Action research as a methodology is suitable for use within academic library settings. Its theoretical foundations are located in several disciplines and its applications span across many professions. In this article, an overview of the theoretical beginnings and evolution of action research is presented. Approaches generally used in conducting an…

The author's focus for this column within the large universe of the public services literature is on articles which stress what is best for the user. That may mean finding out why faculty use or do not use the physical library, considering the elimination of the reference desk, beginning or enhancing a library's virtual reference services, or…

The process described in this manual is designed to help small academic libraries systematically study the use of their circulating book collections. Originally developed in 1980, the manual has been used successfully in several small college libraries, both with and without assistance from outside consultants. In most cases, the study can be…

Discussion of academic libraries and the accrediting process focuses on an evaluation and comparison of library guidelines from 17 specialized accrediting bodies with guidelines from regional accreditors. Input versus output measures are discussed, and suggestions for improving the library's participation in the process are offered. (Contains 25…

A study of 1264 incidents of journal mutilation at New York University indicates no relationship between the availability of indexing and abstracting services on CD-ROM databases and mutilation. Recommends posting warnings; raising awareness; providing adequate photocopiers, change, and vendor card machines; announcing closing time; encouraging…

Discusses the library standards--"Guidelines for Two-Year College Learning Resources Programs"--as approved in 1972 by three national associations, highlighting addition of quantitative standards in 1979, review in 1981, utilization for research studies, role in accreditation process, and use for statewide planning. A 28-item…

Investigated centralized copyright clearance services in higher education institutions based on the findings of a questionnaire survey and five case study interviews in United Kingdom libraries. Examines reasons why services were established, how they were funded and staffed, their overall remit, problems, and good practice guidelines. (Author/LRW)

In order to develop guidelines for the selection of journals by the Center for Research Libraries, a study was done of the use made of the Center's Journal Access Services (JAS), which supplies photocopies of journal articles to member institutions from the Center's collections and from the British Library Lending Division (BLLD). Based on a…

This SPEC kit is based on a June 1987 survey of approval plan use by 94 members of the Association of Research Libraries. It reports on the current practices of these libraries, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using approval plans, and the effect of increased library materials costs and library automation on such plans. It is noted…

Discusses written instructional materials created by librarians for end users searching database systems. Highlights include novice user studies; the importance of print instruction in digital information environments; a paradigm shift from system-centered to user-centered focuses in technical writing and user documentation for software; and…

The 1979 Governor's Conference on Library and Information Services analyzed the needs of the library and information community and resulted in 47 resolutions intended to improve library and information services in Virginia. The long-range plan presented in this document sets forth the status of library development in the state, examines the needs…