To identify the essential core of statistical data needed to plan improvements in library and information services in the United States, one must examine some recent trends in public administration methods and their potential applicability to the library field. Public administrators increasingly regard planning as a cycle: perception of needs,…

Problems in the documentation of the history of fine arts in Japan are explored through a description of the influences of personalities and institutions in the historical study of Japanese art, a survey of the literature and documents involved, and the relationships between museum and library documentation procedures. Suggestions offered for the…

This report summarized briefly some of the federal legislation now pending or recently enacted that has implications for library service and for librarians. It covers the first six months of the first session of the 94th Congress, which convened January 14, 1975. The first section of the report discusses appropriations bills, without which funds…

Statistics are basic to the legislative process and must be available in a form quickly and easily perceived to support library legislation. There should be a sound statistical base, fleshed out with practical examples, to impress legislators and lay persons. Communication of statistical data to decision makers requires a sound public information…

The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Section of the UCLA Biomedical Library was studied in an attempt to develop a methodology for analyzing interlibrary loan associated costs that would be generalizable to other libraries. Other objectives included developing standards of performance to monitor staff productivity and correcting imbalances in the flow of…

LIBECON2000 is a project funded by DG13 of the European Commission within the Telematics Applications Programme that will run for three years (until early 2001). The project collects and publishes library statistics of 29 European countries on its World Wide Web site, http://www.libecon2000.org. This paper gives an account of the project's…

Describes an experiment which compares two methods of charging users for online searches; first, a time-based charge; and second, a two-part fee determined by connect time and citations printed. The results are analyzed in terms of patterns of user activity under both systems. (CLB)

This collection of ten conference reports begins with "Historical Impact of Computers on the Operation of Libraries and Information Systems: A Personal Perspective" and is followed by "Tips on Computer Software: Advantages and Methods of Program Dissemination" and "BLOCS--A Unique Multi-Dimensional Approach to On-Line Circulation". Next, libraries…

This paper provides a brief comparative summary of the results of U.S. and European studies on the use of CD-ROM and other optical products in all types of libraries and information centers. In 1987 and 1988, questionnaires were distributed to academic, public, and special libraries in the United States and to libraries in 18 European countries:…

In spite of some problems and difficulties, the Russian information market of professional CD-ROM products is developing actively. This paper describes and analyzes practical experience in distributing professional CD-ROM databases in the Russian market, and some of its characteristic features. Analysis has shown that among the main consumers of…

Outlines considerations in the design of a Competitive Intelligence Information Resource Center (CIIRC), which is needed by business organizations for effective strategic decision making. Discussed are user needs, user participation, information sources, technology and interface design, operational characteristics, and planning for implementation.…

Nigeria is faced with developmental problems, most of which can be solved with the aid of scientific and technological information contained in books, journals and patents, largely obtainable from the advanced countries. There are academic and research institutions generating information that could enhance the economic development of the country…