Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Chesterfield College of Technology. Library'

During the Spring 1997 semester, students at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona were surveyed on their use of dial-up access to electronic databases provided by libraries. In addition, the community college and public libraries in Maricopa County were surveyed to determine which electronic databases they provide by dial-up access. Comparison between these two forms of data collection revealed that a rich variety of electronic databases are available to community college students. Many of the students have the equipment required to take advantage of these resources, combined with a desire to use these resources to increase the flexibility of their options for performing research. The greatest barrier to use was a lack of realization that such resources were available. Community college libraries should advertise access information to make students aware of these options.

Higher education administrators need data on student perceptions to support their decision making regarding mobile learning (m-learning) applications. There is a lack of research addressing students' perceptions of mobile applications for course management systems (CMS). The findings of this study may help administrators understand students' perceptions of a CMS m-learning application, Blackboard Mobile Learn (BML). This m-learning application is available on mobile devices, such as the iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone, Android, and Blackberry smartphones. The purpose of this quantitative survey study was to explore the linear relationship between the independent variables of students' perceptions of usefulness and students' perceptions of ease of use with the dependent variable of the students' intent to use BML. The technology acceptance model (TAM) provided the theoretical framework. The study was a survey-based cross-sectional design in which 98 students from 2 community colleges were polled. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that students' perceptions of usefulness and students' perceptions of ease of use were both significantly and positively related to students' intent to use BML. The results of t tests for population means where the variances are unknown confirmed the students' intent to use many of the specific functions of BML: Announcements, Information, Contacts, and My Grades. The findings were inconclusive for Discussions, Assignments, and Course Documents. This study is significant in that it provides college administrators and faculty with supportive data, giving students a new educational platform: mobile learning. The key positive social change provided is a CMS m-learning solution for students to be lifelong learners.

In libraries around the world there are people asking librarians for research assistance. As technology has advanced and communication strategies have moved outside the physical library buildings, librarians now respond to reference queries online. This study analyzed two forms of virtual reference; instant messaging (IM) and log-in chat. The purpose of this study was to find out if there is any inherent difference between the way the patrons or the librarians used these two virtual services.

An exploratory research design focused on numerous aspects of virtual reference communication. During the spring terms of academic years 2011 and 2012 at a community college, 1,341 transcripts of IM and log-in chat sessions were recorded. Using a systematic sampling process, 320 transcripts were sampled and their content analyzed.

Findings indicate that a length of the transaction significantly affected the outcome of all transactions. Log-in chats were generally longer than IM chats and it was found that; they were more complicated, the librarians were more responsive and friendly, patrons were more satisfied and the librarian was generally able to conduct a reference interview more often. Additionally the findings indicated that both IM and log-in chat were very similar in three aspect; patron formality, completeness/accuracy of the librarians' answer and the reference interview adding/changing or clarifying the patrons question.

There were four major conclusions of this study: The log-in chat portal had longer online reference transactions and better overall outcomes; instant messaging portal queries, although similar in many aspects to log-in chat, were ultimately treated in a less formal manner by patrons; librarians gave reference interviews and complete/accurate answers equally in both platforms and there were similar overall success rates in both platforms.

Based on the findings in this study it is recommended that academic libraries serving a general population of students use both the IM and log-in chat portals on their library websites. Patrons appear to appears to be using each portal for different and equally important reasons. Further study of virtual communications practices is needed to enhance the findings of this study as more institutions expand their patron base beyond those who can physically meet with a reference librarian.

