This manual is designed to help bibliographers, librarians, and other materials selectors plan and conduct systematic collection evaluations using both collection centered and client centered techniques. Topics covered in five chapters are: (1) planning the assessment; (2) collection-centered techniques, comprising the compilation of statistics,…

A theoretical foundation is provided for a method of identifying those books in a library's stack that determine any given percentage of the current circulation. Basic components and requirements of the technique are described, and the theory is applied in an example that manipulates data from a university library. (Author/MBR)

Describes the criteria used by optical disk (CD-ROM) database publishers to select test sites; the responsibilities of and benefits to test site libraries; and plans for future use of test sites. The experiences of Texas A&M University are discussed and suggestions are offered to libraries wishing to become test sites. (CLB)

These two brief guides are designed to assist users in searching the GPO Monthly Catalog of Government Publications and the ERIC databases on CD-ROM produced by Silver Platter Information, Inc. Each guide contains step-by-step instructions for: (1) simple subject searching using basic Boolean connectors; (2) displaying and printing; (3) correcting…

Examines the problem of aging of books in university libraries and presents a mathematical model of the aging process. Indexes for the aging time limit, over-age book rate, and aging rate are suggested; use of the mean unit price is considered; and countermeasures for control of the aging process are proposed. (four references) (MES)

Provides detailed instructions for setting up general purpose CD-ROM workstations using IBM compatible microcomputers and tells how to make CD-ROM disks available to the general user. Use of standardized hardware and software, utility programs, DOS batch files, a shell program, and a hypertext program at the University of Idaho Library are…

This document reports on an assessment of the Jacksonville State University's Houston Cole Library collection that employed a variety of methodologies and tools, including list-checking, direct collection examination, shelflist measurement and analysis, WLN (Washington Library Network) conspectus sheets, analysis of OCLC/AMIGOS Collection Analysis…

Describes how the physical sciences library at Western Michigan University introduced a mathematical database on CD-ROM and trained patrons to conduct their own searches. The "Mathematical Reviews" database (entitled MathSci Disc) is described, and three types of training are discussed: informal demonstrations, self-instructional guides,…

Discusses the need for end-user instruction in searching CD-ROM databases and describes various instructional methods, including point-of-use; group instruction, e.g., demonstrations, workshops, and course integrated classes; written materials, e.g., manuals, templates, workbooks, and search forms; tutorials; and videotapes. Staffing needs,…

This special section on local area networks includes three articles: (1) a description of migration at Joyner Library, East Carolina University (North Carolina) to a new network server; (2) a discussion of factors to consider for network planning in school libraries; and (3) a directory of companies supplying cable, hardware, software, and…

Describes how automation has transformed the library and how super-catalogs have affected the process of doing research. Explains how faculty and librarians can work together to help students to use the available databases effectively, by teaching them Boolean logic, standard record formats, filing rules, etc. (DMM)

The purpose of this manual is to provide a structure for a comprehensive user education program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. It is intended to provide a general direction for librarians to review when developing new instructional programs or examining current programs. The purpose of this program is to provide basic library…

This manual was produced during the 1992-93 Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario school year to be used as a reference guide and a training tool for library support staff assigned to work at the library's information desks. Its purpose is to help ensure a uniform standard of service and to provide practical procedures for information and basic…

The Eighteenth Century Short Title Catalogue (ESTC) on compact disc provides access to nearly 300,000 printed materials from Britain and the British colonies from 1701 to 1800. The file contains a wide variety of materials (laws, almanacs, posters, catalogs, directories, verses, monographs, advertisements, and flyers) in all languages, and covers…

Explained and illustrated is the formula funding system used for colleges and universities in Texas. This system is considerably more complicated than the formulas used in other states. Data for institutions in the state system for fiscal 1978 are presented; actual appropriations are used rather than requests, and formula-produced amounts are…