Your request is in the mail : an investigation into client preferences for the provision of distance library service

Abstract

This study investigates client preferences for distance library services, by surveying Open Learning Students enrolled in the Masters of Library and Information Studies programme at Victoria University of Wellington. A written questionnaire was developed and posted to all 75 students, and returned by 53 of them, representing a 71% response rate. A mixture of open and closed questions were used to establish use of current services, levels of satisfaction, reactions to potential services and general feelings about distance library services. Findings included: high levels of Internet access among students: significant use of other libraries: greater use of catalogue and database access and article supply, than of book supply and reference services.