1996 Survey of User Information Needs and Search Methods Results

3.2.2a) Breakdown of all Respondents by Subject Group

Respondents were asked to identify their main areas of work or study

The group labelled `Multiple' includes cases where respondents selected more than one main area of work or study, covered by the scope of the survey, which could not be categorised into a single subject group.

Across the seven subject groups identified, the proportion of responses ranged from 15% for `Theory' to 7% for `Design'.

3.2.2b) Analysis of Subject by Method of Response

The preferred method of response within all subject groups was paper. Design and Media subgroups had the highest proportion of responses to the World Wide Web questionnaire, whilst the Museum/Conservation subgroups had the lowest Web response. The number of Email responses was very low overall.

It is important to note that the Paper questionnaire was targeted at a cross-section of the user community, whereas the E-mail and Web questionnaires were less rigidly controlled.

3.2.3a) Breakdown of all Respondents by Country

The survey was targeted primarily at UK residents. However, 10% of all respondents were non-UK residents.

3.2.3b) Analysis of Country by Method of Response

The percentages indicate the breakdown of responses for each country, by type of response. Access to Email and Web questionnaires was available to UK and non-UK residents. The paper questionnaires were distributed within the UK, although 17% of paper responses were received from non-UK residents.