The need for a survey of users was originally discussed by a working group of the MUL
Online/Ondisc Sub-committee in the mid 1990’s. The terms of reference for this committee
include the responsibility for selection of major online databases and locally networked
CD-ROM databases. Committee members considered that a survey would be the best
method to obtain information that would both assist in decision-making and ensure that the
library maximises its investment of funds and staff resources in the provision of electronic
information. Work on a survey was delayed for a number of reasons including the
introduction of a new library system, Voyager, and the subsequent development of a
databases web page.