This manual describes the methods, procedures, techniques, and activities that were used to produce the Academic Library Survey of 2004 (ALS:2004). This manual is designed to provide guidance and documentation for users of the ALS data. Included in the manual are the following: (1) an overview of the study and its predecessor studies; (2) an…

This study was conducted to fulfill two objectives: to gather the data necessary to define the core collection, i.e., a subset of the holdings that can be identified with reasonable assurance as being able to fulfill a certain predetermined percentage of the future demand on the present collection, and to examine the value of these data as a…

Divided into five parts, this report describes a research project which used the Delphi method to identify the future roles of the library at Mercer County Community College through 1986, and to set priorities for those roles. The introductory section includes definitions of the problem, the terms used, the subject, and the organization of the…

Reports differences in results for two use studies conducted in a science and engineering library, one using a reshelving methodology, the other requiring users to self-report material use. Differences are reported in terms of high-use periodicals, overall materials use, and use of the entire journal collection. (13 references) (KRN)

The Brigham Young University Harold B. Lee Library installed a theft-detection system, the "Tattle Tape" system marketed by 3M Corporation, to counteract the theft of items from its collection. This research report describes a study that statistically estimated the loss rate for the entire collection and for various broad classes within…

A study examined the error rate of the "University of California Union Catalog Supplement," a 47 volume, computer produced book catalog of the materials cataloged by the nine University of California campuses during the years 1963-67. The study attempted not only to determine the rate and nature of errors, but also to develop a…

A cost-effectiveness analysis evaluating manual and automated circulation systems is described. The methodology identifies all automation costs and real changes in effectiveness. (Author/KP)

Presents results of study conducted at Physical Sciences Library, University of California, Davis, employing unobtrusive observation techniques to determine user browsing activity. Tables indicating circulation, observed browsers, total browsers, books removed, books replaced, time duration, and browsing frequency by time of day are appended. (EJS)

Reports the findings of a survey of 226 faculty members in the social sciences at the University of Illinois concerning their use of serials. Information regarding their serial needs, patterns of use, and the usefulness of specified services is presented, and means of improving service despite budgetary restraints are discussed. (Author/JD)

Describes an unobtrusive study of the ability of professional librarians to deal with factual questions that was conducted at Illinois State University. Evaluation of the accuracy of responses is discussed, the responsiveness and helpfulness of librarians is examined, attitude scores are described, and implications for improving reference service…

The purpose of this study was to determine if a correlation existed between the classes of books checked out of the San Antonio College Library and the classes of books used in the Library. Data for out-of-library and in-library use were collected during February, 1978, and arranged by Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) tens. By using the Pearson…

The study described was designed to discern attitudes of undergraduate and graduate students toward existing library services and products to provide a basis for library program development aimed at increasing use and knowledge of services, products, and facilities. A survey questionnaire was administered during class sessions to obtain responses…

Examines the factors that determine the cost of retrospective conversion (definition of conversion, standards of acceptance, method of conversion, hit rate, standards for creation of machine-readable records for nonhits); reports results of cost study at University of Michigan library; and introduces an alternative strategy for discussion. Seven…

Utilizing 11 years of University of Saskatchewan circulation transactions, it is shown that P. M. Morse's Markov model of book use fits approximately 99 percent of data for whole collection and for three subject areas; contrary to his assumptions, one of the model's parameters is time dependent. Thirteen references are included. (EJS)

Results of a DePauw University study of the library skills and attitudes of 43 high school students enrolled in a college preparatory program provide evidence that formal library use instruction programs can have positive results, regardless of initial level of students' academic potential. Twenty-three references are cited. (EJS)