This article takes a broad view of the evolution of collecting behaviors in a network environment and suggests some future directions based on various simple models. The authors look at the changing dynamics of print collections, at the greater engagement with research and learning behaviors, and at trends in scholarly communication. The goal is…

This final report presents results of the first phase of an effort to develop in detail the resource requirements, operating procedures, and estimated costs for several centralized braille service options at the Library of Congress. Existing procedures and services were analyzed, and three models for centralized braille services were formulated.…

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, administers a free library program for those unable to read standard printed materials, reproducing and distributing works in braille, recorded disc, and recorded cassette. Previous studies of the distribution network had identified costs and…

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, administers a free library program for those unable to read standard printed materials, reproducing and distributing works in braille, recorded disc, and recorded cassette. A previous study of the distribution network identified costs and developed…

This report is an evaluation of an interlibrary loan system that was put into operation for a 6-month experimental period beginning January 1, 1978, by the Cleveland Area Metropolitan Library System (CAMLS), a regional cooperative network of 19 public, academic, and special libraries in northern Ohio. The objective of the system was to increase…

Random samples of monographic materials from U.S. and Canadian public libraries were matched with collections from similar libraries of different sizes. Strong positive correlation appears between percentage find rate and target library size, with regression analysis suggesting linearity over a wide range of collection sizes. (Author)

Summarizes responses from an international survey of automated library system vendors who offer integrated, multi-user, multi-function systems running on mainframes, minis, and micros using multi-user operating systems. Companies were questioned about their computer systems, products, customers, staff, and sales figures. A comparative analysis of…

Cost analysis of an automated network system and a manual system of cataloging and book processing indicates a 20 percent savings using automation. Per unit costs based on the average monthly automation rate are used for comparison. Higher manual system costs are attributed to staff costs. (RAA)

The proceedings of this symposium contain the texts of 21 presentations: (1) "The Alexandriana Library: A New Opportunity in International Library Cooperation" (Stuart Ede); (2) "Conservation, Culture and Curriculum" (Brendan Loughridge); (3) "European Library Cooperation: An EC (European Community) Standpoint"…

This report presents results from Phase 1 of the British Columbia Library Network (BCLN) Project, which included the installation and evaluation of a comprehensive library cataloging system using the University of Victoria Computing Center IBM 4341 computer. Evaluation included actual use of the system, performance and cost studies, feature and…

In January 1972, the Kentucky-Ohio-Michigan Regional Medical Library Network initiated an extramural program with a coordinator at each of its participating libraries to function as liaison between the network and basic units. Data collection devices were developed in order to evaluate the program in terms of its ability to foster responsible…

This evaluation of the use of volunteers in the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) had five objectives: (1) to determine all categories of tasks currently performed by volunteers for network programs and to estimate the amount of time spent on each category by volunteers on a yearly basis; (2) to assess the…

This feasibility study of an integrated statewide library network system consists of two main parts: the body of the report, which includes an introduction to the background and method of the study, the findings, and the modular plan for implementation; and supplementary materials presented in seven appendices reviewing basic facts. These…

A 2-phase study evaluated the existing reference referral network in California, and developed and evaluated two alternative designs, one organization-based and the other formula-based. The evaluation phase consisted of the following tasks: (1) a survey of all public libraries and cooperative systems of the state regarding their priorities for and…

Conducted to gather information on the practical impact of implementing either the Washington Library Network (WLN) system or one of two versions of the DOBIS system in British Columbia Union Catalogue (BCUC) member libraries, this study addressed four questions: (1) the effect the introduction of the new system would have on workflows; (2)…