University of Wollongong Library: Computer Usage Research and Analysis

This report presents a research study focused on computer usage within the University of Wollongong (UOW) library, specifically on the ground floor. The research aims to identify reader needs, analyze ways to improve library services, and determine the relevance of computer systems to library users. The methodology includes quantitative data collection through random sampling, with data analyzed to compare actual and expected outcomes. The report also discusses the significance of the problem, expected outcomes, and references relevant literature. The study explores the benefits and drawbacks of computer implementation, emphasizing the importance of efficient data management and service delivery. The research findings will offer insights into the technological needs of the library, helping to resolve issues like waiting times and space management, and enhance the overall library experience for its users.

Research Methodology

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
AIM AND OBJECTIVES................................................................................................................1
RESEARCH PROBLEMS..............................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW ..............................................................................................................2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................2
Research philosophy...................................................................................................................2
Data Collection............................................................................................................................3
Sampling.....................................................................................................................................3
Data analyses...............................................................................................................................3
Validity and reliability ...............................................................................................................3
SIGNIFICANCE OF PROBLEM ................................................................................................3
EXPECTED OUTCOME ........................................................................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION
The use of technology is continuously enhancing in the era. It help in increasing the
efficient of an individual as well as the organisation where he/she is working. This report is
based on utilisation of computers on the ground floor of UOW library. Their are various
problems which create different types of hindrance in the research, they will be considered under
this assignment. Research methodology is one of the significant part of the file. Important of
various troubles will be included in this project. Expected outcomes will get discuss in the end of
this report.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
Research topic
Needs of readers and services provided by library by using computer system, a case study based
on UOW library.
Research Objectives
 To identify the needs of book readers in the UOW library.
 To analyse ways to improve services at the end of UOW library. To determine relevancy of computer systems with book readers in the library.
Research Questions
1. What are the specific needs users have in the library?
2. How can library management improve their services?
3. How computer systems are related with the book readers?
RESEARCH PROBLEMS
This quantitative research mainly based on the needs of the readers and usage of
computers in the library, each and every reader is having their own expectations and needs in the
library which is not accurately analysable by the researcher. Informations and data will be
gathered from book readers but timings of readers are not fixed which can be measure problem
in this research so it is essential for the researcher to provide his full time in the library to collect
data. Time factor can be an issue in this research because it is essential to conduct this research
in an particular time frame which can be helpful in getting best results for the UOW library.
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LITERATURE REVIEW
In the word of Geerts, (2011), installation of computers is beneficial for library incharge
because they can keep large amount of information at a single place. This will also assist them in
deliver better service to the users as they can tell the exact number of shelf where readers can
find the desired book. Time is an important resource and people do not want to waste it at any
cost. But, according to Snyder, (2012), depending on soft-wares is very risky. The incident of
hacking and privacy issues are continuously increasing. This view is not realistic in present
scenario because most of computers will be basically used for confirming online booking of
library rooms. IT assistance also need computers at ground floor so they can provide necessary
service to the readers. Fulfilling specific demand of users is significant for the library, if librarian
make a record of particular needs of regular readers then they can provide them better facilities.
According to Green, Camilli and Elmore, (2012), computer soft-ware can help in managing the
library in a better way. If they are installed at ground floor then the space on other floors may
increase. This will enhance the room for group study.
But Laganà and et. al., (2011) argue that computer soft-wares will only raise the
operation for any organisation. One should consider its disadvantages at the time of seeking its
benefits. Computer systems at ground floor can be used by readers for getting an access to the
digital collection. They can find photos, videos etc. about various culture. Corporate material can
also be found on their portal. Coetzee and Eksteen, (2011) states that computers brought
transformation in the library, they enhanced its important and provide a great assistance in
increasing the efficient of the employees who work at library. But Stirin and et. Al, (2012), is not
agree with this thought, he argues that old approach of recoding data was better as it was done
manually. A person can easily understand the demand of reader but a computer cannot.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research philosophy
The data will be gathered in a simple a manner and it will be broke down in some part so
it can be analysed in better way. If the research is not very complex then there is no point of
using complicated approachers.
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Data Collection
Quantitative research will be used for data collection. This results will be obtained in
numbers, this will assist ascertaining better outcomes because people can easily understand the
outcome if it is in the form of numerics. Primary data will be collected under this report because
it is more reliable and one can find the exact details which they are exploring. Quantitative
research deals with number, data can be analysed by comparing figures of two elements.
Sampling
Random sampling would be correct approach because it is very easy to adopt. It does not
involve much cost, this is prime reason that researcher use this techniques when they have
limited funds. In random sampling, there is no need to make a pattern for selection of the
candidates who will become part of the research. It is not time consuming and most people find
is easy to use. It is important to select right participants for this program as biasness can result in
irrelevant outcome. Most of the researcher do not focus on the timing of research. Stratified
sampling is another approach which is considered as the better version of random sampling. In
this method, some sub-groups are made and then one team is selected from the formed unit. This
technique deliver is more focused and it also does not involve much cost and time. Their is no
question mark on its simplicity.
Data analyses
All the data will be recorded in appropriate time period in order to attain a better result.
The information recorded in the finding will be analysed by comparing the actual outcome with
the expected one. Breaking down of content is necessary for better processing, sometime people
who conduct research fail to get required report because they did not try to analyse large amount
of data in one shot. It is easy to analyse the data when quantitative research is done because
observation become simple.
Validity and reliability
The participant will not have biasness thinking because this research will not give them
any personal benefit. Most of the information, which will recorded, is reliable as it is gathered
from primary source.
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SIGNIFICANCE OF PROBLEM
If the issues in quantitative research is found in right time then they can help researcher in
better understanding of the problem. Troubles help in finding lacunas in the research procedure,
if these shortcoming are resolved in appropriate time period the ascertained result can be much
better. If the vacant and occupied number of computers are determined for a particular time then
it can help in finding the actual need of installing more systems. Knowing problem is considered
as the solution of half of the troubles. Computers are primary resources of library and they are
used for various activities. The issues relating to their occupancy is essential for providing
quality services to the readers.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
This research will help in finding the flaws which are present in the library. It will play
significant role in delivering better facilities to the readers. The problem relating to waiting time
and mismanagement can be solved by understand the usage of computers which are present at
ground floor. This research may reveal the technological needs of library, the problem of spacing
can also get resolved by understanding the analysis. It will also enhance the knowledge about
topic and use of various statistical tools will increase the analytical skills of researcher. The
person who will organise research will get some real experience as collection of primary data
need continuous interact and observation.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Coetzee, L. and Eksteen, J., 2011, May. The Internet of Things-promise for the future? An
introduction. In IST-Africa Conference Proceedings, 2011. (pp. 1-9). IEEE.
Geerts, G. L., 2011. A design science research methodology and its application to accounting
information systems research. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems.
12(2). pp.142-151.
Green, J. L., Camilli, G. and Elmore, P. B. eds., 2012. Handbook of complementary methods in
education research. Routledge.
Laganà, L. and et. al., 2011. Enhancing computer self-efficacy and attitudes in multi-ethnic older
adults: a randomised controlled study. Ageing & Society. 31(6). pp.911-933.
Snyder, C., 2012. A case study of a case study: Analysis of a robust qualitative research
methodology. The Qualitative Report. 17(13). p.1.
Stirin, K. and et. al., 2012. The effect of perceived advantage and disadvantage on performance:
The role of external efficacy. Applied Psychology. 61(1). pp.81-96.
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