| Cooperation between different types of libraries is deeply rooted in librarianship. As a means of increasing information access and providing better service for their patrons, libraries sought to strengthen cooperative ventures. Librarian attitudes are cited in the literature as barriers to network participation. Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Programs advocates participation of school library media centers in library networking, but little research has been done to explore the contributions of school library media centers in multitype library networks. Studies conducted that examine school library participation in networking have not been validated with replication or further study.;In 1982, Ann Weeks conducted a study of the attitudes of school library media specialists in New York State concerning multitype library networking and technology. This study replicates Weeks's study as well as examines the question of the effect of the length of participation in networks on the attitudes of building level school library media specialists in New York toward networking and technology. The relationship between attitudes toward networking and technology and the factors of network participation, years of experience, level of education, type of school assignment, degree of professional organization involvement, participation in continuing education opportunities, services provided by the network, and technologies available in the library is explored.;A four-part questionnaire was distributed to 3,885 building-level school library media specialists in New York State and responses were received from 1,542 or 39.7 percent. Statistical data analysis indicated extremely positive support for networking and using technology by the respondents; length of participation in a network has no effect on attitudes toward the concept; and concepts of networking and technology are so interrelated they cannot be studied separately. An analysis of respondents' written comments expressed dissatisfaction in the areas of technical, financial, and human support, suggesting a gap between attitudes and practice. School assignment, school location, continuing education, professional organization involvement, and available technologies were found significantly correlated to attitudes toward networking and technology. Respondents rated inter-library loan and delivery as the most important networking services. There are no major differences between the two studies except for the relationship between technology and networking. |
