Veronica Harry and Charles Oppenheim
The popularity of CDROM is due to a number of factors: they are versatile; large amounts of data can be held in a variety of formats; access to information is fast and a variety…
Abstract
The popularity of CDROM is due to a number of factors: they are versatile; large amounts of data can be held in a variety of formats; access to information is fast and a variety of user‐friendly search options is offered; and end‐users can use a CDROM with little or no instruction. From the point of view of the library or information service, they can save costs compared to online services both for bills and the need to provide intermediary assistance when online services are used. They are, of course, also space‐saving when compared with their print‐based alternatives. Gunn & Moore (1990) and Oppenheim (1993) provide helpful background on the benefits of CDROM to libraries, and issues that the new medium raises.
Charles Oppenheim and Veronica Harry
In an earlier paper (Harry & Oppenheim 1993), we described the criteria that we had developed for a standard test procedure for CDROM reviews. In this paper, we describe some…
Abstract
In an earlier paper (Harry & Oppenheim 1993), we described the criteria that we had developed for a standard test procedure for CDROM reviews. In this paper, we describe some evaluations we carried out using the criteria laid out on standard test forms. The purpose of these evaluations was to assess the validity of the criteria and the test forms. Appraisals of products were carried out on CDROM products available in the Library of Strathclyde University.
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Changing access. The scene for the session was set by a paper presented by Harry East of the Centre for Communication and Information Studies (CCIS), University of Westminster…
Abstract
Changing access. The scene for the session was set by a paper presented by Harry East of the Centre for Communication and Information Studies (CCIS), University of Westminster, UK, which had been co‐authored with his colleague Yvette Tilson. This brought together material from the past five years of a continuing study about information access within the academic sector. The sampling panel comprised the same 15 academic institutions throughout the 1988–92 survey period.
Over the past four years Sultan Qaboos University Library in Oman has increased its CD‐ROM collection to 10 databases. It quickly became apparent to both staff and end users that…
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Over the past four years Sultan Qaboos University Library in Oman has increased its CD‐ROM collection to 10 databases. It quickly became apparent to both staff and end users that discs varied in quality. This paper provides examples of inconsistencies in thesaural control, indexing policies, spelling mistakes, mistyping and hyphenation in various CD‐ROM databases. Differences between some CD‐ROM databases and their printed and online counterparts are also given. Also the limitations of the search software on some CD‐ROM products are highlighted. Few product reviews include comments on all these shortcomings although their effects can have significant impact on search results.
As CD‐ROM becomes more and more a standard reference and technicalsupport tool in all types of libraries, the annual review of thistechnology published in Computers in Libraries…
Abstract
As CD‐ROM becomes more and more a standard reference and technical support tool in all types of libraries, the annual review of this technology published in Computers in Libraries magazine increases in size and scope. This year, author Susan L. Adkins has prepared this exceptionally useful bibliography which she has cross‐referenced with a subject index.
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Mike Thelwall and Karen Bourrier
Despite the social, educational and therapeutic benefits of book clubs, little is known about which books participants are likely to have read. In response, the purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the social, educational and therapeutic benefits of book clubs, little is known about which books participants are likely to have read. In response, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the public bookshelves of those that have joined a group within the Goodreads social network site.
Design/methodology/approach
Books listed as read by members of 50 large English-language Goodreads groups – with a genre focus or other theme – were compiled by author and title.
Findings
Recent and youth-oriented fiction dominate the 50 books most read by book club members, whilst almost half are works of literature frequently taught at the secondary and postsecondary level (literary classics). Whilst J.K. Rowling is almost ubiquitous (at least 63 per cent as frequently listed as other authors in any group, including groups for other genres), most authors, including Shakespeare (15 per cent), Goulding (6 per cent) and Hemmingway (9 per cent), are little read by some groups. Nor are individual recent literary prize winners or works in languages other than English frequently read.
Research limitations/implications
Although these results are derived from a single popular website, knowing more about what book club members are likely to have read should help participants, organisers and moderators. For example, recent literary prize winners might be a good choice, given that few members may have read them.
Originality/value
This is the first large scale study of book group members’ reading patterns. Whilst typical reading is likely to vary by group theme and average age, there seems to be a mainly female canon of about 14 authors and 19 books that Goodreads book club members are likely to have read.