Results of two surveys concerned with the provision of books to readers in an academic library are reported. Simple and inexpensive measurement techniques--diary and survey slips--were used to measure holdings, availability, and performance rates. Results are compared to DeProspo's methods for measuring holdings and availability rates. (JPF)

Presenting data on barriers which obstructed Arizona elderly from use of existing problem solving resources, this case study indicates the major barriers to service utilization for these elderly people were transportation, poor health, and poor self image. (JC)

A study subsidizing student use of online literature searching services examined how this new technology met student needs. Student search patterns and overall satisfaction with online searches were evaluated. The implications of student use of computer searches for reference services are also discussed. (Author)

This analysis of the circulation records of books added to a psychiatric library from July 1983 through May 1985 reports the total number of books circulated, their number and percentage in specific subject areas, missing titles, and usage by in-house and off-site borrowers. Implications for future collection development are explained. (Author/EM)

Explores statistical relationships between socioeconomic characteristics of elderly persons in a large region of California and their consciousness and knowledge of services available to them. Service knowledge is a prerequisite to utilization or informal referrals. Education, age, sex, rurality, and minority status were found to be associated…

This essay relates the economic cycle, unemployment, and inflation to reading habits and public library circulation. Highlights include recent English sociological study and its implications for current increases in public library use, future library use, effect of the economy on kind of public library use, and reasons why people read. (EJS)

Conducted a study to establish a database on the post-school employment status of handicapped students throughout the state of Washington. Interviews with parents of 1,225 special education graduates indicated a 55% employment rate among children and a need for vocational rehabilitation services. Findings suggest that use of existing services is…

Used cross-sectional method for evaluating social service programs in industrial setting to estimate numbers of workers needing social services, levels of program use, and penetration and to examine program outcome. Workers served by social service or employee assistance programs can be examined to determine additional services needed, adequacy of…

This description of Info Trac, a laser disc periodical reference system, reviews professional reactions to the system and several user studies. Criticisms are discussed to define the role of such systems in research libraries, and data are presented in five tables. (17 references) (MES)

Summarizes a 1984 survey of four presidential libraries which identified patterns of behavior within groups of researchers. Data were collected on user's academic, professional, or private affiliation; topics of study; advance preparation; and previous archival research. Findings show users of presidential libraries place high value on personal…

Concludes that people who are older, more educated, and have a high surveillance need are more likely to be newspaper subscribers than are other types of people. (FL)

Suggests that fundamental questions with broad policy implications and a perspective that approaches academic library from patron's point of view remain to be asked about library costs, collections and their use, library users, and both the academic setting itself and the people who work within it. Seventeen references are cited. (EJS)

Better nontraditional instructional programs fully utilize five within-school features--the principal, instructional staff, curriculum, testing, and school spirit--so that even inside correctional institutions, education programs look the same as effective traditional schools, conduct their business of schooling in similar ways, and achieve as…

Correlation structure of the Burrell and Cane mixed Poisson model for library loans with aging is presented and illustrated by data from University of Sussex. The approach is compared and contrasted with that originally formulated by Morse and recently reevaluated by Beheshti and Tague. Directions for future investigations are suggested. (Author)