MA-dissertation-1994-Blake.pdf (2.82 MB)
An analysis of enquiries asked at selected public and special libraries in the UK
educational resource
posted on 2012-09-13, 13:10 authored by Naomi J. BlakeThis research set out to monitor the information activities
of selected public and special libraries in the UK. An
independent researcher collected enquiry data at seven
different information services (two public reference
libraries, two public lending libraries, a tourist
information centre and two special libraries). This data
was then categorised according to length of answer, mode of
enquiring, type of enquiry and subject of enquiry. The
sources used in answering and their formats were also
examined. Results for each case study were considered
separately. Across library comparisons could be made too,
as the data was collected in a consistent manner. This is
unlike the statistics kept by individual libraries.
Findings were that the special libraries had longer
enquiries and received more by telephone, fax and letter
than the public libraries. Furthermore, they made the most
use of computerised sources. Business and commerce
enquiries were most frequently asked at the public
reference libraries. Answering community information and
children's enquiries were common tasks at the public
lending libraries. Minimal overlap occurred in the
provision of tourist information. Finally, it was observed
that many directional and administrative enquiries were
asked at the various cases studied.
History
School
- Science
Department
- Information Science
Publisher
© N.J. BlakePublication date
1994Notes
A Master's Dissertation, submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Arts degree of Loughborough University.Language
- en
Qualification name
- MA
Qualification level
- Masters