Introduction: The percentage of foreign-born residents in Spain has multiplied almost fourfold over the last decade. Immigration has changed our society, both from a demographic and economic perspective, and from a cultural and political prospective. The Spanish public library network, a democratic institution that provides services, initially, of…

To better understand health information provision in the public library setting, two cooperative library systems that serve primarily rural populations in upstate New York were studied. The central library in one of those systems established a consumer health information center (CHIC) in 1999. In the other system, the central library does not have…

When improving a web presence, today's libraries have a choice: using a free Web 2.0 application, opting for open source, buying a product, or building a web application. This article discusses how to make an informed decision for one's library. The authors stress that deciding whether to use a free Web 2.0 application, to choose open source, to…

The study investigated networking courses offered in accredited Library and Information Science schools in the United States in 2009. The study analyzed and compared network syllabi according to Course Syllabus Evaluation Rubric to obtain in-depth understanding of basic features and characteristics of networking courses taught. The study embraced…

An application of location theory to the question of centralized versus decentralized library facilities for a university, with relevance for special libraries is presented. The analysis provides models for a single library, for two or more libraries, or for decentralized facilities. (6 references) (Author/NH)

Random samples of monographic materials from U.S. and Canadian public libraries were matched with collections from similar libraries of different sizes. Strong positive correlation appears between percentage find rate and target library size, with regression analysis suggesting linearity over a wide range of collection sizes. (Author)

Summarizes responses from an international survey of automated library system vendors who offer integrated, multi-user, multi-function systems running on mainframes, minis, and micros using multi-user operating systems. Companies were questioned about their computer systems, products, customers, staff, and sales figures. A comparative analysis of…

Using a basic vocabulary and simple model, this paper discusses four options available at the level of the individual bibliographic database for resolving conflicts in MARC exchange: addition, deletion, modification, and superimposition. Costs and benefits of each option and impacts on MARC exchange are noted. (Fourteen references are cited.) (EJS)

Discusses the actual and potential impact of local shared automated library systems on the development of a comprehensive nationwide bibliographic database (NBD). Shared local automated systems are described; four local shared automated system models are compared; and the current interface between local shared automated library systems and the NBD…

In comparing methods of allocating service transaction costs among member libraries of interlibrary systems, questions of how costs are to be estimated, and what cost elements are to be included are critical. Different approaches of estimation yield varying results. Actual distribution of units accounts for greatest variance in allocations. (CDD)

This comparison of online searching cost figures from several of North Suburban Library System's public libraries notes search costs for 1984, average costs for public library computer searches, cost discrepancies, barriers to integration of online searching as a reference tool, searching data, and philosophical decisions. (EJS)

This comparison of three major bibliographic utilities, prepared at the University of Oregon, provides evaluative information to members of the university community contemplating the use of their services. Included are basic characteristics, resource sharing, technical processing, and public services. (RAA)

Data were gathered from 419 science and technology libraries and 281 business libraries on their general characteristics, resource-sharing network membership and frequency of use, current and desired network services, problems with networks, and reasons for nonmembership. Results indicated that more science-technology librarians use…

Increasing demands for more information more quickly has called into serious question the traditionally fragmented nature of library service by creating a need for greater interlibrary cooperation. Libraries have responded to this need by the formation of networks which are nothing more nor less than a formalized tool for interlibrary cooperation.…