• Login
    View Item 
    •   ResearchSpace Home
    • College of Humanities
    • School of Social Sciences
    • Information Studies
    • Masters Degrees (Information Studies)
    • View Item
    •   ResearchSpace Home
    • College of Humanities
    • School of Social Sciences
    • Information Studies
    • Masters Degrees (Information Studies)
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Predictors of users' preferences for digital information at the oceanographic research institute (ORI), Durban.

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    Thesis. (1.075Mb)
    Date
    2013
    Author
    Mutsvunguma, Grace.
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    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.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/10413/10560
    Collections
    • Masters Degrees (Information Studies) [68]

    DSpace software copyright © 2002-2013  Duraspace
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    Theme by 
    @mire NV
     

     

    Browse

    All of ResearchSpaceCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsAdvisorsTypeThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsAdvisorsType

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    DSpace software copyright © 2002-2013  Duraspace
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    Theme by 
    @mire NV