Digital Collections: Acceptance and Use in a Research Community

Abstract

This paper describes a project designed to capture evidence of changing approaches to identifying, locating, organizing, and producing scientific information in a university-based research community. Faculty in the basic and health sciences were interviewed regarding their uses of electronic journals, databases, and other digital resources to support their teaching and research activities. The findings are intended to provide a better understanding of scientists’ use of digital collections for librarians who acquire and manage research collections and who develop services to faculty and students, especially those in pure and applied sciences. This knowledge should lead to better informed acquisition decisions and improved library services. The changing behavior patterns documented suggest emerging models of scientific communication as scientists begin to incorporate use of digital collections and information technology in innovative ways.