Discusses methods used at the University of Washington libraries to assess user needs, satisfaction, and library performance. Describes the triennial user surveys used in the past as well as the new ARL's (Association of Research Libraries) LibQUAL+ methodology that focused on quality of service and library support through a Web-based survey.…

Describes a study that compared figures derived from a questionnaire-based, book availability survey and from computer records of the use of the library's catalog. Although differences emerged, it was concluded that the computer monitoring technique could act as a surrogate for availability surveys. (AEF)

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit presents the results of a survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries designed to document how ARL member libraries are collecting, using, and modifying their data on reference service transactions. A total of 74 of 124 ARL member libraries responded to the survey. A…

The study packs, videocartridges, microfiche, tape/slide sequences, and audiocassettes available at the University of Bath Library were evaluated in terms of use, costs, and user satisfaction. (Note: Page f. . .=fiche number.) (BW)

This study reviews the literature on the evaluation of bibliographic instruction in academic libraries from 1980 to 1993. Four main issues are discussed: (1) the reasons why librarians are evaluating; (2) to what degree they are evaluating; (3) what specific aspects they are evaluating; and (4) which methodologies are being used. Contains 89…

Academic libraries are turning increasingly to internship/residency programs to enhance recruitment efforts. Outlines necessary components of an evaluation model for internship/residency programs based on a survey of academic library deans/directors and program coordinators. Identifies key evaluation factors that library administrators consider…

This SPEC Kit and Flyer focus on performance evaluation of library directors. The survey, included in the SPEC Kit, was sent to all 121 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) directors; 76 directors (63%) responded. The survey asked about factual attributes of director review processes, including frequency of review cycles, participants, and…

Reports results of unobtrusive testing of reference service (asking reference questions of library staff who are unaware of being evaluated) in government documents and central reference areas of 26 U.S. libraries. Accuracy of answers, interview and search process duration, referral, and use of catalog and technology are highlighted. (12…

Describes Virginia Tech's participation in the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) Assessing the Academic Networked Environment Project to field test measures of the impact of networks and networked information resources on higher education institutions. Topics include student surveys, library surveys, administrative information services,…

Western Kentucky University Libraries developed a survey similar to its Web-based library satisfaction survey, with identical content for library Web and exit patrons to compare these groups' responses. Focuses on the collection of Web and exit survey responses in a two-week period, transformation of response data for analysis, comparison of the…

Arguing that professional library literature often ignores the problem of evaluating the effectiveness of a library tour or the aids (e.g., audiotape, slides, video, computer programs, handbooks) which may supplement the tour, this article provides a proposed evaluation model for measuring a tour's success. The evaluation of library tours is…

This College Library Information Packet (CLIP) Note explores how faculty status affects librarians' promotion and tenure opportunities and the criteria at various institutions for defining librarians' status. In September 1995, a survey was sent to a group of 265 small and medium sized academic libraries, eliciting a response rate of 70% (n=185).…

This collection of library documents, which illustrates current techniques for conducting user studies in order to facilitate specific public services planning and priority-setting efforts at the member libraries of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), contains excerpts from: (1) four general user studies conducted at the University of…

This set of materials assembled by the Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) contains seven examples of general use surveys and eight examples of user surveys on specific topics from a group of major research libraries. Among the items included are (1) a final report on a library user survey…

The Academic Libraries Survey (ALS) was established in 1966 to collect concise information on library resources, services, and expenditures for the entire population of academic libraries in the United States. The ALS is conducted every 2 years as a cooperative venture of the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Commerce, Bureau of…