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ERIC Number: EJ939080
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Aug
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0004-9670
EISSN: N/A
Training Needs and Preferences of Adult Public Library Clients in the Use of Online Resources
Ruthven, Joan
Australian Library Journal, v59 n3 p108-117 Aug 2010
This article presents the results of a study into the provision of Internet training for adult public library clients. The study, which was completed in 2008, forms part of a larger investigation into the characteristics, preferences and needs of adult public library clients in New South Wales. The aim of this section of the investigation is to gain an understanding of client needs and preferences when being trained in the use of online resources in order to assist public library staff in providing relevant guidance and instruction to the community. The research takes the form of a multiple exploratory case study based on naturalistic inquiry, using grounded theory as an operational characteristic. Twenty-four public library clients were interviewed to gain an understanding of client needs in an online environment. The study identifies two main approaches to face-to-face training on Internet resources, client preferences for informal and formal tuition depending on their level of expertise. With the study indicating that computers inspire mixed feelings for the less experienced user, it is important to establish training courses tailored to specific needs to ensure the development of confidence in the use of online resources. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)
Australian Library and Information Association. P.O. Box 6335, Kingston 2604, Australia. Tel: +61-2-6215-8222; Fax: +61-2-6282-2249; e-mail: enquiry@alia.org.au; Web site: http://www.alia.org.au
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Basic Education; Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A