Digital games and simulations are receiving considerable notice within the Library and Information Science (LIS) community. This study adds to the depth of knowledge in this area by providing research on the likelihood a hypothetical digital game delivery method for library instruction achieves sufficient adoption to justify its development. Furthermore, this knowledge will assist decision making processes for individuals debating the current or potential role of digital gaming at their institutions. In this mixed methods study, over 300 undergraduates were surveyed about their technology preferences, including digital gaming, for delivery of two forms of academic library instruction. The two forms of library instruction were (a) providing users with spatial information on physical library layout, and (b) educating users on information literacy topics and skills. Observational data was collected during the survey sessions, occurring at face-to-face library instruction sessions. Self-selected survey participants were also interviewed to further probe their survey responses. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations was the theoretical foundation to this research. The primary innovation of study was the digital game delivery method. Detailed analysis of the survey-based data set included three nonparametric scaling methods: 1) rank-sum scaling; 2) circular triad analysis; and 3) multidimensional preference mapping. Content analysis of the observations and semi-structured interviews also occurred. Major outcomes were 1) the digital game delivery method achieved mediocre preference across both questions; 2) the audiovisual delivery method received the highest overall preference ranking; and 3) overall preference for the audio-only delivery method was remarkably low. The most important theme across the observational data was the participants' waning attention during the face-to-face library instruction sessions. The most important outcome from the semi-structured interviews was interviewees' stated appreciation for useful technologies. Over 95% of participants were so-called digital natives, that is, born post-1980. Rogers' assertion that age plays a minor role in predicting technology adoption appears warranted, since the more innovative digital game delivery method achieved mediocre overall preference.

Using a case study approach this study investigated how college students in Vlore, Albania seek and use information resources for academic and personal needs and whether they follow a pattern similar to Brenda Dervin's sense-making, or Marcia Bates' berry-picking information seeking models. Influencing factors studied were economic factors, information communication technologies and information culture/policy. A literature review showed that no previous published research has studied information seeking behavior of college age students and faculty in Albania. Thirty-four college students and two full time faculty completed a survey and a smaller group were interviewed. The results of the study indicate that Google is the main source for seeking information for both academic and personal purposes. College students are not introduced or taught on how to evaluate information sources. The information communication technology needs improvement to support information needs. The library as a major information resource was not apparent to most students. College students utilize berry-picking as the information seeking model and faculty use sense-making, as a model of information seeking. This study adds to the knowledge of the information seeking behavior of college students in a developing country, the need for information literacy courses at the university level, and the identification of additional areas of research regarding information communication technologies, information policy, and literacy for developing countries.

The aim of the research project is to investigate the effectiveness of an information literacy intervention for first year engineering students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Information literacy has been identified as a necessary outcome of tertiary education. It refers to the life-long learning competencies of finding and using information in order to solve problems, to make decisions and to create new knowledge. Information literacy education has evolved from earlier forms of library user education, such as bibliographic instruction, and is central to the mission of academic libraries. However, librarians responsible for information literacy programmes seldom evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions. In today&rsquo
s climate of accountability and outcomes-based education, it is necessary to provide evidence of the benefits of the user education that libraries provide. The researcher uses the American College and Research Library (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education, which are internationally recognized and widely used by South African academic librarians, as a benchmark to evaluate an intervention for a group of first year students enrolled for a mechanical engineering course. The intervention consists of two workshops which aim to teach the students to find information relevant to their essays via the university&rsquo
s OPAC, various engineering databases and to teach them how to reference and cite their sources in their essays. The research methodology assessed students&rsquo
information literacy before and after the two workshops with the use of a questionnaire consisting of a set of questions based on some of the ACRL standards. The questionnaire also gathered data on students&rsquo
prior experience of libraries, reading and computers, which might impact on their information literacy...

The research problem for this study is focused on the need to know how students acquire and use information. Research indicates a lack of understanding of what students know about information and how they use information and this study used the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education (Appendix A) as the basis for acquiring a better understanding of what kind of information freshman students at Virginia Tech need and how they acquire it during their first semester at college. Students were asked questions about their information use during fall semester 2000, using both email questioning and in face-to-face interviews. The data collected was used to develop insights into how students acquire and use information and resulted in suggestions that could be used in revising and improving instruction for freshman students that is provided by the University Libraries at Virginia Tech.
Ph. D.

