Describes the design and operation of a system that resulted from a project undertaken by a small specialized library to provide self-help for patrons seeking reference assistance. The areas of information available on the system are described, including standard reference titles, library holdings and services, reserve readings, and placement…

Demonstrates the application of multiple regression and double exponential elimination to patronage and circulation data collected at the School of Education at the University of Mississippi to examine the performance of its branch library. (six references) (MES)

Describes an instructional model for teaching library skills which consists of a 30-minute lecture followed by a 20-minute exercise. Assumptions about learning and the educational process are discussed as well as goal-setting for the class and exercise. It is suggested that this format could be applied to other disciplines. (10 references) (MES)

Looks at the use of online public access catalogs, the utility of subject and call-number searching, and possible archival applications. The Wallace Archives at the Claremont Colleges is used as an example of the availability of bibliographic descriptions of multiformat archival materials through the library catalog. Sample records and searches…

Describes a one-year experiment with collective management--i.e., management in which decision-making rests with the department as a whole--in the Oberlin College Library reference department. The planning process, problems, and advantages and disadvantages of this style of management are discussed. Several questions are raised about the…

Availability analysis was used to evaluate an online catalog in a small university library. Problems found likely to interfere with patron success with the catalog included: (1) incomplete location information; (2) incomplete holdings information; (3) misinterpretation by the search program of special characters; and (4) inadequate access points…

A survey designed to ascertain user expectations and satisfaction with interlibrary loan service was conducted in 1992 of a 20% sample of interlibrary loan users at Middleton Library of Louisiana State University. Findings indicated a high level of user satisfaction. (Author/JKP)

Presents a framework to discuss trends in higher education based on the economic concept of production function. Criticism of education and economic and demographic changes are discussed; responses from higher education institutions are examined; and implications for academic libraries are considered. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Discussion of how to teach college students the research process focuses on the importance of teaching the rhetorical dimensions of research and suggests several relevant approaches that librarians who teach bibliographic instruction can use when explaining access tools and research strategies. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

Proposes and explains a modification of the mixed Poisson model for library circulations which takes into account the periods when a book is out on loan and therefore unavailable for borrowing. Highlights include frequency of circulation distributions; negative binomial distribution; and examples of the model at two universities. (Contains 34…

Discusses the development of successful pricing algorithms for cooperative library automation projects. Highlights include desirable characteristics of pricing measures, including simplicity and the ability to allow for system growth; problems with transaction-based systems; and a review of the pricing strategies of seven library consortia.…

Gives a historical explanation of library confidentiality policies and procedures and reviews notable invasions of patron privacy through use of library records by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Also reports on a study that examined patron confidentiality policies in Texas academic library reference…

Discusses the need for online help for end-users based on experiences with an online public access catalog (OPAC) at the University of Cape Town libraries. The concept of end users is examined, the role of search intermediaries in information systems is explained, and online help and systems design is discussed. (LRW)

Examines commercial electronic document delivery services that are available to academic libraries. Highlights include collection development issues; criteria for selection and evaluation; remote access systems, including CARL UnCover 2, Faxon Finder and Faxon Xpress, ContentsFirst and ArticleFirst, and CitaDel; and on-site access systems,…

Reports the findings of a survey of 37 participants in the Professional Development Program developed by Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois (Chicago) to promote the integration of newer professional staff members into research libraries are discussed. Concludes that the successful program can serve…