A content analysis of PUBYAC : A preliminary study

This paper gives an insight into how the introduction of new information technologies affects the work of the librarian. To achieve this goal, we analyzed the content of the messages of PUBYAC, an electronic discussion list for Children and Young Adult Services in Public Libraries. The data were collected for a period of one month in the spring of 1997. The methodology used was content analysis. In addition, we asked the participants of the list how they used to solve their information problems before they subscribed to PUBYAC. The paper provides information on the different themes and topics that appear in the list, on the lifespan and liveliness of specific discussions, on the percentage of active participants, and on the distribution of the messages by participant. Introduction While the society and the press are enchanted by the images and multimedia capabilities of the World Wide Web, the more easily accessible text-based electronic mail services such as discussion groups and related programs still serve as useful and important resources for the exchange of information. These services enable people with a common interest to communicate with others who share their interest via the Internet. The use of these services influences the work of the librarian. PUBYAC is the discussion group for Children and Young Adult Services in Public Libraries. This list is concerned with the practical aspects of library services. The topics discussed include extension program ideas, outreach and literacy programs, censorship and policy issues, collection development, administrative considerations, job openings, professional development, reference, and other relevant issues. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the contents of the messages sent to PUBYAC for the period of one month from May 20, 1997 to June 20, 1997, and to see whether any pattern of member contribution to the discussion group can be identified. What Are Listservs? The listserv technology effectively supports scholarly communication, including not only the transfer of information but its storage and retrieval, as well. Basically, listserv technologies are mail reflectors: a software package that receives a message from an individual and redistributes that message to a list of people who have subscribed to receive messages. The end result is a discussion of issues and general exchange of information. Most lists have a listowner, who usually is the person who created the discussion group and accepts responsibility for handling administrative tasks and managing/moderating the discussion. The main purpose of listservs and related technologies is to provide a forum for the participants to debate issues and ask questions, whether they are in one location or in different countries; to let scholars present and debate the newest items of research with the possibility of building a database of their discussions, which can later be searched; to enable the rapid distribution of information and press releases; to allow conference planners in different countries to share ideas and program details. For a more complete discussion on listservs, consult Whitney's work (Whitney, 1996). When using discussion lists, time differences become irrelevant and messages can be sent and received at any convenient time. These advantages are particularly important for those who are geographically isolated, and can widen contacts, especially for those interested in a specialized subject. One of the main characteristics of the discussion groups is its casualness, as shown by the use of informal language, the appearance of typographical and other mistakes, and the limited number and generally poor quality of bibliographic citations, similar to that which might occur in an academic verbal discussion. Another factor is the dominance of English. This probably deters those whose mother tongue is another language. One significant advantage of e-mail discussion over ordinary verbal discussion is that one individual cannot dominate the discussion and prevent others from contributing. …