In the five years following implementation of a chat reference service at James Madison University (JMU), the service proved very popular but was not closely assessed for quality of service. Using grounded theory and qualitative data analysis techniques, a comprehensive assessment effort was begun in earnest and is in progress. Preliminary results…

The data gathering forms and activities developed during the planning and implementation of an adult independent study and guidance program at the Salt Lake City Public Library are described. The need for a utilization of this data is outlined, and the study's goals and objectives are stated. Appendixes contain flow charts of the Salt Lake City…

The ways that users of the modern library select and move among its services can be investigated and the picture so obtained complements that obtained from surveys on the effectiveness of individual services. A methodology is described that aids in the acquisition and analysis of data on the order of use of information services (applicable to any…

The Illinois project entitled Measurement and Evaluation of Public Library Services is being conducted by the Library Research Center (LRC) at the University of Illinois. The long range goal of the project is to make available meaningful information for the evaluation and improvement of local public libraries. Two immediate objectives are to test…

To perform a complete and useful evaluation of the impact of federal funding, under Titles I, II, and IV of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), on public library services to the disadvantaged, handicapped, and institutionalized, two convergent lines of study were undertaken: the study of project plans and achievements and the study…

The purpose of the California State Library-sponsored project, InFoPeople, is to enhance access to information resources by providing points of public access to the Internet in public libraries throughout the state of California. This Stage 1 report represents an initial set of findings and issues related to the InFoPeople project and provides the…

Although academic libraries have a long tradition of program assessment, in the past the results have been more meaningful internally than externally. Recent changes in the conceptualization of libraries' role in higher education and advances in measurement tools will likely provide answers to different questions, particularly the relationship of…

The effectiveness of the Management Review and Analysis Program (MRAP) of the Association of Research Libraries, an "assisted self study" involving administrators, librarians, and staff in an internal study of management procedures and practices, was evaluated in 1976/77 by research measuring its impact on 22 participating academic and…

For more than five years the Houston Public Library has collected statistics for measuring networked collections and services based on emerging guidelines. While the guidelines have provided authority and stability to the process, the clarification process continues. The development of information discovery software, such as federated search tools…

ONE SECTION OF THIS REPORT DESCRIBES CONSULTATIVE SERVICES FOR PLANNING AND EVALUATING THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION TITLE I PROJECTS, EVALUATION DESIGNS, DISSEMINATION OF PROJECT INFORMATION, MAJOR PROBLEM AREAS, COORDINATION WITH COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS, INTERRELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT TITLES,…

Four public libraries participated in a two-year investigation of the provision of on line reference services in a public library setting. To evaluate the utility and cost of the service, data were collected about search statistics, usage patterns, costs, and impact on the library. This volume of the report contains the evaluation methodology,…

This study applied an analytical technique called Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to calculate the relative technical efficiency of 95 academic research libraries, all members of the Association of Research Libraries. DEA, with the proper model of library inputs and outputs, can reveal best practices in the peer groups, as well as the technical…

This report examines current library services in Alaska and proposes a statewide development plan based on data gathered from interviews with citizens and library personnel, and state library and education department records. A statistical profile of Alaska as a library service area is presented emphasizing geographic, distance, population…

After five years of existence, a three-county regional cooperative including public libraries, a community college library, and local government agencies was evaluated to assess: (1) general library services; (2) the interlibrary loan program; (3) library user satisfaction; and (4) the need for additional statistical reporting. Existing records…

Explains a system designed by the Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries to develop objective data based on time costs to help make decisions regarding children's program resources. Budgets and library priorities are discussed, a form for gathering data on programs is provided, and suggestions for modifications for other libraries are…