Everyday new technological advances affect the way that information is handled in libraries, documentation and information centers, and archives where information is acquired, processed, and disseminated. Information technology is changing the way people seek information. These and other factors combine to accelerate demands for new information technology upon libraries and information managers.

In every area, libraries have felt the impact of new information technology. Computing technology, communication technology, and mass storage technology are some of areas of continuous development that reshape the way that libraries access, retrieve, store, manipulate, and disseminate needed information to their actual and potential users.

New information technology is a facilitator of the mission, the goals and the objectives of academic, public, school and special libraries around the world. However, implementing the technology has its impact, drawbacks and obstacles associated to specific environments and infrastructures either by geographical location or socio-economic factors. Implementation and use of new information technology as a tool for the above stated purposes may be related to the impact and the obstacles experienced, as well as the perceptions, on its value for information handling.

2. BACKGROUND

Since the mid-seventies academic libraries in Puerto Rico have begun the automation of library functions. These automation attempts have yield uneven results. Further acquisition and implementation of other information handling technology has followed the same patterns as described by Maura (1987a, (1987b), and Griffith, Goshen, and Harding (1984). The almost untouched environment that prevailed before new information technology was implemented in the Island provided an ideal ground for developing integrated systems with uniform cataloguing access and information retrieval.

After 1984 most automation efforts have taken place in different public and private insti-tutions and at different times with varying resources that created an environment where software and hardware incompatibilities have been frequent problems. Most academic libraries have been in need of trained personnel to understand and implement new information technology that satisfied their needs and to promote further development of resource sharing structure in the future. High costs, existing infrastructure, and lack of administrative support during the first two decades of automation have not facilitated successful implementation of information techno-logy in Puerto Rican libraries (Figueras, 1990; Maura, 1987b; Griffith, Goshen and Harding, 1984).

Yet, these academic libraries have played a major role in information technology imple-mentation. Existing public and school library systems have not involved as actively in pursuing new information technology as a facilitator of the two major goals of libraries or information centers: acquisition and access of information. Puerto Rican academic libraries have a significant role in the acquisition and dissemination of information related to our own identity and heritage as well of the information needed for national development. They acquire, store, and access recorded knowledge in many formats necessary to achieve these two goals. Beyond this, academic libraries have the mission of supporting curricular information needs of their clients, providing materials or access to the resources on demand.

3. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

New information technology used in Puerto Rican academic libraries has been document-ed in a few studies (See "References" section). The extent on which information technology is used in these libraries is still uncertain. This is more relevant for those institutions that require access to and ownership of primary sources to support basic and applied research and that have in their mission and goals the responsibility of acquiring, storing, accessing, and disseminating the research generated in the graduate schools or programs affiliated to the institution to whom these libraries serve.

With the advances in information technology that we now enjoy, it is foreseeable that the panorama for academic libraries in Puerto Rico will shift toward compatibility for resource sharing rather than for cataloguing purposes. With the addition of microcomputers and main-frames, electronic mail (E-Mail), telefacsimile (FAX), access and retrieval of local and national bibliographic databases and optical technology, the status of these new information technologies in these libraries is still unknown. The overall purpose of this study is to determine the changes that have occurred in academic libraries in Puerto Rico concerning new information technology in the use and implementation of specific technologies not previously documented by other researchers.

In addition, another objective of the study is to identify both the perceived barriers and the potentials associated with information technology use and implementation on the island. Figueras (1990), Maura (1987a), Griffith, Goshen, and Harding (1984) discussed some of the major barriers that libraries experienced during the advent of automation and online searching in Puerto Rico. However, addition information handling technologies have been implemented since these studies, and there is no knowledge whether the experience in the use of these new technologies is similar with that of the use of those technologies included in earlier studies.

Use or implementation of information technology may be deterred by certain considera-tions or factors related to the perceived value of the technology and with physical or ideological factors. These barriers may be significant and similar to other countries experiencing the impact and demands for new information technology. This study can provide valuable information for information managers locally, and may also assist in developing strategies to cope with these barriers in other geographical areas. The perceived benefits explored in this study of new information technology in academic libraries, as articulated by the Puerto Rican librarians, can be similar to those expressed elsewhere.

