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ERIC Number: ED264894
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1985-Oct
Pages: 26
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Women's Studies: An Examination of Library Use by Researchers in the Field with Special Reference to the Fawcett Library. Library Research Digest No. 14.
Blagden, Pauline
The Fawcett Library, a collection of international importance in the field of women's studies, faces money, space, and staff time constraints and has been reviewing its acquisitions policy with these factors in mind. This study was undertaken to gain insight into (1) library use in general by researchers in the field of women's studies, and (2) the use of the Fawcett Library and its catalog, "BiblioFem," including the reasons for non-use by those to whom it seemed potentially relevant. The study was conducted in two parts; (1) 178 questionnaires were mailed to a list of researchers compiled from the Research Index at the Feminist Library and the British Library's Research in British Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges; and (2) 8 semi-structured interviews were conducted with library users in the Fawcett Library. Questionnaires were returned by 147 researchers, for a response rate of 83%. Background information on the study, its aims and methodology, is followed by a report on the results of the mailed questionnaire as analyzed using SPSS-X (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Results are reported in the following areas: response rate; topics and purpose of research; frequency of library use; libraries and library materials used; awareness of the Fawcett Library; use and non-use of the Fawcett Library; and awareness, use, and evaluation of BiblioFem. Results from the interviews are detailed by subject and level of study; patterns of use; and facilities and materials used. The questionnaire and a guide to the interview topics as well as details on the Fawcett Library (charges, borrowing arrangements, and hours of service) are appended. (THC)
City of London Polytechnic, Library and Learning Resources Service, Calcutta House, Old Castle St., London E1 7NT, England (3 pounds).
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: City of London Polytechnic (England). Library and Learning Resources Service.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A