CD ROMs at the University of Wollongong: a case study

The University of Wollongong Library purchased 21 bibliographic databases on CD-ROM during 1988, 1989 and 1990 covering the disciplines of business, psychology, medicine, geography, sociology, education, science, nursing, engineering, mathematics and occupational health and safety. The databases are available for use by all students and staff, and their use is continuing to be evaluated. The introduction of the CD··ROM service has had significant implications for library users and staff, e. g . the number of online searches has reduced, the use of serial literature has increased, the use of hard copy indexes has changed and staff involvement in the training of how to use the databases has been unexpectedly high. In order to more formally evaluate the service, student and staff use of the databases was surveyed during early 1990. This paper will focus on the findings of the survey, presenting recommendations for the continued use of the CD-ROM databases.