The purpose of this multi-case study was to describe how library deans and directors at large comprehensive community colleges strategically advocate for and support instructional and technological innovation despite the reality of limited resources and the stress caused by recurring funding crises in higher education. It further sought to examine how directors articulate the role of the library at the institution, prioritize support for new initiatives, and provide meaningful professional development opportunities for librarians and library staff members involved in the development of new innovative instructional and technological initiatives. The following foundational questions guided the research: (a) How do library directors strategically prioritize support for new library initiatives involving instructional and technological innovation despite funding instability, limited resources, and increased demand for library services? (b) How do library directors provide meaningful learning opportunities for librarians and library staff members who are involved in creating innovative services or programs? The focus of the study was comprehensive community colleges in the very large 2-year (VL2) size and setting category of the Carnegie Classifications. It included a preliminary survey to verify the importance of issues, recruit participants, and conduct interviews with six library directors. Although participant directors worked at large community colleges, there were structural organizational differences between institutions. Organizational structures were (a) multi-campus district/multiple libraries/one director; (b) multi-campus district/multiple libraries/one director per library; and (c) one campus/one library/one director. Four of the participants had the title dean, and two were classified as directors. The majority of the librarians at the colleges had some form of faculty status, and four of the six colleges were unionized. In all cases, regardless of organizational status, the reference librarians had instructional duties. The study indicated that the library directors were involved in various types of strategic planning including library-related, campus-specific, institutional, consortial, and state-level efforts. Directors, librarians, and staff members used a number of methods to share information with and get input from institutional partners. The directors reported that they also spent time responding to and participating in change due to State-mandates. The findings indicated that the directors were focused on providing support for initiatives involving instructional and technological innovation. Librarians at all colleges in the study were heavily involved in instruction. The directors spoke of the need to provide learning opportunities for librarians and staff members in order to keep up with the fast pace of change in librarianship and the educational arena. Funding was by far the most significant challenge, but all libraries in the study made training a priority. The results of this research provided insight about high-impact practices in library-related strategic planning and organizational learning and identified areas in need of additional research.
Graduation date: 2012

碩士
臺北市立師範學院
國民教育研究所
91
Information Seeking Behavior and Library Use by Technical College Students:A Case Study of De Lin Institute of Technology Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the reasons of technical and vocational college’s students’ information needs, information seeking behavior, campus library use along with their degree of satisfaction and suggestions for the library.It was hoped that those suggestions would assist for future policy planning and service. The research was based on literature review and quantitative analyses with comprehensive questionnaires. The subjects were seniors in De Lin Institute of Technology, from two-year, four-year and five-year programs. A total of 1369 valid questionnaires were collected. Data analyses were done through frequency distribution and percentage analyses, and the followings were the concluding results: 1.Students’ purposes for information needs and library use were resulted from teacher-assigned references or handing in reports or homework. 2.Students’ most frequent information type was the internet resources. 3.Students’ most frequent information seeking channel was to collect information through the internet. 4.Students’ major information search was through library’s major catalogue system. 5.Students were concerned about information accuracy when they did the search. 6.During information search, students encountered major difficulty in getting the most updated information; they also lacked of search tips in electronic resources; and they didn’t know which database was applicable when they searched for one. 7.Students’ major information search relied on libraries outside campus. 8.About 70% of students were capable of library use, and 50% of students visited the library once or twice each semester. 9.The main purpose for students’ library use was to look for references assigned by teachers or information they needed for research and homework. 10.Students’ major activities at the library were to check out and return books, and that was also the most frequent service they received from the library. 11.Over 50% of students were able to use electronic resources in the library. 12.About 19% of students were capable of using the library database. 13.As for degree of satisfaction toward the library, over 50% of students chose “fair”, 18% feel satisfied. Students’ suggestions for library improvement were more computers and internet facilities. 14.Students hoped to be informed of new services through posters or flyers. Based on the findings of the research, further suggestions would be provided for both the library and future researchers. Key words: information seeking behavior, library use.