4. METHODOLOGY

In order to attain the stated objectives of this study, A total of twenty one libraries were identified. To identify these libraries, The College Blue Book, 1990-91 edition, was used. However, some inaccuracies were detected in this list that required creating a list that reflected recent changes in degrees offered at the master and doctoral level in Puerto Rico (See Appendix 1 for a list of participating institutions and degrees offered). From these only seventeen agreed to participate in the survey. Appendix 2 for a list of institutions covered in the interview.

A questionnaire was developed and pretested with three librarians. The questionnaire was redesigned according to their suggestions. The final version of the questionnaire was used as a guide to conduct the telephone interviews or site visits with with current library administrators, automation librarians, or key staff members in the seventeen institutions.

The questionnaire covered all new information technologies of interest to this study. It also included questions on major barriers perceived in implementing and using these tools in Puerto Rican academic libraries. Another topic for discussion included in the questionnaire was perceived advantages and potential of these technologies for these libraries.

Interviews and site visits were conducted during September and October 1991. The length of the interview process and site visits fluctuated from thirty-five minutes to an hour and a half. Interviewees had considerable freedom to express their views as the survey was con-ducted by colleagues who know each other either through professional activities or other means of acquaintance.

5. FINDINGS

Findings of the survey will be presented and discussed following the structure of inter-views and objectives of the study (See Appendix 3 for a table of Puerto Rican Academic libraries using new information technology).

5.1. E-Mail

Six of the surveyed libraries or thirty five percent (35%) have access to E-Mail. Imple-mentation of this technology is at different levels and stages. Main applications of E-Mail in libraries fall into two activities: teleconferencing and interlibrary loan. The Interamerican University has the capability of E-Mail within its automation. However, its is not been used and there in no plan to use it in the near future. According to people interviewed in those libraries that do not have E-Mail, this technology is not perceived to be needed for imple-mentation in the future. These respondents perceive E-Mail as of marginal interest for the library.

5.2. FAX

Ninety four percent (94%) or sixteen of the respondents said that the library has access or either owns a FAX. Use of FAX concentrates in ILL functions. Use of FAX for acquisitions purposes ranked second, while its use for administrative purposes ranked third. The same percent of respondents plan to add one FAX or more. Librarians felt that FAX was extremely useful and easy to acquire due to its widespread use in other units of their institution.

5.3. Microcomputers

Seventy six percent (76%) claimed ownership of one or more microcomputers. Thirteen libraries plan to acquire more microcomputers. The Interamerican University's Metropolitan Campus owns twelve PCs and plans a LAN (local area network) for CD-ROM searching. Other libraries are evaluating CD-ROM use to expand the number of microcomputers owned. Microcomputers applications ranked first for cataloguing, second for CD-ROM searching, third for administrative purposes, fourth for circulation, fifth for online searching, sixth for indexing, and seventh for desktop publishing. Interviewees felt that microcomputer use will continue to grow as its power and versatility increase while prices decrease. The major perceived advantage of PCs as reported by librarians is their multi-task capability for information handling in the library.

5.4 Optical Technology

Eleven libraries have CD-ROM bibliographic databases. Sixteen different titles are owned by the respondents. All wish to add more CD-ROMs. The leader of this trend is again the Interamerican University's Metropolitan Campus that already owns twelve different CD-ROMs that are used for cataloguing and end-user searching. CD-ROM is perceived by librarians as the major breakthrough in technology when compared to online searching. For a discussion on funding trends for CD-ROM see Figueras (1990). CD-ROM allows users to do their own search resulting in a higher use of the library yielding increase of services such as ILL, while decreasing online searching. A side benefit from CD-ROM implementation is, according to the respondents, is an improved image of the library and librarians. No library, other than the Mayaguez Campus (University of Puerto Rico) owns any other type of optical media. Accord-ing to Rivera (Personal communication, 1991) the library has no equipment for using this videodisc.

