FORREST, LINDA ANN; PHD
THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, 1993
LIBRARY SCIENCE (0399); INFORMATION SCIENCE (0723)
The purpose of this ethnographic case study was to examine the factors inherent
in the diffusion of
information technology innovation in the school library media center. The introduction
of innovation and
the diffusion process were observed in a small, rural high school, as were the
ways in which the school
library media specialist responded to and affected the process. Empirical data
were gathered through
observation, interviews, and document analysis and were organized and analyzed
using the constant
comparative method. A computer software program designed for use in qualitative
research was
employed in coding and memo writing. A model illustrating three interactive
and interrelated factors
evident in the diffusion process was conceptualized. The factors are: facilitating
diffusion, supporting
diffusion, and shaping diffusion. Ten themes affecting the process and the role
of the school library
media specialist were manifested within these factors; the themes involved the
attitudes and training of
the specialist and of the faculty and administration as well as the characteristics
of the innovations. Four
diffusion-related roles of the professional were identified: change agent, innovator,
opinion leader, and
monitor. As a result of the examination and analysis of the data, four assertions
related to the role of the
school library media specialist and the diffusion of information technology
innovation were generated. (1)
The professional is critical to the success of the diffusion of information
technology innovation. (2) The
specialist performs four co-occurring diffusion-related roles in the innovation
process. (3) The
professional diffuses information technology innovation to the entire school
community. The time and
effort required varies both with the number of innovations and with their complexity.
(4) The established
instructional and curricular roles of the school library media specialist will
be strongly affected and
changed by continuing involvement with information technology innovation.
Social
Systems Simulation Group
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