Academic

A survey in 1959 of 8,660 library patrons during 1 week at the 4 largest MIT libraries (General and Humanities. Science, Engineering, and Dewey) during selected hours showed that46.0% of all patrons were undergraduates who reported spending 71.9% of their time for class preparation and 14.9% time on research; 35.4% were graduate students who spent 52.4% time in class preparation and 37.2% time in research; and 11.8% were faculty/staff who spent 17.1% time in class preparation and 56.4% time in research.                (Source)

A 1964 study at the Yale Medical Library involving faculty use of books (survey size: 831 borrowers; responding: 430) during a 5-month period showed that11% of the books were reported used in lecture preparation, while 89% appeared to be “associated with research activities.” Further, 28% of the books were reported used to “acquire general information to keep up with the field.”                      (Source)

A survey reported in 1970 of library patrons at Purdue University (6,568 sampled; 6,323 usable responses) and statistically analyzed by Chi Square tests showed thatthe 3 patron groupings (faculty, graduate, and undergraduate) gave statistically significantly different response rates for their primary reasons for visiting the library (significant at the .001 level). The largest category reported by faculty for library visits was research for a publishable paper or book (21%); for graduate students the largest category was to find and read material required by a course (30%); for undergraduates the largest category was to do homework with their own books (50+%).               (Source)

Special

A 1964 study at the Yale Medical Library involving faculty use of books (survey size: 831 borrowers; responding: 430) during a 5-month period showed that11% of the books were reported used in lecture preparation, while 89% appeared to be “associated with research activites.” Further, 28% of the books were reported used to “acquire general information to keep up with the field.”                      (Source)

Dr. David Kohl

 "Libraries in the digital age are experiencing the most profound transformation since ancient Mesopotamian scribes first began gathering and organizing cuneiform tablets."

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