Universities conduct a variety of cost-allocation studies that require the collection and analysis of the library cost-data. Cost accounting methods are used in most studies; however, costs are attributed to library user groups in a variety of ways. Cost accounting studies are reviewed and allocation methods are discussed. (Author)

A description of the methodology used in collecting performance data in a large academic research library is given. Twelve types of surveys used to measure and evaluate users, services, and materials were developed. Costs of providing research services were found to be 64 percent versus 36 percent for instructional purposes (1 reference)…

A project was conducted from 1980 to 1982 to determine the costs and benefits of OCLC use in 29 small and medium-sized member libraries of the Illinois Valley Library System (IVLS). Academic, school, public, and special libraries participated by recording the time and staffing levels used for and the cost of OCLC and pre-OCLC cataloging (by…

The lack of statistical records in library administration is examined along with various reasons for the difficulty in measuring and recording the assorted contents and costs of a library. The need for some realistic benefit-and-cost analysis for information systems of various dimensions is noted. (LBH)

Designed to assist library managers in conducting effective cost studies, this document provides a summary of the data for the 81 member libraries which responded to a survey of technical services cost studies conducted by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in April 1982, and seven reports of such studies. These reports, which range from…

Identifies resource allocation patterns and establishes a basis for understanding academic library service costs through a cost analysis of public services. Results of a survey of 101 academic libraries indicate that libraries have responded to increased costs for resource materials by increasing that budget and decreasing the budget for salaries.…

A study examined the feasibility of developing a cost effective sampling technique which would estimate the mean number of patrons using the Purdue University General Library during one semester. The technique employed, called random sampling without replacement, meant that, from the total population of days in the Fall Semester, particular days…

A Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) survey conducted in 1986 investigated the collection and use of management statistics in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries, and SPEC Kit #134 (May 1987) summarized the kinds of statistics collected and the reasons given by the 91 respondents for collecting them. This more…

A study of the Purdue University Libraries was conducted to help allocate costs by user group and academic department. A circulation survey was taken to determine user identification. The sampling included reserve material used in the library, materials borrowed overnight or longer, and use of photocopy service. Copies of transaction cards were…

The costs of providing access to serial literature in four university research libraries were examined in this study, and a methodology was developed for comparing borrowing costs with the costs of acquisition, cataloging, maintenance, and circulation. Mathematical models are provided by which any library can determine at what frequency of use of…

Reports findings and recommendations of a study on the role of fees in libraries sponsored by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. Responses to these findings are made by academic and public librarians, library and information science educators, publishers, consultants, and association executives. An extensive bibliography…