Surveys of (n=179) department chairs showed 47% of secondary science teachers did not use microcomputers during instruction, but 76% indicated microcomputers have had an impact on science laboratory activities in their school. Most frequent applications were simulations, graphing packages, and probes for collecting laboratory data. (17 references)…

This user ratings survey focuses on bibliographic citation management software; its value to manage citation databases; and its ability to provide reports that adhere to standard bibliographic styles for publications. Service and support, reliability, ease of use, vendor integrity, and user satisfaction are discussed for each of seven software…

Describes a study investigating primary budgeting strategies and the use of funding formulas in community colleges in Nebraska. Results indicated that college administrators place primary reliance on rationalist approaches to budgeting, use performance-based budgets, and identify composite funding formulas as the most prevalent type of formula.…

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)

Describes a study of the culture of collaboration in the accounting industry. Topics include previous research on collaboration in organic organizational contexts, information gathering collaboration, knowledge giving and getting, accountability sharing, trust sharing, transboundary communication, information technology, and implications for…

Reports on a survey of staff members of a state legislature comparing preferences for face-to-face, telephone, written, and electronic mail communication channels. Finds preferences significantly related to the type of communication task undertaken and that, in some instances, electronic mail was preferred over either the telephone or face-to-face…

Reports results of a study that used an online survey, focus groups, and logs of telnet connections to examine Internet use when accessed through the University of Toronto Library (Canada). Discusses needs of Internet users and reveals patterns of Internet use. An appendix contains the online survey. (JMV)

Findings from several social science research studies support the view that knowledge is socially constructed and based on the experience and interpretation of events. Results of this study demonstrate that a multimethod approach has greater explanatory power when traditional and contructivist methods are combined. (Author/AEF)

Reports on an innovative use of voice mail to support students studying law through distance education. Advantages include cost effectiveness, minimal isolation, and means for spontaneity. Possible uses include covering developments in dynamic disciplines after cut-off time, extending "shelf-life" of printed materials, and providing…

Examines the Wallace Library Computer Access System at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Sources of 892 interlibrary loan requests processed between January 1 and March 31, 1992, were studied to determine how patrons used this increased access to electronic resources. Information on the source of requests, patrons, materials, and fill rates…

Three articles consider methods of demonstrating the value of library services. The first discusses showing the relevancy of public library services at New England town meetings; the second describes ways in which the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library evaluates user satisfaction; and the third discusses justifying the value of a special library.…

Discusses library use studies that examined library catalog search failures and demonstrates types of online catalog access that can reduce the failures caused by card catalog flaws or by user search errors by half. The use of single keyword, implied Boolean, or derived truncated key retrieval is suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

Presents a model for decision making concerning allocation of academic library materials to various levels of access (e.g., branch or central library open access shelving, compact shelving, depository facility, or interlibrary loan). Variables included in the model are the size of the collection, distribution of use, effects of time on use, and…

Describes study conducted at Memorial University to determine how students were using the Biology Microcomputer Resource Centre. The four main purposes of the survey were to determine (1) level of use of the center; (2) whether students benefited from this use; (3) characteristics of center users; and (4) influence of the instructor on center use.…

Describes the use of transaction log analysis of the online catalog at the University of Nevada, Reno, libraries to help evaluate reasons for unsuccessful user searches. Author, title, and subject searches are examined; problems with Library of Congress subject headings are discussed; and title keyword searching is suggested. (11 references) (LRW)