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 P.O. Box 6904 San Diego, CA  92166-0904 Roland Werner, Principal Phone/FAX  (619) 660-1603