The computer as mask: a problem of inadequate human interaction examined with particular regard to online public access catalogues

Abstract

In the typical library operating online public access cata logues (OPACs) the computer masks the librarian from the user resulting in an impaired librarian-user interaction, which in turn results in a great deal of user failure in information retrieval. This is because of the nature of computer intermedia tion which reduces both the librarian's responsibility to the user and user contact with the library. The present OPACs are operated with practices which emanated from manual catalogues and are unsuitable for online services. The user is expected to access the database online, but communication with him is not emphasized. The design and management of online public access cata logues should be influenced by the needs and abilities of the user and efforts should be made to maintain personal com munication channels between the user and the information specialist so as to engender more user-cordial information environments. These conditions, practices and recommendations are elaborated in this paper.