In Fall 2014 the University of Maryland Libraries launched a textbook reserves program to help relieve the burden of high textbook costs on students. Although its initial performance was lackluster, workflow refinements and expanded promotion greatly improved usage, resulting in a tenfold increase in circulation and expansion of the program. This…

Studies about diversity initiatives in academic libraries have primarily focused on large research libraries. But what kinds of diversity work occur at smaller libraries? This study examines the status of diversity initiatives, especially those aimed at students, at national liberal arts college libraries. Results from a survey of library…

The online environment presents a unique challenge to higher education. Shifting from the face-to-face format to online not only involves rethinking course design, but requires careful consideration of when and how to teach students, how to find and evaluate information needed to successfully complete coursework. One solution is faculty teaming…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to find out whether LibQUAL+[TM]can account for student loyalty to the library of an institution of higher education. LibQUAL+[TM] is a marketing tool that is used to measure perceived service quality of libraries, and the present analysis aims at validating this service quality instrument within a more…

An evaluation of the reference referral program at the University of California Library at Santa Barbara was conducted by a committee of the Librarians Association of the University (LAVC). This committee designed a referral form, a plan for its use, and a methodology for evaluating the program. Conclusions are complex and raise more questions…

The principal service offered was a manual current awareness service, based on scanning primary and abstracting journals. Evaluation was by feedback slips for each reference, and by questionnaire at the end of the experiment. General observations on place and value of such a service in a university library are included. (6 references) (Author/SJ)

Two measures of effectiveness for university libraries are constructed. The Primary Measure of Effectiveness, defined over the total population of users, considers the number of material and information items desired by the users, the number of satisfactorily answered inquiries, and the number of users. For the Secondary Measure of Effectiveness…

In September 1981, Carnegie-Mellon University Libraries inaugurated a Question/Comment Board, soliciting from users their suggestions, opinions, and complaints, and prominently displaying the libraries' responses to these queries. This technique has proved to be an effective method for identifying users' perceptions of libraries (i.e., physical…

Effects of a self-paced, individualized workbook in changing student's awareness of library resources and services were measured by pre- and post-tests of 487 freshmen students in designated English classes. Evaluation of test results indicated that, although this library skills program was successful, some reevaluation is needed. (CWM)

This computer-produced directory lists New England college, university, and institute libraries and their bibliographic instruction programs based on responses to a questionnaire. "Program" is used to describe an instructional unit defined by characteristics such as format, target audience, materials used, subject focus, and frequency or…

This document addresses the advantages and disadvantages of a required bibliographic instruction program at Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois. Issues addressed include: the public relations efforts; the planning and implementation of the program; the staff requirements; and the impact on library operations and services. Course requirements,…

Five years of operation of the Wabash College Library Project are reviewed and analyzed for the Council on Library Resources, which funded the project. The project is described as one which uses upper division student assistants to provide contact with and library instruction for newer students in freshman tutorials, classes, residences, and the…

Describes adoption of microcomputer tutorial for library orientation at state-owned school of approximately 2,800 students. Highlights include advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer-assisted instruction, production of tutorial software, the program, evaluation, and revisions. Goals for library instruction and sampling of questions used to…

Describes a library-subsidized walk-in service at Albert R. Mann Library, Cornell University, which provides computer-generated bibliographies to undergraduate students at very low cost. Undergraduate needs, models, planning the service (parameters, fees, database selection, promotion), an initial evaluation of the program, and modifications of…

Use of online bibliographic databases as ready-reference sources was evaluated in five-month study at three reference areas in University of Arizona Library. Equipment and training requirements were analyzed, and statistics were collected on databases searched, costs per search, question type, and patron and staff reactions. Ready-reference…