49. évfolyam, 2003. 3. szám

Archívum

Information needs, information drawbacks, equal opportunities

PÉTERFI, Rita – VIDRA Szabó, Ferenc

The Computer and Automation Research Institute (Számítástechnikai és Automatizálási Kutatóintézet – SZTAKI) of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Hungarian Library Institute and the Volf György Library of Törökbálint created a consortium and successfully applied for funds for a joint project under the call for proposals “Community content services for rural libraries”. SZTAKI provided libraries with a web design software, while staff from the Library Institute conducted a background study that served as the basis for the software development work carried out by SZTAKI. While the number of Internet users in Hungary increased from 300 000 to 715 000 between 1998 and 2000, and in 2002, one third of the computers in households had Internet connection, the fact is that this number only represents 9% of all households. 50 % of the Internet users live in Budapest and 30% in bigger towns and county centres. However, about 10% of the Hungarian population live in villages with less than 1000 inhabitants and 30% in towns with 1000 –10 000 inhabitants. The lack of information technology tools adds to the disadvantages that citizens of rural areas are experiencing. In 2001, libraries of 169 villages submitted successful applications for external funding for purchasing computers with Internet access. The calls for proposals required using part of the funds for user training. Libraries also have to provide appropriate content that satisfies the special needs of local citizens.

The aim of the background research was: 1. to identify the real information needs of local users; 2. to design a service based on the special situation of people living in nearly 2200 small settlements.

During the planning period, villages to be included in the background research were selected by random sampling, then interviews were made. The sample was divided in four groups: students, active (working) citizens, cultural workers and inactive (non-working) citizens. The study summarised the topics and areas that were cited most often and that were told essential for everyday life by the groups, then thematic collections of links to useful Internet sources were prepared. The findings confirmed that people living in rural areas do have specific information needs. Answers of citizens living and working in rural areas (cultural workers included) showed diverse levels of digital literacy. One cultural professional said he usually spends half of his working day browsing on the Internet, while some teachers or librarians hardly knew how to switch on the computer. In the latter case, on-site training might be the solution. As far as information services for the non-workers are concerned, their attitude towards computers needs to be changed: they need to be convinced of the usefulness of computers and the Internet. This can only happen in a motivating and cooperative environment (supportive family, other helpers). The role of librarians is also important: they are providing assistance to local people in finding information, thus they are combating disadvantage.

Országos Széchényi Könyvtár Észrevételek