Converting from Hard Copy to Microfilm: |
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| Abstract: | An administrative experiment in an industrial R&D from laboratory was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of converting Chemical Abstracts from hard copy to microfilm. A brief training session on the use of Chemical Abstracts was also conducted in an attempt to increase user (and potential user) awareness of the abstracts and to alter attitudes and behavior toward the abstracts in a positive way. The results of the experiment indicate that substantial space savings in search and photocopy time, and intermediate-to-long-range cost savings can be realized by converting Chemical Abstracts from hard copy to microfilm. Scientists and engineers, however, perceived the microfilm as less accessible and less easy to use than the hard copy, and were less satisfied with the microfilm than they were with the hard copy. The training session, moreover, while generally perceived to be well conducted, informative, and valuable, was not influential in increasing utilization rates for the microfilm in the short run. The small number of individuals who attended the training session and used the microfilm during the trial period precluded linking the training session with users' attitudes toward the abstracts. |
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