A survey of synagogues in upstate New York was conducted to determine the success of their libraries despite minimal professional input. The areas of circulation, collection growth, staffing, hours of operation and cataloging practices were evaluated as indicators of success. Results showed that synagogue libraries are meeting the needs of their…

Describes an exploratory study of government agency libraries that was conducted as a first step in the development of a theoretical framework to study the role of information provision by libraries in policy-making contexts. The library functions discussed include tracking issues and clientele, retrieving relevant information for clientele, and…

Describes the results of Flossmoor Public Library's long-range planning initiatives for youth services, which has resulted in improvements in collection development and programing. Evaluation procedures and techniques were recognized as valuable learning tools to increase the effectiveness of services, enhance communication with the board and…

Describes a plan developed by the Phoenix Public Library that involved all librarians working in branches in defining what constitutes excellence in professional performance in the areas of collection development, reference and reader's advisory services, and community interaction. Characteristics related to excellence are identified, and…

To improve its service, the Offa (Nigeria) township library conducted a user study. The investigation found that 51% of users were students ages 19 and below and that 78% were males. Most users wanted extended hours, improved newspaper collections, more accurate shelving, and a consistent lending policy for all materials and users. (PEN)

Examines trends in the opportunity for adolescents to participate in readers' choice award programs. In addition to the extent of such programs, the discussion covers the characteristics of winning books, the benefits to adolescent readers, and the validity of using awards lists for library collection development. (six references) (CLB)

Noting that information is needed about libraries' roles in literacy activities in terms of the outcomes, the Library Programs Office of the U.S. Department of Education awarded the Division of Library Development a grant to develop a model that would evaluate literacy activities in such a fashion. A result of this effort, this library literacy…

Discusses the economics and value of information and describes a study that compared an objective measure, the estimated direct costs to a library to purchase materials or provide services used by specific users, with a subjective measure, exchange values those users would pay for the information. (LRW)

This study presents the result of the Columbia-Greene Community College (New York) annual book use survey. The main purpose of the study was to determine which subject areas are most/least in demand, so that the library can acquire books to optimally meet actual demand. The library did a 12% arithmetic sample of the entire circulating collection.…

Assesses the collections of Nigerian university libraries by comparing them to those of their peers in other African and British universities. Discusses the impact of the World Bank Loan Project on resuscitating Nigerian university libraries. Strategies for maintaining adequacy and relevance of the collections for the 21st century are recommended.…

Discussion of the need for strategic planning in public libraries highlights a case study of a small resort town library, the Crawford Memorial Library, in Monticello, New York. Deciding on specific library roles and planning their implementation are described, and the importance of environment and competition in strategic planning is explained.…

Discusses collection development in research libraries and presents a model for organizing collection management that combines functional and team-based design principles. Traditional and new organization designs of university libraries are described, and collection development and management is defined in terms of reference and technical…

Reports on an evaluation of Library Power, a national project to improve school library media services in elementary and middle school media centers. Major findings are reported related to impact on student learning, facilities and collection development, professional development and collaboration, and administrative support. (MES)

This summary of Nebraska library statistics for the 1996-1997 fiscal year is a compilation of data reported by 225 public libraries. Of these reporting libraries, 74% meet the state guidelines required for accreditation and are eligible for direct state aid and federal grants. Sixty-seven pages of statistical charts are divided according to the…

Examines the economic behavior of academic research libraries, arguing that academic research libraries seek to maximize universities' utility by expanding library collections. Findings are consistent with those from a previous study using a different ranking system and sample data and reconfirm that library collections contribute significantly to…