The purpose of this study was to deternine the use and application of information communication technologies (ICTs) by the library workers of the University of Botswana Library. ICTs play an important role in a library environment because they enable libraries to be accessed rapidly as well as increasing the range, relevance and accessibility of information provided by the libraries. ICTs are therefore important for supporting the library workers in their everyday roles. This research was done with a view to propose recommendations which may enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of University of Botswana Library workers in facilitating timely, relevant, accurate and reliable access to information for the library users through the utilisation of ICTs. The population of the research was the University of Botswana Library and its branches namely the Faculty of Engineering Library in Gaborone, the Centre for Continuing Education Branch in Francistown and the Harry Oppenheimer Branch in Maun. Primary and secondary sources of data were used to meet the objectives of the study. The research was done using a self-administered questionnaire, observation and interviews. The response rate was 67 (86.36 %) out of a population of 88. The data collected for this study identified that the University of Botswana Library workers had limitations on the use and application of ICTs as well as varying levels of skills and knowledge on their utilisation. The library workers lack ICT skills because they are only trained for specific routine tasks. In addition, some workers do not have enthusiasm to learn on their own.
Thesis (MIS.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

碩士
國立中興大學
圖書資訊學研究所
92
The library instruction (LI) not only aims at making students familiarized themselves with the library resources, equipments and services but also at training students on information literacy. Faculty wields significant influence over students’ use of the libraries. Their attitudes also possess the key factor in the successful implementation of LI. This research explores the vocational college and institute faculty’s viewpoints about LI, which could be a valuable reference for future LI.. The research surveyed the faculty of National Kaoshiung Institute of Marine Technology (NKIMT). The researcher adopted questionnaire method and interview techniques. 170 copies of questionnaire were distributed, 162 copies returned (return rate 95.3%). Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) and Excel using frequency distribution, Chi-square and cross analysis. The research revealed that most faculty emphasized the importance of training students of self-studying capability through LI. Several factors affect the implementation of LI: the faculty’s library experience and publishing activities, the help from library resources, and the service/propagation of the library. Moreover, faculty’s library experiences will influence students’ learning attitudes. The best timing for conducting LI is perceived the freshmen’s first semester. The coverage of LI should be extensive. Faculty and librarians have to cooperate and plan together for the implementation of LI. The thesis reached the following conclusions: 1) to expand the library’s resources and equipments, offer a flawless network service, 2) to strengthen the implementing modes/contents of LI, 3) to do active propagation and marketing to seek supports from the faculty, 4) to invite faculty to participate LI planning, 5) to ascertain the evaluation task of LI, 6) to provide LI for faculty, 7) to integrate information literacy into the course, 8) to master the characteristics of academic field, scheme the academic-featured utilizing education.

碩士
銘傳大學
觀光研究所碩士在職專班
95
Collage library represents a unit of service, and is also a source of knowledge. It provides an individual space for all students and faculties to gain knowledge. Taking the tourism-related students from the Ming Chuan University (The MCU represents a comprehensive university) and the Kinmen Institute of Technology (The KMIT stands for a technical collage) for Examples, this study tries to understand the demands of library services and the behavior of information seeking between two groups from the aspects of courses’ requirements, gender, and educational background. Moreover, the analysis results serve as an improvement guideline for libraries to tailor its services to the user needs, and enhance the library functions in the digital era. This research chose tourism-related students from the MCU and the KIT as studying groups, and 381 effective questionnaires were collected. The SPSS, statistical software, was then utilized to do the next analysis. Finally, the conclusion was made as follows: 1. Understanding the use of libraries by the two groups of students from the MCU and the KMIT respectively. 2. Analyzing the differences of library using between the above two groups from the perspective of collage location (The MTU is located on Taiwan island, and the KMIT is on Kinmen island). 3. Understanding the demands of collage libraries for tourism-related students. Students from the MCU and the KIMT express specific demands and describe different services that need to be improved because of their educational backgrounds and school systems.In addition, the research analyzes the factor of gender to understand the demands of libraries, the purposes of libraries using, the wishing list of purchases, and the activities in order to increase the attending percentage.All of them vary by the viewpoints and fondness of male and female.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Master of Technology Degree in Library and Information Studies in the Department of Information and Corporate Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2008.
This study investigated the job functions of university and university of technology graduates and diplomates in the staff structures of special libraries and engineering firms in KwaZulu-Natal. The objective of the study was to draw on possible trends and best practices in the latter for the Library and Information Services (LIS) work environment, as engineering like LIS draws its personnel from both traditional universities and universities of technology (UoT). Hence, the main target population for the study was university and UoT graduates and diplomates in special libraries and engineering firms in KZN. Graduates and diplomates were chosen for inclusion in the study using a census because of the smallness of the staff complements in these organizations. Two sets of self-administered questionnaires were distributed, one to graduates/diplomates and the other to employers in the selected organizations. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings of the study revealed inconsistencies with the National Diploma: Library and Information Studies (ND: LIS) where these diplomates occupy paraprofessional as well as professional positions in special libraries whilst engineering graduates and diplomates tend to occupy job titles according to their highest academic qualifications. In both special libraries as well as in the engineering environment there is much task overlap and downshifting of job functions between paraprofessional and professional university and UoT graduates and diplomates. This study has revealed a valuable best practice from the engineering discipline for the LIS profession, which is that of professional registration. Professional registration of engineering staff with the Engineering Council of South Africa is a statutory requirement in the engineering profession and allows for the growth and development of those in the profession. It is recommended that the LIS profession, and the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) specifically, investigate a mechanism for professional registration of library and information workers.

