Why is it such a struggle to define and capture measures that convey to decision makers the value of libraries' services and programs to the communities, campuses, corporations, or organizations? To be honest, there are a number of reasons for this struggle--all of which can be addressed and, most importantly, solved. First, one has to face…

Literature on library service models is scarce and exists mainly in non-traditional formats such as blog entries and webpages. Nonetheless, the subject evokes heated debate among librarians with many supporting the model they are using, sometimes without understanding that there are other options which perhaps could be better for their…

One of the weakest areas of professional preparation and professional in-service training and development is that of community development education. Each year, many professionally trained recruits go into the field of library service with only the most rudimentary notion of, and training for community, group, and power-structure analyses. Library…

Illustrates how basic principles of marketing and strategic market planning can be applied to libraries and discusses some concepts of strategic planning (organization mission, objectives and goals, growth strategy, program portfolio plan) and marketing (opportunity analysis, target market selection, marketing mix strategy, marketing systems…

Presents a methodology, known as microcosting, for identifying the unit costs of providing specific library services. It is applied for illustrative purposes to the determination of the unit costs of tracking overdue materials at a major university library; a task flowchart, mathematical formula, and data tables are included. (Author/JD)

This article features the Pierce County Library System (PCLS) in Tacoma, where new services are changing the way customers experience the library. PCLS is comprised of 17 branches, two bookmobiles, one Explorer Kid's bookmobile, serves 509,000 people, and has 234,000 cardholders. The evolution of customer expectations and needs motivated the…

These recommendations and report on Public Lending Right (PLR) drafted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe were designed to encourage the recognition of the principle of PLR and the setting up of compatible PLR schemes throughout Europe. It discusses why an agreement for PLR is necessary, and describes several methods of…

Discusses problems of depository libraries such as volume of publications received, understaffing, subject and author/title access, currency of material, financing, and lack of theory and research. An "ideal" access system and an action program for its implementation are described. Four references are listed. (CHC)

This study focuses on factors contributing to the low level of effectiveness of library and information services to the Spanish speaking community as reported in the literature. It analyzes, using an open system approach, models developed by public and academic libraries to serve the Spanish speaking population. Problems contributing to the…

A pilot project tested the feasibility of developing computer simulation models as aids to the operation and design of library systems. (Author/PF)

Presents a model for establishing a conservation program in a library. A preliminary discussion of conservation strategies and the committee approach is followed by a list of tasks; for each task the purpose and goals are briefly explained, and some bibliographic citations are provided, with works chosen for their currency and usefulness.…

Describes the characteristics and roles of traditional libraries and information services, and examines predictions about their future. Analyzes recent models of the electronic or digital library, and describes the concept of the hybrid library. On this basis, develops a generic model of the library, using that term in its broadest sense.…

Two trends in the use of quantitative methods of evaluating libraries that have evolved from general systems analysis are discussed in this literature review. The cost effectiveness approach is aimed at discovering new, improved procedures and devices for providing library services; such alternatives make it possible to evaluate how efficiently a…

This study was conducted to determine how librarians answer reference queries, and to develop instructional materials for teaching the answering process. Twenty-three science and technology reference librarians used and commented on a six-step model of the search strategy process. The model was then revised to include the following steps: (1)…

Examines two traditional approaches to the measurement of library service--the gathering of circulation and reference statistics--and relates them in a statistical model in an attempt to define real standards against which a library's activity can be compared. Graphs comparing reference and circulation statistics are included. (Author/JD)