Patterns of Database Use in Academic Libraries

Abstract

Database usage data from a random sample of academic libraries in the United States and Canada reveal patterns of use in selected types of libraries. Library users tend to use commercial online databases most frequently early in the week, at midday, and at times that correspond to the academic calendar (November in this six-month sample). On average, relatively low numbers of users are simultaneously logged on to research databases at any size of library. A questionnaire sent to these same libraries identified many other factors that might influence database use, including level of instruction, availability of remote log-in, and placement of a database on the library’s home page, although none of these factors was found to be statistically significant.