This collection of library documents, which illustrates current techniques for conducting user studies in order to facilitate specific public services planning and priority-setting efforts at the member libraries of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), contains excerpts from: (1) four general user studies conducted at the University of…

In an effort to improve individual progress toward meeting university requirements for promotion and tenure, librarians at Murray State University (Kentucky) recently revised their Faculty Activities Report and Faculty Evaluation forms to meet the following objectives: (1) to develop a Faculty Activities Report form that would be easier to…

Arguing that there is a current tendency among librarians to talk more about the evaluation of bibliographic instruction than to actually do anything about it, this paper examines limitations of and considerations pertaining to evaluation and includes: (1) a brief discussion of the history of bibliographic instruction; (2) discussion of types of…

Describes the research objectives, rationale, methodology, and findings of a model program developed at the Northwestern University Library, which examined whether online catalogs require instruction and, if so, how that instruction would be best delivered. (CLB)

The incorporation of technology into library processes has tremendously impacted staff and users alike. The University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries is no exception. Sixteen years of reference statistics are analyzed to examine the relationships between the implementation of CD-ROMs and web-based resources and the number of reference questions.…

This book provides recommendations and guidelines for computer program selection and suggestions for using computers in varied ways and multiple subject areas. A discussion of classroom computer applications and curriculum objectives emphasizes integration of the computer and appropriate courseware into all curriculum areas. Various types of…

A survey of 33 academic libraries in Louisiana was conducted in the spring of 1983 to determine the techniques used during the 1981/82 academic year to impart bibliographic or library instruction to students and faculty. A total of 27 responses were received. It was found that all but five of the respondents had a library instruction program; the…

This information guide is intended to assist principals and members of media committees in implementing the media policy of the Transvaal Education Department, this information guide was designed to be used in conjunction with the chapter on the education media service in the Manual for General School Organization (1986). Chapter 1 outlines…

Argues that the traditional method of library media collection development in public schools is inappropriate and proposes collection mapping as more efficient and better suited to the school curriculum. Instructions for creating a map are provided as well as guidelines for collection development. (CDD)

Discusses current issues in measuring library effectiveness, including rapid technological changes and increasing obsolescence in librarians' competencies; increased pressure for accountability; tools to help libraries become what they determine they should be rather than conforming to national standards; and how to determine the validity and…

Presents a methodology for describing, analyzing, and evaluating the public service functions of serial file systems, and describes a user study conducted in a university departmental library to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of its system in enabling students new to the library to locate known-items in the serials collection. (CDD)

Describes Pasco County School District's development of a district-wide evaluation system that articulates library media specialist performance appraisal and building-level media program evaluation, relating both to uniform program purposes, missions, and goals. Program evaluation results utilizing this new system are discussed. Program evaluation…

This book shows teacher-librarians and school library media specialists how to perform qualitative research and use the results effectively to promote the school library and build a shared understanding of the impact of school libraries on student learning. Hands-on guidance is provided for performing action research, including how to establish…

This manual is a first effort to begin to identify, describe, and develop procedures for assessing various aspects of digital reference service. Its overall purpose is to improve the quality of digital reference services and assist librarians to design and implement better digital reference services. More specifically, its aim is to: assist…

As funds for supporting library and information services dwindle, librarians are beginning to recognize the value of evaluating and justifying their library in terms that the decision makers--those who control the budgets--understand. This book offers proven techniques for implementing a program that both promotes information services and dispels…