An open source library system and public library users: Finding and using library collections

Submitted by mlb78 on Fri, 09/16/2016 - 17:23
TitleAn open source library system and public library users: Finding and using library collections
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsChen, Hsin-liang, and Albee, Barbara
JournalLibrary & Information Science Research
Volume34
Issue3
Pagination220-227
ISSN Number0740-8188, 0740-8188
Keywordslibrary
AbstractLarge-scale open-source library automation systems can increase efficiencies in bibliographic production. The implementation of such a system, Evergreen, was examined in order to ascertain whether it facilitated detection and use of library collections in Indiana public libraries. Three hundred forty-nine participants recruited from nine public libraries completed user surveys. Additionally, library server data about interlibrary loan (ILL) statistics were collected from participating libraries on a monthly basis. The self-reported user survey included questions about patron history at local public libraries, use of the previous Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs), and use of the Evergreen OPAC for finding and accessing multiple library collections since library users could directly request interlibrary loans via the Evergreen OPAC. The findings indicate that the implementation of the Indiana Evergreen system received moderately positive ratings from the participants; the positive evaluation was primarily related to the use of the ILL function. The ILL service satisfied the participants' needs and motivated them to use the Evergreen OPAC. Benefits for Evergreen users were confirmed.
NotesThis study examined the benefits of Indiana Evergreen OPAC, an open source system, to users with a focus on the multi-library collections accessibility. Nine Indiana public libraries participated in the investigation and library users' finding and accessing library collections in Evergreen system were examined. Results showed that three-quarters (74.5%) of participants reported that they used the Evergreen OPAC occasionally or more than the previous OPAC. In particular, the longer they had used the local library and the previous OPAC, the more likely these participants would use the Evergreen OPAC. Moreover, participants searched author names or titles more than they searched keywords or subjects, suggesting that they were more often searching for holdings of already-known items. Additionally, research found that the remarkable library service behavioral changes included borrowing more frequently from other libraries, placing more holds, and easier to find materials.
URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740818812000321
DOI10.1016/j.lisr.2011.12.001