| While much has been written about the computer and its importance to the special library, it sometimes is difficult to define the structure of the use of computers or information technology (IT) in libraries. The literature has been for the most part descriptive in nature, rather than research-based. There is no model describing computer use in special libraries, nor differences between special libraries according to use or non-use of information technology. This research has been an attempt to define such a model.;In order to determine the relationship of the library to the parent organization, respondents were asked to which division within the organization the library belonged; reporting levels between library, division head and organization head; and major library users. They were asked to describe the library staff by gender and by level of staff, whether professional or non-professional. Responses were used to describe the differences between libraries using and not using information technology. The research did not find major differences between the two types of libraries.;Libraries using information technology were asked for number and types of equipment used by all library staff, and applications for which the technology was used. Approximately half were using only one type of technology, either dedicated terminals or standalone computers (PCs or microcomputers); approximately half were using two or more types of technology, including dedicated terminals, standalone computers, local area networks, optical disks, and facsimile. Major applications included online searching, word processing, library databases, online cataloging, and interlibrary loan.;Professional staff needed more often to be able to use software packages; non-professionals needed more often to be able to perform keyboarding or data entry. While skills may have been required at time of hire, staff often were provided access to training opportunities.;A survey questionnaire was sent to 147 special libraries in Western Pennsylvania. Respondents were divided into two groups: those using and those not using information technology. The groups then were compared in two areas: relationship of library to parent organization, and staff. Libraries using technology were described more fully in terms of their use of technology. |
