Web sites, and general books that aid the librarian, house officer, or medical student in finding information on medical residency and fellowship programs. The World Wide Web provides the most complete and up-to-date source of information about postgraduate training programs and specialties. This update continues to go beyond postgraduate training resources to include selected Web sites and books on curriculum vitae writing, practice management, personal finances, the "Match," certification and licensure examination preparation, lifestyle issues, job hunting, and the DEA license application process. Print resources are included if they provide information not on the Internet, have features that are particularly useful, or cover too many relevant topics in depth to be covered in a journal article or on a Web site. The Internet is a major marketing tool for hospitals seeking to recruit the best and brightest physicians for their training programs. Even the smallest community hospital has a Web site.     

健康信息需求分析及相关网络资源的使用——对达拉斯福和地区华人的调查

本文阐述了一项由全美医学图书馆联盟中南区中心资助的研究项目。其目的是了解北美华人对健康信息的需求及网络健康信息资源的使用状况。本研究回收了101份调查表。研究结果发现调查对象有兴趣了解更多关于乳腺癌、糖尿病、乙型肝炎等疾病的信息,愿意学习如何使用互联网络查找高品质的健康信息资源。语言障碍以及对美国医疗体系知识的缺乏了解是调查对象在获取医疗健康信息中遇到困难的主要原因。面对这些需求和问题, 指出认识语言和文化的差异性,推荐权威性、可靠性、针对性强的高质量的健康信息资源,介绍网络健康信息质量评估方法, 将有助于对华人的医疗健康信息服务。     

Searching Information and Evaluation of Internet: A Chinese Academic User Survey

This study examines the use of Internet resources and the evaluation of their usefulness from the perspectives of Chinese students and academics. The questionnaires were distributed at Peking University, ISTIC, and at the Information Institute of Science and Technology of Zhe Jiang Province, where 706 valid samples were collected. The data was analyzed according to: The background of the Internet users; the standard of Internet resources; Internet information-seeking behaviour; users’ evaluations of Internet resources and their perceived expectations about future Internet services. The study found that users with higher educational degrees tend to spend more time on the Internet and find Internet resources more useful than less-educated users. Although Internet search engines are the preferred information retrieval tool, other traditional or informal retrieval methods are also used. Many respondents agree that the Internet is helpful for narrowing the knowledge gap between developed and developing countries. Besides its richness and high speed, accuracy and authority are the most important factors when users judge the quality of the Internet; but, more specialized information filtering and navigation services are required. Further studies should focus on the information-seeking behaviour of different target groups, and with specific comparisons of Chinese academic users from economically developed areas, versus users from China's comparatively undeveloped Northwest provinces.     

Patterns of digital uses among Israeli Arabs – between citizenship in modern society and traditional cultural roots

This study examines the digital divide between the Jewish majority and Arab minority in Israeli society as manifested by Internet access and patterns of use. The goals of this paper were to examine the digital divide between these two groups and to identify the factors that influence these gaps. The study is based on data from the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics Annual Social Survey, collected in 2011 through face-to-face interviews of 5872 interviewees aged 20–65 years. Jews were found to have an advantage over Arabs in terms of Internet access and in terms of the two types of uses: capital-enhancing and recreational. Our important conclusion is that, theoretically, with background variables being the same, the first-level digital divide between Jews and Arabs can be considered closed; in contrast, the second-level digital divide remains even if human resources in both groups are the same. This gives reason to assume that beyond the impact of human resources, the second-level digital divide between Jews and Arabs originated from their cultural background. Israeli Arabs are a unique minority indigenous group with two affinities – to Israeli modern society (because of citizenship) and to the Arab traditional world (because of their religious and cultural roots). Closing digital gaps requires changes in basic social, economic, and cultural aspects of the Arab sector on the individual level, i.e., personal motivation, as well as on the community level, including collective sociocultural preferences.