In this paper the author compares the use of digital materials that have been deposited in The Ohio State University (OSU) Knowledge Bank (KB). Comparisons are made for content considered in scope of the university archives and those considered out of scope, for materials originating from different campus sources, and for different types of…

As the use of the Ohio State University Libraries interlibrary services has increased, there have been more requests to borrow items that are already available to patrons locally, often in electronic format. Patterns relating to why patrons could not find locally available materials were identified in the record of canceled interlibrary requests…

In recent decades the literature dealing with graduate students and library use, including bibliographic instruction, information-seeking behavior, and information literacy has grown. However, there still appears to be a lack of research and resources available on the information-seeking behavior skills of graduate education students, which can…

The Ohio University Libraries has been a part of the university's Freshman Year Experience (FYE) classes almost since their inception. Over the past ten years, we have tried many variations on the "library day" lesson plan, with various (low) success rates. For fall of 2010, the FYE coordinator asked for an extremely simple plan: just…

The purpose of the directory is to publicize innovative library activities in post secondary educational institutions. To compile the directory, a report form and cover letter were sent to 119 college libraries and 12 library schools. A total of 101 reports of individual programs were received with 75 libraries and five library schools responding…

A survey instrument was designed and administered to obtain a broad base of information concerning the presence of computers and computer literacy classes in public libraries in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota. The results indicate that 50.8% of the 100 libraries that responded to the survey (80.6% of the original random sample) have public…

In February, 1965 the boards of the Cleveland Public and Cuyahoga County Library Districts engaged the Regional Planning Commission to prepare a plan for the expansion or modification of their branch library systems. The general goal of the study was the design of a fully satisfying level of branch library service for the people of Cuyahoga…

In recent years there has been a push for libraries to develop and use systematic measures to determine the effectiveness of library service. Materials availability, or fill rate, is one of many output measures used in libraries. This technique measures the degree to which library customers are able to acquire the materials they want during their…

This paper reports on a study conducted to determine if staffing changes were necessary at the information desk at the main branch of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library (Ohio). Questions addressed included: (1) What times are busiest in the library? (2) Should there be changes in staffing the reference desk that could lead to…

In June 2004, fourteen students graduated from the first completely online degree program at The Ohio State University--the Non-Traditional PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) program. The program was implemented as a response to the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education requiring this degree for entry into pharmacy practice. This article reports…

This paper reports on a study in which case studies of two adult writing programs in northeastern Ohio were developed to identify and describe elements that make up the programs. Data was gathered through obtrusive observation, interviews, and questionnaires. Both programs had been on going for at least 5 years. The "Geauga Writers…

Late last year, Ohio State University (OSU) library director Joseph Branin graciously invited this author to visit for an up-close look at the William Oxley Thompson library renovation and construction project underway on his campus. He eagerly accepted. Since 2001, when he first began reporting on the project, he has been amazed by the plan, its…

Public schools in Ohio are adopting whole language, literature-based curricula. As a result, teachers are using the public library more frequently, borrowing greater quantities of books and materials, and asking librarians to assume non-traditional roles such as that of curriculum planner and teacher. The purpose of this study was to examine how…

This paper covers the history of the Canton Public/Stark County District Library (CPL), focusing on the years 1929-1997. The paper focuses on the broadening of the library's services, including the development of reference services, service to young adults, and a variety of outreach activities. A literature review discusses the history of the…

This investigative study, through a questionnaire survey, was conducted to determine if public libraries in Ohio saw a need for library programs/outreach to the homeless, and if, indeed, any libraries had a structured program to serve the special needs of the homeless population. One library from each Ohio county was selected through systematic…