Reviews studies exploring the information-seeking behavior of social science researchers and discusses implications for the development of reference services. Identifies the importance of journals, use of citation information from journals, colleagues and conferences as information sources, and infrequent use of library resources. (Author/AEF)

Faced with growing problems in the management and direction of its periodical collection, in 1973 the McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph established a Periodical Use Committee responsible for collecting and analyzing statistics on the use of periodicals within the library. Specific responsibilities of the committee included deciding…

To identify areas where seats could be removed to accommodate a growing collection, the University of Wollongong (New South Wales, Australia) library surveyed patron seating usage. The survey supported a 12% reduction in seating, which enabled the installation of additional shelving and a compactus to store 20,000 volumes while having a minimal…

Discusses the use of barcoding as a method for measuring the frequency-of-use patterns of the bound journal collection at Northern Illinois University. Highlights include a team approach to planning; collection development; collection maintenance; hardware and software; and technological, economic, organizational, and political implications. (27…

Collecting statistical data about database usage by library patrons aids in the management of CD-ROM and database offerings, collection development, and evaluation of training programs. Two approaches to data collection are presented which should be used together: an automated or nonintrusive method which monitors search sessions while the…

Based on a literature search, surveys of student library needs and library collections, and an evaluation of services available from participating educational institutions and local public and school libraries, it is concluded that library support for students enrolled in distance education programs offered through the Chinook Educational…

Identifies library collection development as a high-priority activity and discusses collection development needs in terms of training, library policies and planning, resource assessment, and coordination among libraries. A method used for assessing collections and allocating resources is described. (CLB)

Describes a method of cost-per-use analysis for individual journal articles to facilitate journal selection, deselection, and retention decisions. Conducted in a biotechnology library, the study was based on 491 users who requested more than 48,000 article photocopies over 3 years. Information on user behavior and journal use patterns is provided.…