It is shown that Trueswell's empirical 80/20 rule arises from type of stochastic model for library loans presented by Burrell and Cane. Particular attention is paid to previously suggested uses of rule in identifying "core collection" for library noting that length of time period is of crucial importance. (20 references) (EJS)

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)

Discussion of models for library circulation data highlights a new statistical prediction model that creates a flexible regression curve. Linear graphs that result from previous models are discussed, bivariate discrete distributions are explained, and graphs that show library circulation for one year at a time are presented. (nine references) (LRW)

Frequency-of-circulation distributions from 16 United Kingdom libraries participating in initial period of operation of the Public Lending Right are discussed. Differences between the libraries are highlighted, and, for each, the adequacy of various refinements of the simplest model (geometric distribution, negative binomial distribution, or mixed…

Demonstrates the application of multiple regression and double exponential elimination to patronage and circulation data collected at the School of Education at the University of Mississippi to examine the performance of its branch library. (six references) (MES)

A study conducted at the Western Australian Institute of Technology (W.A.I.T.) investigated the declining use of an external library collection consisting of 12,000 volumes and 1,600 photocopies of articles from journals and monographs. The problem was approached along several avenues: (1) a survey was made of study guides to ascertain what…

Based on a study of the book collection of Columbia-Greene Community College Library (New York) carried out in the summer of 1987, this report investigates the relationship of age and previous use to the future use of books. An examination of the acquisition year and circulation records of 10% of the library's book collection (approximately 4,000…

Develops stochastic model of library borrowing using Negative Binomial distribution applied to circulation data obtained from Huddersfield Public Library. Evidence concerning process of popularity decay is presented and method is given by which relegation tests can be constructed to maintain optimum turnover. Eight references and statistical…

Utilizing 11 years of University of Saskatchewan circulation transactions, it is shown that P. M. Morse's Markov model of book use fits approximately 99 percent of data for whole collection and for three subject areas; contrary to his assumptions, one of the model's parameters is time dependent. Thirteen references are included. (EJS)

Reports on research that examined the clustering of similar books provided by a classification system and ways in which the books that patrons circulate are clustered in a university library. Measures of classification system performance are suggested and used to evaluate two test collections. Consequences for full-text document systems and online…

Data collected from an extensive review of 300 publications dealing with library cost studies are presented in 63 graphs. This probably includes most of the published data on costs of library technical processes up to the early 1970's. All data shown in this report has been corrected for general inflationary trends by converting the source data…

Library circulation records for five years in one Hawaiian elementary school were analyzed to discover patterns according to sex and grade level; identify titles, subjects, and types of books circulated; and determine circulation of Hawaiiana and books about Asia. Bibliography of 129 titles mentioned in text is included. (11 references) (EJS)

Describes a circulation model for academic research libraries which uses the mixed Poisson model, incorporating ageing of library materials, to predict future use of monographs and to suggest weeding procedures based on frequency of circulation. Longitudinal studies are examined and statistical details are appended. (Author/LRW)

This report on a study of the acquisition policies and procedures of the Mesa College Library (Grand Junction, Colorado) begins by discussing the techniques used for data collection, including: (1) measurement of shelflist cards; (2) calculation of average imprint date, accession date, number of circulations, price, and year of latest circulation;…