5.5. Automated Library Functions

Seven of the participating libraries, or forty one percent (41%) have an OPAC. All auto-mated libraries acquired vendor systems. Data Research Associates, DOBIS Leuven, NOTIS, and MarcCard are the systems in use in these institutions and their branch campuses on the island. Automation has generated centralized cataloguing units for most private institutions while public universities still keep their cataloguing separately by campus. Automation of library functions differ from one institution to the other. The University of Puerto Rico, the oldest and largest university, is behind in terms of automation when compared with private academic institutions on the island and its own Mayaguez Campus. This main library decided to keep the automated system it acquired in 1984 (DRA) while the rest of the University of Puerto Rico is in the initial implementation stages of NOTIS for the whole state university and college system. The Sacred Heart University is currently evaluating different vendors to determine which will be more favorable for them.

5.6. Online Searching

Dialog, Medline, BRS, Lexis, and Westlaw are online searching services available in fifty three percent of the surveyed libraries. These services are generally offered with cost to patrons through librarian mediated searching. The three libraries with cost free access provide end-user searching in Medline, BRS, Westlaw, and Lexis. Online searching has decreased in those institutions with CD-ROM searching. Online searching was easily adopted by many libraries in Puerto Rico as cost of service was passed on to the users, a trend not followed with other new information technology in the Island.

6. IMPACT, POTENTIAL, AND BARRIERS OF NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN PUERTO RICAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES

6.1. Benefits

Interviewed personnel concurred that new information technology has been beneficial to the library in several aspects. The most frequently mentioned benefits in decreasing order are:

• Quicker access to information,

• Higher levels of effectiveness and efficiency in library operations and information handling" ranked second,

• Increased or higher demands for library service, specifically ILL,

• Time saving.

Surveyed librarians expressed that technology "changed searching habits" and "increased self-sufficiency of patrons". More concrete benefits of technology are "increased speed of cataloguing", "lower cataloguing backlogs", and the feasibility of applying the existing tech-nology for "other creative and much needed activities such as indexing local newspapers through the online catalog". Library Directors, Automation Librarians, and other interviewees foresee higher compatibility of software, hardware, and more feasible networking through telecommunications, computing, and FAX toward future resource sharing and cooperative collection development on the Island.

Other benefits not affiliated to library service were "improved library image" and "more awareness on the role of the library."

6.2. Barriers

The barriers experienced in the implementation and use of information technology in Puerto Rico and evidenced through the opinions of surveyed librarians were divided. Fifty two percent (52%) perceived the lack of trained staff as an obstacle, while the same percent res-ponded that infrastructure as problem. The major obstacle or barrier toward the implementation of new information technology in Puerto Rican academic libraries is funding. Sixty five percent of the respondents were positive about this when questioned. The last perceived obstacle is the rapid changes in the development of information technology. These changes include the different versions of retrieval software for CD-ROM searching and OPAC software. Some libraries had experienced difficulties such as "loosing" their acquisitions module when the new version of their OPAC was recently installed. Two Library Directors experienced resistance to change from staff members.

All respondents agreed that administrative support from their institution was the main factor in making automation and other information technologies possible and available in the libraries. Recent policy changes, at high levels, in universities, public or private, incorporating an integrated approach to automation of all internal processes, has facilitated in placing the library more quickly into the main stream of information technology on the island. Funding was considered a major obstacle for information technology. However, the support experien-ced with universities' administration has been transferred into active search for external funding through grants and other funds for acquisition of new information technology. A spirit of competition permeates among private universities in Puerto Rico. Ownership of OPACs, FAX, and Microcomputers are a symbol of status and a factor considered by students when enroling in colleges and universities.

Most respondents that complained about infrastructure barriers, perceived these as the obstacles or difficulties experienced due to the bureaucratic nature of the institutions they work at. No librarian was concerned or aware of the cost difference of hardware and software in Puerto Rico when compared to the U.S. No one was aware of the taxes imposed on any electronic equipment imported to the Island. Telephone and other means of communication, considered by Hayes (1990), Griffith, Goshen, and Hardin (1984), Jackson (1984), Paisley and Frierson (1990) among many others, as part of the factors considered as an obstacle for new information technology in many countries is not so for Puerto Rico according to the respondents. Other barriers experienced in Latin American, the Pacific Rim, Africa, and Asia are not perceived as major obstacles in Puerto Rico even when respondents felt that some of this may have some relevance in the Island's context. Cultural or ideological barriers such as religion are not part of the barriers experience according to the findings of this study.