The purpose of the study was to investigate students’ perceptions of the role of the library in their studies. A positivist research paradigm was employed and quantitative and qualitative research approaches were followed. The research design was a case study. Three sampling methods were used in the study. To obtain a sample of the students, stratified random sampling and systematic sampling were applied. In the case of the library staff, purposive sampling was used. Data was collected from students and a limited number of library staff using questionnaires and interview schedules respectively. The latter was for the purpose of validating and collecting complete data from students.The findings of the study revealed that students at TUT, PC have positive perceptions of the library and are satisfied with library services. The findings of the study further revealed that students find the library to be user-friendly and they use the library to borrow materials, read their own notes and books, access the internet and study. Factors, such as opening and closing hours, a conducive environment for studying, and knowledge of the library staff helps the library to contribute to students’ achievement outcomes. Moreover, the findings reveal that lack of resources, non-attendance of information literacy programmes by students, a lack of research support, and an inadequate infrastructure hinder the library’s contribution to students’ achievement outcomes. The research recommends that there should be a credit-bearing and compulsory information literacy programme offered as part of the curriculum at all levels of study at TUT, PC. Furthermore, library staff need to engage and interact well with students in order to better meet the needs of individual students. They should have continuous engagement with students and notify them about important events within the library.
Information Science
M.A. (Information Science)
1 online resource (xii, 94 leaves) ; color charts

The study is based on the assumption that there is an underutilisation of ICT resources in the university libraries of KwaZulu-Natal amongst subject librarians due to a lack of appropriate ICT knowledge and skills. The subject librarian's role has changed rapidly in recent years, in response to new forms of information and new methods of teaching and learning. Therefore, for subject librarians to perform their roles effectively and efficiently in such a demanding electronic environment they will need the necessary ICT knowledge and skills, that is, they will have to be computer literate. Also, the explosion of electronic information requires subject librarians to continuously update their knowledge and skills. A study population consisting of 43 subject librarians, in the university libraries of the Universities of Durban-Westville, Natal (Durban and Pietermaritzburg), and Zululand were surveyed by means of a mailed questionnaire to establish in what ways the subject librarians were using ICT, what the level of lCT knowledge and skill was amongst the subject librarians, what the ICT education and staff training and development needs were amongst the subject librarians and what problems the subject librarians faced in the use of ICT. A total of 3l subject librarians (representing 72.1 %) responded. Results were analysed in terms of frequency of responses. Results are graphically displayed in the form of pie charts and tables. Interpretation of the results reveals a low level of lCT knowledge and skill amongst subject librarians and a general lack of formal training for ICT amongst the subject librarians. Problems experienced by subject librarians were the result of a lack of ICT knowledge and skills and training. Recommendations for lCT education and staff training and development are made in light of the results of the survey and the literature review.
Thesis (M.I.S)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.