Diversity audits are frequently used as an assessment method to measure the diversity of a library collection. Yet, there is not frequent research on the aftermath of diversity audits, especially in the context of comparing data from several audits to assess the difference in the makeup of a library collection. In this article, the author…

In this study we developed a model and a spreadsheet tool for calculating, based on user input informed by available data, the probability of at least one usable copy of a monograph title surviving at various time horizons in shared print collections. The calculation incorporates four risk factors, which were assigned values based on research in…

Measuring quality of service in academic libraries traditionally includes quantifiable data such as collection size, staff counts, circulation numbers, reference service statistics, qualitative analyses of customer satisfaction, shelving accuracy, and building comfort. In the libraries of the third millennium, virtual worlds, Web content and…

Although academic libraries have a long tradition of program assessment, in the past the results have been more meaningful internally than externally. Recent changes in the conceptualization of libraries' role in higher education and advances in measurement tools will likely provide answers to different questions, particularly the relationship of…

The data in this report is drawn from the 1994 public library annual report and represents a snapshot of certain conditions that existed in Wisconsin public libraries at the end of 1993. Trustees and staff can use this data to identify an appropriate peer group and select a service target based on activities reported by that group. This companion…

Discusses preservation education programs and describes a workshop follow-up program by SOLINET (Southeastern Library Network) designed to measure the effects of training, provide ongoing support, and develop a long-term mechanism for evaluating workshop effectiveness. Presents results obtained after collecting qualitative and quantitative data…

This document is a manual designed to improve library services to young adults. Information is divided into three parts: (1) "Applying the Planning and Role Setting Process to Library Services for Young Adults"; (2) "Evaluating the Results: The Measurement Process"; and (3) "The Output Measures." Part 1 discusses the Public Library Association…

Because advances in medical science can lead to rapid changes in current health knowledge, a library collection of medical science materials can become dated rather quickly. This factor, as well as the many variables of library use and operation which impact the availability of current materials on the library shelves--loan periods, weeding…

Discusses the economic value of information and cost and benefit concepts. A subjective evaluation model for comparing the desirable and undesirable potential of library acquisition of an electronic information resource is then introduced. The model considers objectives, impact, costs, benefits, and alternatives, and lists evaluation criteria for…

This document examines the importance and difficulties in resource sharing and acquisition by libraries and introduces the procedures of the Site Appraisal for Area Resources Inventory (SAFARI) system as a method of comparative evaluation of subject collections among a group of libraries. Resource, or collection, sharing offers specific…

The "Educational Media and Technology Yearbook" is dedicated to theoretical, empirical and practical approaches to educational media development. All chapters are invited and selected based on a variety of strategies to determine current trends and issues in the field. The 2009 edition will highlight innovative Trends and Issues in…

The goals of Project Outreach were: to place library materials in agencies throughout the county; to offer film programs, filmstrip presentations, and talks; to continue cooperative ventures in the use of braille and talking books; to continue to utilize tape cassettes; to provide materials to handicapped persons; to make available large print…

Quantitative output measures for municipal and county public library services in Wisconsin provide points of reference for libraries to analyze their needs and establish primary service goals based on unique community-targeted services. Traditional input measures are also furnished, which produce various recommended targets, based on the size of…

Presents seven articles that discuss reference librarians and technical services librarians; evaluating online public access catalogs; bibliographic instruction and CD-ROMs; interactive multimedia and electronic media in academic libraries; open versus closed stacks for academic library periodical collections; policies and procedures manuals as…

The Online Books Evaluation Project at Columbia University (New York) explores the potential for online books to become significant resources in academic libraries. The Project confronts and explores a set of feasibility issues, including publishers' ability to provide books of various types and vintages in forms conducive to conversion to online…