Who clicks, why and for what:
the HEIRNET Survey
In May, with the Historic Environment Information Resources Network (HEIRNET), we participated in a survey to find out how different sectors use online resources in archaeology. The survey had 741 returns and will take a while to digest properly the results, but here are some quick headlines.
Responding to the HEIRNET Survey: education and research was the largest group expressing their views on historic environment information.
Educators and researchers were the largest group of respondents, representing some 36% of the total audience. Professionals, non-vocational and others represented 27%, 22% and 15% respectively. Of these, 85% said that they used Google frequently, while only one respondent said that he or she hadn't heard of it. Discussing archaeology content online, respondents rated `downloads' as their most sought after resources. Reports were the most popular type of download, proving the demand for the grey literature library. Other popular downloads included journals, images and maps.
With the help of the CBA we were able to offer a prize draw to encourage participants. We're pleased to report the winner of the PDA was Gary Houghton of Thurrock Council.
