The personal computer and the public library: a study of the absorption of new technology and an analysis of librarians' opinions about the present and future impact on Australian public libraries

摘要

The social impacts of new information technology have attracted much attention in recent years. This study looked at the personal computer's impact on the publiclibrary's services and functions. Particular attention waspaid to the public access personal computer. The methodinvolved a Baseline survey to establish the availability and use of public access personal computers in Australianpublic libraries and a Delphi survey to consider possiblefutures.The researcher's framework was drawn from reviews of the literatures on futures research; new information technologyand its social impacts; the development and currentsituation of the public library; and innovation research.The Baseline survey revealed that public access personal computers were becoming increasingly common inpublic libraries, though their provision was not yetwidespread. Existing and planned uses included games,literacy and various other educational activities. Overallthe public access personal computer was viewed as a favourable innovation with the part it could play indeveloping community computer literacy receiving particularattention.The Delphi panel was comprised of 25 public librariansselected on the basis of their knowledge about computers inpublic libraries. The 41 Event Statements postulated a wide range of changes in - (1) the nature and method ofservice provision; (2) the patterns of client demand anduse; and, (3) financial allocations. The results revealed greater variability of opinion about the likely time ofoccurrence of the Events than about their desirability. Ahigh level of opinion change between the two Rounds did notproduce much movement toward consensus - indicating thatthe panel had varied views of the future.Comment on both surveys indicated that the librarianswere keen to develop services relevant to their communitiesand if public access personal computers were such a servicethey would strive to provide them. The Delphi surveyproved a good vehicle for encouraging consideration of thefuture and further research using the method seemswarranted.