7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

These findings are similar to other studies conducted in the United States and to the factors mentioned by Jackson (1984), Maura (1987a, 1987b), Figueras, (1990); and Hayes (1990). Matta and Boutros (1989) discuss other barriers that did not appear among the findings of this study. It is possible that the political affiliation of Puerto Rico to the United States eases our possibility of adopting new information technology without the problems that other countries have. However, most hardware and software needs to be adapted to a mainly Spanish speaking population. OPAC's menus and screens are translated, while bibliographic instruction requires some adjustments to facilitate access of new information technology to those with limited pro-ficiency in English.

Information managers must be aware of all implications that new information technology has in their workplace. It is essential to identify possible problems with staff in terms of needed training and resistance to change. Awareness of this barriers may assist in coping with the problem by providing extensive training or using other tools and techniques to solve the pro-blem. The benefits of new information technology as documented, in this and other studies, are many. However, the impact of information technology upon other services in the library should pose areas of evaluation to determine its effects in areas such as collection development where debates upon access and ownership of resources may occur. Resource sharing is a trend that appears recurrently in the literature as a result of the decreasing or fixed budgets that most libraries experience nowadays. New information technology may facilitate this task. Each administrator must develop an implementation plan with a high level of awareness of what technology can facilitate and what drawbacks it may bring. Each library or institution must evaluate its needs before following trends that may not reflect its current and future needs.

Puerto Rican academic libraries experience the same benefits, impact, and barriers when implementing and using new information technology as their counterparts around the world. However, the status of the technologies of this study present a picture of uneven development with an increased use of different applications, software, and hardware. A second study exploring library affiliation, size, staff number, budget, and other variables should be con-ducted. This may suggest possible correlation among these criteria and information technology implementation and use in libraries.

8. REFERENCES

Griffith, J., C. Goshen, & L. Harding. Multiple Library Consortium to Computerize Library Services in Puerto Rico: Feasibility Study. Rockville, MD: King Research and Associates, 1984.

Figueras, C., "CD-ROM as an alternative: The Puerto Rican experience," In NIT '90: 3rd International Conference: New Information Technology for Library & Information Profes-sionals; Educational Media Specialists & Technologists: Proceedings, edited by Ching-chih Chen. West Newton, MA: MicroUse, 1990. pp 121-129.

Hayes, R. M., "Implications of the new technologies for libraries in developing countries," In NIT '90: 3rd International Conference: New Information Technology for Library & Information Professionals; Educational Media Specialists & Technologists: Proceedings, edited by Ching-chih Chen. West Newton, MA: MicroUse, 1990. pp 173-180.

Jackson, W. V., "Libraries in Latin American society," In The Library in Society, Littleton. CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1984.

Matta, K. F. & N. E. Boutros, "Barriers to electronic mail systems in developing countries," The Information Society 6: 59-68 (1989).

Maura, M., "Automatizacion de bibliotecas en el sistema de bibliotecas del Recinto de Rio Piedras: Pasado, presente y futuro," Paper presented at the Semi-annual Meeting of the Puerto Rico Library Association, Humacao, PR, 1987. (1987a).

Maura, M., "Resource sharing experience in Puerto Rico and possibilities for expanding resource sharing in the Caribbean," In Proceedings of the Thirty-Second Annual Meeting of the Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Materials. Miami, FL: SALAM, 1987. (1987b).

Paisley, W. & E. G. Frierson, "Increasing the use of CD-ROM for international development: What are the barriers? What are the solutions?" In NIT '90: 3rd International Conference: New Information Technology for Library & Information Professionals; Educational Media Specialists & Technologists: Proceedings, edited by Ching-chih Chen. West Newton, MA: MicroUse, 1990. pp 234-244.

Rodriguez, K., "Information handling in selected academic libraries of the Caribbean," International Library Review 20: 29-43 (1988).

