Internetworking an urban community: A longitudinal study of approaches to introducing adult new users to electronic information resources

Abstract

Using four test groups, the study compared the efficacy of different approaches to introducing urban adults, including librarians in public libraries, to Internet resources. Models tested included two training period lengths (cursory and in-depth) and two computer interfaces (text-based and graphical) to Internet resources. Two post-test assessments were administered to determine effects of approaches tested on participant skills and attitudes. Findings suggest that the interface used does not significantly affect the users' ability to find information on the Internet. However, longer training did produce better searching, at least initially. User confidence in using a range of tools varied for each resource. Follow-up assessment indicated that differences in user attitudes among the groups decreased over time.