New technology and publishing: six case studies in search of a theory

The paper reports the results of a small qualitative study of six widely different publishing operations in a Mid‐West campus town. Participants were asked to describe their organisation, their own work, the role of technology and procedures for purchasing technology. The responses showed a marked lack of strategic planning for technology investment in all of the participating organisations, though there were differences across the group in other areas, notably participation in purchasing decisions and training. The authors identify seven salient themes which may be explored with a larger sample.