E-journal access and training online : a content analysis of New Zealand academic library web sites

Abstract

This is a small-scale study conducted for the purpose of collecting quantitative data on the frequency and methods used by New Zealand academic library Web sites, to provide access to and user training for their electronic journal collections, in addition to the frequency of providing access to and user training for electronic databases. Libraries were categorized by the type of educational institute assigned to their parent institution. A review of related literature provided a basis on which to model the research design and methodology of the current study, as well as a comparison on which to evaluate the results. Content analysis was used to collect data from library Web sites over a one month period. This data was recorded onto an Excel spreadsheet, analysed using descriptive statistics, and presented as frequencies on tables, and percentages on bar graphs and pie charts. The aim of this research was to fill a gap identified in the current literature regarding the provision of electronic journals and user training in New Zealand academic libraries, and in doing so, provide empirical data on which future studies could be based for comparative and evaluative purposes.