Developed to assist librarians in the measurement and evaluation of the library's ability to provide services, this guide suggests a number of evaluation techniques that may be used once the reasons for a study have been clearly determined and locally peculiar conditions have been taken into account. The first section explains methods for…

Describes the process of question referral in California's second-level reference centers where questions are referred by public librarians, and provides examples of questions and sources typical of humanities research. Topics include the varied clientele and the use of databases, reference files, library collections, organizations, special…

Reports results of study designed to analyze user behavior in two Cyprus cultural center libraries--American Center Library and British Council Library. Library floor plans, user characteristics and patterns, special use analyses, serious versus casual use, and relationships or correlations between characteristics and services are highlighted.…

Presents four challenges faced by libraries and proposes research designs to address each of them. The challenges involve: invisible infrastructure; content and collections; preservation and access; and institutional boundaries. Proposes a mixture of research methods that includes surveys, case studies, documentary analyses, and policy analyses.…

Describes the addition of a collection management module to an advanced reference course in the arts and humanities, and reports the preliminary findings of a practicum that used the Research Libraries Group Conspectus as a basis for collection analysis in the humanities for a university library. (Author/CLB)

A study undertaken to determine extent and range of resources available to libraries of Nigerian Federal Government research institutes in the field of applied sciences reveals that these libraries do not have sufficient resources to function effectively since their buildings, collections, and staffing levels are all inadequate. (8 references)…

Consists of an analysis of the data obtained in a recent survey of the libraries of 26 less known museums which emphasize some aspect of science and technology. Data discussed include staff size, collection size, subject specialties, interlibrary loan participation, online search activity, and memberships in consortia or networks. (Author/EJS)

Describes the provision of library services to performing musicians in a music conservatory and focuses on their need for information in three main categories: (1) access to collections through library catalogs and other sources, (2) sources for the study of musical scores, and (3) research using sources for contextual and background research. (10…

Interviews were conducted with the heads of 11 business branches of major public libraries to examine how these experts view the future of the public library in the electronically dominated information environment of the future. Eleven references and a list of librarians interviewed are appended. (Author/EJS)

Reports results of survey investigating aspects of weeding of materials in reference collections at 377 U.S. colleges and universities: existence of written policy or unwritten weeding practice; extent of weeding; frequency; what happens to discards; effect of shelf space, staff time, and use of materials on weeding decisions. (5 references) (EJS)

This survey assessing use of online databases in marine science libraries indicates that, despite generally small staff and collection size, there is considerable involvement in OCLC and computerized reference service and active planning for public catalogs, serials automation, and integrated database management systems. Eleven references and…

This paper outlines the procedures for a study that will focus on the information needs of the 12 Department of Sociology faculty members at Ball State University. By comparing needs of the sociology department with current holdings in the library, deficiencies in monograph and serial holdings are expected to be identified. Needs are defined here…

One of a series of annual studies undertaken by the Library Research Center for and on behalf of the Illinois State Library, this report provides a detailed, question-by-question examination of the 143 responses (84% of the 170 Illinois academic libraries polled) to the 1981/82 Higher Education General Information Survey/Library General…

During one week in 1981, 648 telephone reference questions were analyzed at medium-sized public library. Subject-oriented question analysis revealed little relationship between subject of question, answer format, and complexity level; significant correlation appeared between answer format and level of complexity. Sample coding form and statistical…

Describes the Library Electronic Text Resource Service (LETRS) at Indiana University and examines public relations efforts to build support and interest among the faculty and graduate students. The most successful publicity efforts were based on an understanding of how humanists conduct research. (LRW)