Vigo, L., et al. "Estudio para el establecimiento de una red de informacion interbibliotecaria en Puerto Rico," Boletin Sociedad de Bibliotecarios de Puerto Rico 1: 7-15 (1979).
 

 Appendix 1.  List of Academic Libraries Surveyed

        Ana G. Mendez Educational Foundation     M  Private

        Metropolitan University                                 M*
        Rio Piedras, P.R. 00928

        Turabo University                                            M
        Gurabo, P.R. 00658

        Carribbean Central University                        MD Private
        Bayamon, PR 00959

        Central University                                             M  Private
        Bayamon, P.R. 00959

        Electronic Data Processing College                M  Private
        Hato Rey P.R. 00919

        Evangelist Seminar of Puerto Rico                  M  Private
        Rio Piedras, P.R. 00918

        Interamerican University

        Metropolitan Campus                                       M D
        San Juan, P.R. 00936

        San German Campus                                          M
        San German, P.R. 00753

        Interamerican University (Continued)

        School of Optometry                                         D
        Hato Rey, P.R. 00919

        New York University`                                        M D* Private
        Puerto Rico Campus                                       Affiliated and  located
        Santurce, P.R. 00914                                        in the Sacred
                                                                                   Heart University

        Phoenix University                                           M*
        Guaynabo, P.R. 00651

        Pontificial Catholic University of
        Puerto Rico                                                        M JD Private
        Ponce, P.R. 00732

        Sacred Heart University                                   M *
        Santurce, P.R. 00914

        Saint John the Baptist School of
        Medicine                                                            M.D. Private
        San Juan, P.R. 00936

        University of Puerto Rico                                M D MD JD Public

        Mayaguez Campus                                          M
        Mayaguez, P.R. 00708

        Medical Sciences Campus                              M MD*
        San Juan, P.R. 00931

        Rio Piedras Campus                                         M D JD*
        Rio Piedras, P.R. 00931
        _________________________________________________________
 
        M   Master          D  Doctoral      MD  Doctor in Medicine
        JD  Juris Doctor    *Site Visit
 

   Appendix 2. List of Institutions Where Librarians Were
               Interviewed

   Library
   Evangelical Seminar of Puerto Rico
   Rio Piedras

   Library
   Interamerican University
   Metropolitan Campus
   San Juan, Puerto Rico

   Madre Teresa Guevara Library
   Sacred Heart University
   San Juan

   Library, Center for Puerto Rican and
   Advance Studies in the Caribbean
   San Juan

   Library
   Interamerican University
   San German Campus

   Encarnacion Valdez Library
   Pontificial Catholic University
   Ponce Campus
   Library
   Phoenix University
   Puerto Rico Campus
   Guaynabo

   Library, School of Optometry
   Interamerican University
   Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

   Library, Law School
   University of Puerto Rico
   Rio Piedras Campus

   Library
   University of Puerto Rico
   Mayaguez Campus

   Learning Resources Center
   Metropolitan University
   A.G. Mendez Educational Foundation
   Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

   Library System
   University of Puerto Rico
   Rio Piedras Campus

   Caribbean Central University
   School of Medicine
   Bayamon, Puerto Rico
   Library
   Central University
   Bayamon Campus

   Library
   University of Puerto Rico
   Medical Sciences Campus
   Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

   Learning Resource Center
   Saint John the Baptist
   School of Medicine
   Caguas, Puerto Rico

   Library
   Library Electronic Data Processing College
   Hato Rey Campus
 

   Appendix 3. The Use of NIT in Puerto Rican Academic Libraries
 

   Electronic Mail                      Application
 
   Carribbean Central University             ILL
   Mayaguez Campus, UPR                      ILL EC
   Medical Sciences Campus, UPR              ILL EC
   Metropolitan University, AGMEF            ILL
   Rio Piedras Campus, UPR                   EC
   Sacred Heart University                   EC
 

