Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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Measuring Use of a Distance Library Service

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posted on 2021-11-14, 01:55 authored by Beckwith, Jacinta Anne

As libraries strive and stride with new electronic resources and online services, providing at point of need and demonstrating value, it is necessary to build more comprehensive understanding of how changes might be impacting use of services and explore what this can tell us about library users. This research investigates use of a distance library service using the University of Otago Library in Dunedin, New Zealand as a case study. It examines the hard evidence of use of the service represented by requests received and processed by the Distance Library staff between 2007 and 2012. The analysis is made in light of growth in distance learning, advancing information and communications technology and escalation of resources being made available online. The study employs a retrospective quantitative approach and incorporates an analysis of qualification type, field of study and institution of requesters to provide a richer picture for the investigation. Results of the study provide information about the use of the Distance Library Service and its users revealing trends over time. Research implications of this investigation include better understanding of our information services and our users. Lessons learned from this study can help inform decision-making for future services, training of staff and comparison with other libraries.

History

Copyright Date

2014-01-01

Date of Award

2014-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Information Studies

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Information Studies

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

970108 Expanding Knowledge in the Information and Computing Sciences

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Masters Research Paper or Project

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Information Management

Advisors

Goulding, Anne