Digital resources in dlr Libraries: their awareness and usage amongst library users
Authors
Mangan, John
Issue Date
2017
Degree
MSc Information and Library Management
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
There is little research in the field on the digital resources of public libraries in Ireland. This dissertation seeks to examine these resources in the context of one public library authority, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Libraries. It investigates the level of awareness of the service amongst library users, the level of usage of the service, the level of satisfaction that users have of the service and the demographics of the users of the service. Primary data for the research was collected by means of a self-completed questionnaire that was distributed online, via the library’s e-bulletin and social media accounts as well as physically in dlr Library’s eight branches. A total of 107 responses were obtained. Results of the questionnaire showed a high awareness of the services amongst library users and a relatively high usage. Younger library users utilised the service the most with usage being less common amongst older users. Users of the service were largely satisfied with it, the most dissatisfaction coming from cumbersome account setup procedures. The dissertation showed that better promotion of the digital resources in public libraries should lead to an increase in usage, particularly amongst younger library users, and that that there is a demand for instruction classes amongst older library users on how to use the service.