Die kontemporêre gebruik van enkele gedrukte en elektroniese naslaanbronne in akademiese biblioteke
Abstract
Aim of the study: The value of information in printed sources became of importance with
the publishing of the same information in electronic sources. The purpose of this study is to
investigate the frequency of holdings and use of printed and electronic reference sources in
academic libraries in South Africa to determine the value of each format.
Research method: A literature study was conducted to establish the nature and value of
printed information and the development thereof into electronic reference sources. A
questionnaire was used to obtain reliable information with regard to the printed and electronic
holdings of academic libraries. The frequency with which information librarians make use of
these different formats of information was also determined.
Core findings: Printed encyclopedias, dictionaries, ready-reference sources and periodical
indexes are particularly useful because of the alphabetical compilation of the text, which ensures
easy and quick information retrieval. Although electronic reference sources offer additional
improved search techniques, the printed format can still be the most accessible source for
information retrieval in certain circumstances. All the academic libraries that responded to the
questionnaire have printed encyclopedias and dictionaries as part of their holdings. A total of
98% have printed ready-reference sources and 86% have periodical indexes as part of their
holdings. About 80% of the libraries have electronic periodical indexes in their holdings, but only
about 40% of them possess electronic encyclopedias and dictionaries. Electronic readyreference
sources are part of only a few academic libraries' holdings, since much information of
this kind is published on Internet. Encyclopedias and dictionaries in printed format and periodical
indexes in electronic format are most commonly used. Almost the same number of librarians
make use of the printed and electronic ready-reference sources. Printed information sources still
have value and are not excluded from being used by the electronic formats. Therefore academic
libraries should include both formats as part of their holdings
Collections
- Humanities [2644]
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