A document retrieval study conducted before and again after the building of a more centralized library at Syracuse University is used as an example of the kind of data gathering which can lead to improved decision making and evaluation of library services by library administrators. The study is discussed in detail to facilitate replication and to assist administrators in calculating the effect major changes or potential changes in library organization will have on the amount of time it takes to locate and retrieve materials. A specific application of the study would be to determine the extent to which a centralized library would be advantageous to a particular campus by measuring degrees of "cross over" and the impact changes in library organization would have on current library usage patterns, as well as the effects of changes in library organization on retrieval times, need for patron assistance, and management. Suggestions are offered for more effective data gathering and administrators are urged to use data to support their decisions. (Author/JPF)