This article describes the process and role frontline access and public service staff play in needs assessment and evaluation of user services, specifically in understanding the voice of the customer. Information includes how the University of Arizona Libraries have incorporated daily data collection into the strategic planning process, resources…

Discusses various aspects of scientific software, including evaluation and selection of commercial software products; program exchanges, catalogs, and other information sources; major data analysis packages; statistics and chemometrics software; and artificial intelligence. (JN)

This article offers a multidimensional framework that broadens current approaches to "best practices" inquiry to include (1) the perspectives of both the consumers of services and professional practitioners and (2) a value-based critique. The predominant empirical approach to best practices inquiry is a necessary, but not sufficient, component of…

Factors that affect the utility of financial data collected through the Higher Education General Information Surveys (HEGIS) are examined. Attention is also directed to the process associated with the collection and use of that data; roles and responsibilities of various parties to that process, with a focus on researchers' roles; and possible…

When she was asked to write an article on how she used quantitative research methods in her doctoral dissertation, the author eagerly jumped at the chance. Not because she is some sort of expert on the topic, but rather because she wishes someone had given her some insights into the journey she was about to embark on. Although the course work for…

Describes two indexes, the Electronic and Print Usage Indexes, created at the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, that can be used easily by librarians to clearly demonstrate usage trends in their libraries. The indexes show that in 1998-1999, patron usage of electronic resources more than doubled, whereas print use declined. (AEF)

The role played by the institutional research office in the successful re-engineering of the University of Miami (Florida) college of engineering is described. The private research university's engineering school was at risk of closure due to declining enrollment and a changing job market. A committee of engineering faculty and other university…

Describes a pharmaceutical mathematics and statistics course at the State University of New York at Buffalo that integrates traditional classroom instruction and Internet-based resources, including World Wide Web pages and individual and group electronic mail. The approach has enhanced communication and discussion among students and instructor,…

A study was conducted to determine a nationwide availability conclusion percentage of minorities (Blacks, Spanish-origin persons, Asian Americans, and American Indians) and women particularly in job groups of two job categories: Officials and Managers, and Professional. The resulting availability conclusions would then be used to determine…

This document presents the key principles underpinning effective evaluations as applied to policy initiatives in the field of lifelong learning (LL) and the various methods available to implement them. The following are among the topics discussed in Chapters 1-6: (1) the distinction between monitoring, modeling, and evaluation and considerations…