The definition of published is not developed here in detail, but is understood to take a meaning consistent with the Library s habitual use of the term. The term digital is used to distinguish between computer-readable information and analogue electronic information. Analogue electronic data is excluded from the scope of this study. Almost any conclusion on reading rooms must be qualified by its applicability to some or all reading rooms. Reading rooms are also distinguished by their expert staff.
Readers make considerable reference to staff, who are able to help locate and interpret materials.
This point is significant when considering the potential of network technologies to replace reader visits with remote network access. 2.3 Methodology Information was gathered by means of interviews, desk research and a briefing meeting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight British Library reading room management personnel. It was not possible to interview representatives of the Newspaper Library, but helpful information was supplied by its Head and staff. Other interviews were also conducted with selected members of management.