Predictors of users' preferences for digital information at the oceanographic research institute (ORI), Durban.
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Date
2013
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Abstract
This research was a case study that investigated predictors of users’ preferences for digital
information at the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) Library in Durban, South Africa.
The objectives of the study were to determine the predictors of users’ preferences for digital
information, examine user attitude towards use of digital information, evaluate user
competencies in the use of digital information, examine available ICT infrastructure to
facilitate access to digital information and assess usage patterns of electronic resources.
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to underpin the study, using the mixed
method paradigm consisting of qualitative and quantitative methods. A census of the study
population, consisting of 26 respondents, was taken. Data was collected using focus group
discussions, semi-structured interviews, participant observations, document reviews and
survey questionnaires. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, while
qualitative data was analysed thematically. The findings of the study indicated that there was
increasing preference of digital information to print by scholars. Moreover, usage of digital
information was high by virtue of being easy to use and useful for scholarly work. The
findings revealed that scholars had developed a positive attitude towards digital information.
In addition, user experience with computers and the availability of infrastructure within the
organisation were found to be facilitating conditions for digital information usage behaviour.
The findings showed that respondents lacked relevant skills for the effective use of digital
information and the ORI Library lacked adequate computers and electronic resources to
satisfy user needs. The study recommended the development of a digital repository, user
training to improve use of digital information resources. Suggested areas for research
included examining the use of electronic resources in marine and aquatic institutions in
Africa to establish grounds for collaborations and resource sharing. A study to assess the
quality of research output by scholars was also recommended, as a way of exposing the
critical or non-critical use of digital sources.
Description
Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.
Keywords
Oceanography--Research., Marine biology--South Africa--Durban., Electronic information resource searching., Information retrieval., Theses--Library and information science.