EVOLUTION OF THE PROJECT
ILS
680 Evaluation & Research - In compiling this portfolio, it has not always been
easy to decide which competency each project best illustrates. As with projects in the real world, most
required skill in more than one area.
The capstone project, as the most comprehensive one, certainly
illustrates multiple concept areas. Although I often used the Internet for research, and multiple online library catalogs to find materials before entering the Southern Connecticut State University’s (SCSU) Master of Library Science (MLS) program, I have to admit that I was unaware of the amazing access to electronic databases that is a part of today's library websites. This deficiency was soon remedied by required coursework, beginning in ILS 501, but the thought that my lack of knowledge might in fact mirrored in a large portion of patron populations created a kernal of concern that was to evolve into the focus of this research project. An informal inquiry of family, friends,and acquaintances, all well-educated public library users, indicated that those in my age bracket were totally ignorant of subscription databases, and although young adults like my children knew about ones like ProQuest from their secondary school libraries, they were unaware if the public libraries had that
kind of resource, and felt no need to find out. This impression, formed early in my MLS tenure was only reinforced more recently when I spent three months working in small branch libraries. It seemed that any recommendation I made to a database within a reference interview met with lack of awareness of those library resources on the part of the patron, regardless of age.
There is already some integration of electronic
databases into at least academic library online catalogs like the one at the
University of Washington. Although this
trend might eventually take care of the need to separately promote these
resources, immersion in information science literature that began in my first
MLS class and continued through the program revealed concerns that both the
public and funding government institutions might view public libraries as
outmoded in the Information Age. It
seemed to me that libraries were missing the opportunity to promote themselves
as a portal for online research, or at least not doing so effectively.
Before determining what action if any is indicated
by a lack of patron knowledge of these resources, one must first empirically
establish that the lack of knowledge exists.
Past research indicates that students in post-secondary academic
institutions exhibit some lack of skill in online catalogs, and considerable
lack of knowledge and skill in regards to subscription databases. My capstone project initiates an attempt to
extend this research into patron use of online catalogs and subscription
databases in public libraries.
The project began with a thorough review of the
literature; my ability to do this greatly enhanced by reference skill training
and practice in multiple MLS courses.
With an undergraduate degree in psychology, I entered the program with
some experience in applying evaluation skills to research, but their
application to the field of information science was honed in most classes,
particularly ILS 680 Evaluation & Research. These experiences were equally important in giving me the ability
to create a research design to assess the current level of skill and knowledge
of public library online resources by surveying both professional and patron
populations.
My interest in instruction and collaboration with
the schools intensified in several classes and certainly played a part in my
choice of topic and the possible solutions I propose. My cataloging class and the study of indexing in reference
classes made me painfully aware that catalogs and indexes full of
inconsistencies in professional practice used by patrons relatively unaware of
their language and structure would often result in searches revealing only a
small portion, if any, of the material available on any given subject with
patrons remaining unaware of the problem.
This dichotomy is revealed in my research. Patrons express confidence in their catalog use while certain
survey questions reveal significant weaknesses in their knowledge.
I entered the SCSU Master of Science program with
the intention of going into children’s or youth services. This remains the case, and during the course
of my SCSU career I have become increasingly concerned with the relatively low level
of service provided to young adults, a significant portion of public library
patron populations, and the basis of future support. Although the overall problem that forms the
focus of my research extends to all patrons, I believe the answer may lie in
collaborative instruction that would necessitate increased service to this age
group. A deeper understanding of how specific courses and the projects required
in them contributed to the the evolution of my knowledge of information science
concepts and skills can be obtained by following the competency links on the
homepage.
The specifics of my research are
summarized in the title and abstract below, and fully presented in pages
accessed through the link that follows.
Does Existent
School Media Center Instruction
Result in
Young Adults Who Use Public Library Online Resources?
Investigator: Kathryn J. Pierce,
MLS student SCSU
Numerous
studies undertaken in academic libraries find moderate to severe deficiencies
in skills needed for online catalog and subscription database use. This pilot
study begins an examination of that problem as it applies to public library
resources. Subjects include school
media staff (n=6), staff in nearby branches (n=10), and young adult library
patrons aged 18-22 (n=20) recruited using accidental survey techniques. Findings are 1) that catalog and database
instruction is reported in all schools, but only 25% of the young adults
remember receiving such instruction; 2) Eighty-five percent of young adults
expressed confidence in their ability to use any online library catalog, but
reveal some deficiencies; and 3) Although 25% reported using a school database
at least once, 100% of the young adults did not know that the public library
offered electronic databases. Additional promotion and instruction is
indicated, and to be effective it may need to be a cooperative integrated
effort.