In an attempt to identify some of the factors which influence the utility of microforms as a medium for information handling, this report first traces some of the landmarks in the evolution of microforms since their invention in 1893. It next provides a factual account of current microform media and formats. The last section of the report contains…

The key variables of user acceptance are: the value of the information to the user; a system of bibliographic control for the materials; and the physical and psychological environment for microform use. (PF)

This article reports the results of a study of possession, expenditure, and utilization of audiovisual aids in British schools. An attempt is made to grapple with the problem of the relationship between possession and utilization of media. (Author/STS)

An evaluation of the reference referral program at the University of California Library at Santa Barbara was conducted by a committee of the Librarians Association of the University (LAVC). This committee designed a referral form, a plan for its use, and a methodology for evaluating the program. Conclusions are complex and raise more questions…

A journal-based information service was developed to access appropriate work-related articles for social services personnel. Short summaries of selected articles from 60 journals are published in a monthly bulletin, and copies of the articles supplied upon request. Initial user responses are analyzed. (JAB)

The author is concerned with helping counselors make better use of simulated guidance materials. The role of simulated materials in the total scope of guidance services is discussed. There are suggested guidelines for their selection and evaluation as well as strategies designed to increase their impact on the counseling experience. (Author)

This essay offers a step-by-step tool which librarians can use with appropriate data to determine the success of a branch library in reaching the potential user, or for indicating population needs not being satisfied. (Author/KP)

Modern systems theory is applied in constructing a recursive, multivariate casual model for an analysis of intercounty variations in public library output and use. (Author)

Reports results of a survey of library patrons which investigated: (1) reasons patrons choose the public library for popular nonprint materials; (2) whether patrons using the library for nonprint materials tend to use print materials during their visits; and (3) how use of nonprint materials affects patrons' perceptions of their libraries. (MES)

Differences were found among three small Rocky Mountain towns in both lifetime prevalence and frequency of occurrence of different types of drug users, indicating that small, rural communities are likely to develop idiosyncratic patterns of drug use. These differences were more evident among eighth-grade than among twelfth-grade students.…

Discussion of issues surrounding the microcomputer's capability to download online search results covers types of downloading; scope of downloading; legal issues (copyright and database contract provisions and policies); and effects of downloading (widespread pricing changes, and provision of database subsets by database producers). (MBR)

Addresses uses and benefits ERIC receives from MICROsearch, a program for searching downloaded portions of the ERIC database on floppy disks. Use of MICROsearch as a reference tool and for teaching online searching is described, and its limitations and benefits to the online industry are discussed. (MBR)

Provides librarians and others with summary of types of methods available to determine extent to which books, journals, and other library materials are being used, highlighting circulation studies, survey of user opinions, document delivery tests, shelf availability studies, in-house use studies, and citation studies. Forty-four selected…

Examines effects on health status and health services utilization of simultaneous participation by elderly persons (N=401) in family and neighbor network systems. Results showed the greatest health needs and highest rates of use of formal health services to be among the noncompensated relationships. (JAC)