Individual differences in the use of CD ROM databases

Abstract

Individual differences in the use of technology, and computer-based systems in particular, have been studied by many researchers. The literature has seen contributions from the fields of computer science, communication, psychology; management information science and library & information science. Most of the work in the Information Retrieval (IR) area has, however, been related to the online database systems. Some have studied the effect of different training methods on users with varying cognitive traits, varying experiences, etc. On the other hand, complexity of use of different systems and system interfaces has been the focus of some studies. The proposed research would explore the effect of individual differences on performance of novice users of a new technology, i.e., CD ROM database systems, which are gaining popularity in academic libraries and elsewhere. In addition to extending the outcomes of previous findings, the proposed research would attempt to isolate variables that contribute to individual differences, by studying them in greater detail. The need to introduce variables hitherto ignored in IR context would also be examined.