The public library as seen by the non-users

Fernández-Ardèvol, Mireia; Ferrán-Ferrer, Núria; Nieto-Arroyo, Javier; Fenoll, Carme

doi:10.3145/epi.2018.may.19

Cited by 10 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 18 publications

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“…The attempts to understand this problem area has led to categorizations of non-users and of the reasons for non-use (Fernández-Ardèvol et al , 2018; Lubans, 1971; Wyatt et al , 2002). Other authors (Figueiredo, 1983; Totterdell and Bird, 1976) suggest actions the library should take to avoid non-use.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

A study of non-users of digital libraries: the case of the Capes digital library in Brazil

Fernandes

Cendón

2021

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the reasons that hinder the use of digital libraries. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzed data obtained through a web survey sent to 14,763 faculty members in Brazilian universities. Of the 6,689 respondents, 1,075 (16.1%) reported not using the Capes digital library and 1,017 answered the questionnaire for non-users. Findings Results showed that the main reasons for non-use are lack of knowledge of the existence of the Capes digital library, use of other resources, preference for printed journals and difficulty of access. Eight factors of non-use were elicited: insufficient dissemination, inadequacies in contents, in infrastructure, in access policy, in training and in the interface, personal constraints and personal attitude. The reasons and factors for non-use were categorized as intrinsic and extrinsic to the digital library. Intrinsic reasons relate to characteristics of the Capes digital library. Extrinsic factors are influenced by user characteristics. The chi-square test demonstrated that the variables: area of knowledge, age, hours dedicated to research and computer skills influence non-use. Originality/value This study has contributed to research about non-users of digital libraries, differing from previous research by surveying a large-scale population and by investigating in a single work the reasons for non-use, other electronic sources used by non-users, advantages of using the digital library and intention of non-users to become users if barriers were removed. Qualitative data complemented the quantitative data collected which allowed a more complete picture of the respondent’s positions.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%