ERIC Number: EJ941409
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Jul
Pages: 34
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1547-500X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Factors Influencing Virtual Patron Satisfaction with Online Library Resources and Services
Tyler, Katherine; Hastings, Nancy B.
Journal of Educators Online, v8 n2 Jul 2011
College students are accessing virtual libraries whether they are on campus or learning from a distance. Academic institutions serving virtual patrons must remain focused on meeting the needs of those library users by continually examining their preferences, their searching behavior, and the information they seek. The purpose of this research was to determine if virtual patrons are satisfied with the resources and services being provided by a university's online library. Following a web-based survey, demographic characteristics of students were analyzed to determine if any influenced students' satisfaction. Using analysis of variance, correlation, and descriptive statistics, several demographic factors were found to influence student satisfaction with the library's online resources: age, gender, achieved educational level, student status, and computer experience. One factor, computer experience, was found to influence student satisfaction with the library's online services. Overall, students reported satisfaction with the university's online library resources and services. Comments submitted to open-ended questions regarding areas for improvement to the online library provide library administrators with avenues for development to increase awareness of library services, focus improvement in navigation, and enhance student satisfaction. (Contains 10 tables and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Electronic Libraries, Academic Libraries, Statistical Analysis, Library Services, Student Characteristics, College Students, Student Attitudes, Correlation, Educational Attainment, Age, Gender Differences, Computer Literacy
Journal of Educators Online. 500 University Drive, Dothan, AL 36303. Web site: http://www.thejeo.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: Media Staff; Administrators
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A