Argues that librarians need to be concerned with cost analysis of library functions and services because, in the allocation of resources, decision makers will favor library managers who demonstrate understanding of the relationships between costs and productive outputs. Factors that should be included in a reliable scheme for cost accounting are…

Several reference librarians respond to the Hernon and McClure study on the accuracy of library reference services. Highlights include problems with the methodology used (unobtrusive observation), and performance factors not addressed by the study. Comments by Hernon and McClure address these responses and ways to improve reference services are…

Research on public libraries is conducted in library and information science schools, commercial firms, state library agencies, research institutes, and some public libraries and library systems. While a number of library science professionals demand research, there appears to be a lack of the communication of research results so that they may be…

This is the final report of an 8-month-long project undertaken in February 1985 to study existing preservation activities within Chicago's Center for Research Libraries (CRL) compare local practices with programs in similar organizations, and make recommendations for an effective preservation program to be instituted. The background and…

Discussion of the decision-making role of the librarian covers pertinent planning activities, i.e., systematically analyzing problem, reviewing literature, gathering and analyzing data, and assessing positive aspects of implementing new knowledge so gained. Knowledge of the research process, replicating research, and assuming the responsibility of…

Discusses the potential for increasing library effectiveness through the appropriate design and utilization of research and describes fundamental research and statistical techniques. Topics examined include areas amenable to data collection, data collection methods amenable to statistical analysis, measurement techniques and levels of…

Describes the use of library surveys as a tool for library planning in the United States from the late 19th century to the present. Different eras of library planning in the United States are identified, and the weaknesses and strengths of the survey method are discussed. (CLB)

The result of an 11-month study by six task forces, this report confirms the precarious physical condition of the Ohio State University Libraries' (OSUL) collections and highlights problems with the physical environments in which the collections are housed. An introductory discussion considers the OSUL in their institutional setting, the…

The result of studies of the University of Missouri-Columbia Libraries conducted by four preservation task forces, this report indicates that the system's collection is in serious danger. A listing of task force members is provided, and the following preservation concerns are discussed: (1) Physical Condition of the Collections; (2) Environmental…

Discusses issues relating to the reliability, validity, utility, and information value of unobtrusive testing of library reference services; provides suggestions for practical applications of these criteria; applies study findings to library decision making and planning; and identifies topics for further methodological refinement. (Author/CLB)