   FAX

   Carribbean Central University             ILL ACQ ADM
   Center for Puerto Rican Studies           ADM
   Central University, Bayamon               ADM
   Electronic Data Processing College        ADM
   Evangelical Seminary                      ADM
   Mayaguez Campus, UPR                      ILL ADM
   Medical Sciences Campus, UPRI             ILL ADM
   Metropolitan Campus, UIA                  ILL ADQ ADM
   Metropolitan University, AGMEF            ILL ADM ACQ
   Optometry School, UIA                     ILL
   Phoenix University                        ADM
   Pontificial Catholic University           ILL ACQ ADM
   Rio Piedras Campus, UPR                   ILL ADM
   Sacred Heart University                   ILL ADQ ADM
   Saint John the Baptist                    ILL ADM
   San German Campus, UIA                    ILL ADM
 

   Microcomputers

   Center for Puerto Rican Studies            CAT IND ONL CDS
   Electronic Data Processing College         CAT
   Evangelical Seminary                       CAT
   Mayaguez Campus, UPR                       CAT ONL CDS
   Medical Sciences Campus, UPR               CAT ONL CDS ADM
   Metropolitan Campus, UIA                   CAT CIR CDS ONL
   Metropolitan University, AGMEF             CAT ONL DKT CIR
   Optometry School                           CDS IND
   Phoenix University                         CAT IND
   Pontificial Catholic University            CAT
   Sacred Heart University                    CDS CAT ACQ ADM
   San German Campus, UIA                     CIR ONL DKT IND
   Rio Piedras Campus, UPR                    CAT ADM CDS
 

   Optical Technology

   Carribbean Central University             CD
   Center for Puerto Rican Studies           CD
   Mayaguez Campus, UPR                      CD VD
   Medical Sciences Campus                   CD
   Metropolitan Campus, UIA                  CD
   Metropolitan University, AGMEF            CD
   Optometry School, UIA                     CD
   Pontificial Catholic University           CD
   Rio Piedras Campus, UPR                   CD
   Sacred Heart University                   CD
   San German Campus, UIA                    CD

     Titles Owned*

     ABI Inform                         Applied Science & Tech.
     Bibliofile                         BIOSIS
     BIP+                               Cancer-CD
     CompuClerk                         ERIC
     Grolier Electronic Enc.            Library Literature
     MEDLINE                            Micromedics
     Psych-Line                         Reader's Guide
     Ulrich+                            US Government CD-Census

       *A selective list of titles informed by respondents

   Automated Library Functions

                                                                          OPAC                  CAT/ILL

   A.G. Mendez Ed. Foundation     Data Research Assoc.  Bibliofile
     Metropolitan University            1984
     Turabo University

   Caribbean Central University    MARC-CARD
                                                           1992

   Interamerican University            Dobis Leuven                  Bibliofile
     Metropolitan Campus              1986
     San German Campus
     School of Optometry

   Pontificial Catholic
     University                                    NOTIS                                Bibliofile
                                                           1990

   University of Puerto Rico             NOTIS                                OCLC
        Medical Sciences Campus       1989
        Rio Piedras Campus                  1979                                     OCLC
                                                           NOTIS
                                                           1989

   Mayaguez Campus               Data Research Assoc.   Bibliofile
                                                           1984
 

 
   Online Searching

                                                            Service            Type/Cost

   Caribbean Central U                       BRS            End-user
                                                    searching/Free
   Center for Puerto Rican                 Dialog         Mediated

   Interamerican University              Dialog         Mediated

   Phoenix University                        Dialog         Mediated/Free

   Pontifical Catholic U                     Dialog         Mediated

   Sacred Heart University               Dialog         Mediated

   University of Puerto Rico             Dialog
     Mayaguez Campus                      Dialog         Mediated
     Medical Sciences                         Medline        End-user
                                                            searching/Free
     Rio Piedras Campus                    Dialog         Mediated
     Law School                                   Lexis
     WestLaw                                        End-user
                                                    searching
                                                    Mediated/Free
    __________________________________________________________

   ACQ    Acquisitions                  ADM       Administration
   CAT    Cataloguing                   CD        CD-ROM
   CDS    CD-ROM Searching      CIR       Circulation
   DKT    Desktop Publishing       EC        Electronic
                                                                        Conferencing
   ILL    Interlibrary Loan             IND       Indexing
   ONL Online Searching             VD         Videodisc