This paper considers estimation of parameters for a model currently being used to study the Illinois Interlibrary Loan Network (ILLINET) and presents a method for determining how much data should be collected and how it should be aggregated. Four classes of model parameters discussed: demands, probabilities of success, processing times, and…

A library network model is reviewed and a derivation is presented that requires fewer assumptions and allows more robust representations of library networks. (Author)

The performance of an interlibrary loan network is characterized by the probability of satisfying a request, delay in satisfying a request, total and unit costs, and processing load on each network member. In this article, a distributed queueing network is used to model this situation. (Author)

A mathematical model of a regional interlibrary loan system was developed as a tool for the design and evaluation of a strategy to equalize the load of Interlibrary Loans (ILL) of libraries in the system. The load-leveling capability of several algorithms for representing each library's ILL activity was tested. (Author/VT)

The problem of selecting which journals to acquire in order to best satisfy library objectives is modeled as a zero-one linear programming problem and examined in detail. The model can be used to aid the librarian in making better selection decisions. (30 references) (Author/KE)

Discusses the purpose of mathematical models and reviews the phases of the modeling process--defining performance, representing the problem, predicting performance, estimating parameters, defining optimization criterion, determining solution, and implementing results. Reviews of book-use, resource allocation, and library network models are…

A case study of the Suburban Library System (SLS) was conducted by applying an analytical library network model to data collected during March 1978. Models are developed for describing the intralibrary processing activities encountered at SLS and the other resource libraries in this case study. Alternative routing policies for referring requests…

The extension of network modeling to library networks provides some interesting twists of the usual models. A general library network is offered, a mathematical statement of the network problem is given, and the solution of the problem is discussed. An example of the use of the model is provided. (Editor/JS)

The problem of how much of a branch library's budget should be spent on acquisition of new material as opposed to holding capital in reserve to photoduplicate material at the main library upon demand is presented. (Author)

This case study applies a mathematical model to the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET) Rolling Prairie Library (RPL) System. Given certain dimensions, parameters, and operating policies of a library network, the model calculates probability of satisfying a request, average processing time, average total and unit costs, and average…

Relatively recent developments, ranging from microfilm catalogs to networked circulation systems, have the potential of removing much of the uncertainty from the routing of interlibrary loan requests. The opportunity of purchasing location and availability information changes the performance of a model interlibrary loan network. Data collected in…

The inputs to mathematical models of library operations require periodic updating. The data collection effort necessary for such updating can be quite expensive; however, if the data collected can serve multiple purposes, the costs can perhaps be justified. A management information system (MIS) offers a vehicle for multiple uses of data, and thus…

The problem of forecasting monthly demands for library network services is considered in terms of using forecasts as inputs to policy analysis models, and in terms of using forecasts to aid in the making of budgeting and staffing decisions. Box-Jenkins time-series methodology, adaptive filtering, and regression approaches are examined and compared…

This case study describes the application of an analytical library network model to data collected during April 1977. Models are developed for describing the intralibrary processing activities encountered at each of the resource libraries in the study, and alternative routing policies for referring requests among resource libraries are analyzed. A…

Discussion of operational effectiveness in libraries focuses on a modeling approach that was used to compare the effectiveness of a local interlibrary loan system with using a national system, the British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC). Cost figures and surveys of five academic libraries are described. (six references) (LRW)