Public access to CD-ROM technology in New Zealand public libraries : a research report

Abstract

The report describes research carried out to explore the nature and extent of use of CD-ROM technology by New Zealand public libraries, including the diffusion of that technology, along with views of librarians on provision of CD-ROM services. The study used a questionnaire sent to all New Zealand public libraries to gather data, and found that just over 73% offer public access or will be offering public access in the next 12 months to CD-ROM workstations. CD-ROM technology is usually installed in a library's reference section first, to provide the best public access, some instruction is usually available, and the public access is promoted primarily by word of mouth.