Argues that library book circulation is a binomial rather than a Poisson process, and that individual book popularities are continuous beta distributions. Three examples demonstrate the superiority of beta over negative binomial distribution, and it is suggested that a bivariate-binomial process would be helpful in predicting future book…

Two aspects to be considered in designing a storage system for library materials are: the fraction of the collection which is to be stored; and the criteria to be used for selecting materials for storage. This study demonstrates that for a given selection criterion least-cost storage quantities can be assessed by balancing the large circulation…

Explains some observed library circulation frequency distributions through use of a simple stochastic model for the borrowing of books from a library collection. Parameters of the model are described and the model is applied to circulation data from three academic libraries. (Author/SW)

THE PROBLEM OF PREDICTING THE PATTERNS OF USE OF LIBRARY MATERIALS IN ORDER TO DECIDE WHICH MONOGRAPHS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM A MAIN COLLECTION AND PLACED IN STORAGE IS STUDIED IN THIS REPORT. SPECIFICALLY, THE STUDY EXAMINES PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND DEVELOPS NEW MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR STUDYING THE…

A number of sample inventories were conducted to measure the effectiveness of the Tattle-Tape book detection systems used in the Moffitt Undergraduate Library and the General Reference Services area of Doe Library, and to establish baseline data for missing materials in four branch libraries (Education-Psychology, Engineering, Environmental…

A study was conducted to determine if the centralization of braille operations for the national free library program would be feasible, economical, and desirable. This report presents the findings of the study in three sections. Section 1 provides background information, a summary of the first phase of operations, and the study objective for phase…

Discusses the design of a model-based management information system in terms of mathematical/statistical, information processing, and human factors issues and presents a prototype system for interlibrary loan networks. (Author/CWM)