Description of common errors found in the statistical methodologies of research carried out by librarians, focuses on sampling and generalizability. The discussion covers the need to either adapt library research to the statistical abilities of librarians or to educate librarians in the proper use of statistics. (15 references) (CLB)

Examines and compares the costs and response times of traditional interlibrary loan services and four commercial document delivery suppliers based on a study conducted by Vassar College libraries through the OCLC Interlibrary Loan subsystem. Results are reported that indicate commercial services were usually no more efficient but were more…

Discussion of academic libraries and the accrediting process focuses on an evaluation and comparison of library guidelines from 17 specialized accrediting bodies with guidelines from regional accreditors. Input versus output measures are discussed, and suggestions for improving the library's participation in the process are offered. (Contains 25…

Presents data from a study of middle school library circulation of biography titles in two school years. Analyzes circulation counts, periods when biographies were checked out, favored subjects, and popular titles. (HB)

Through a comparison of the historical perspectives of medieval and modern libraries, this paper is designed to clarify the purpose and goals of the library, and to promote a public and intellectual debate to guide future developments. The Middle Ages were chosen because libraries possessed an importance and centrality to learning, civilization,…

This paper discusses the evolution from the vocational emphasis of librarianship to a new research and higher education oriented concept of library and information science, focusing on changes in the Nordic countries, and Sweden in particular. Recognizing the strong interrelationship between analytical reviews for policy decisions, research and…

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…

The following papers were presented at a joint conference of the Colorado Library Association and the Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) in October 1986: (1) "Development of a Strategic Plan for the Harold B. Lee Library--A Model for Public Service" (Larry Ostler); (2) "The Library Committee in MPLA Libraries" (Ronald…

Describes a study that used the shelf availability research methodology to identify and quantify the causes of users' failures to identify and locate library materials. The factors resulting in unsuccessful searches are discussed, and recommendations for reducing these factors are made. (26 references) (CLB)

Reviews meaning and theory of library collections and structure and enumerates ways that data on collections can be organized to reveal underlying global structure (links and connections between collections, parts of collections, and users of collections). Definitions of terms applying to eight models described in text are appended. (53…

Discussion of history as a major research methodology in library and information science highlights the current status and nature of library history; rhetoric and history; historical significance of local history and larger perspectives; primary and secondary information sources; library biography; and publishing library history. Thirty-four…

This article presents a psychological perspective on research in librarianship and explores potential for application of psychological research principles and practices to behavioral research in libraries. Highlights include evolution of a theory of user behavior and the nature of psychological research and research designs and methodologies.…

Discusses the development of a legal collection in the public library in terms of the breadth of the collection, ethical considerations involved in public access to legal materials, establishing a core collection, organizing the collection, and bibliographic aids. Fifteen references are listed. (CHC)

Discussion of methods for gathering journal use information in academic libraries (for retention decisions) highlights an 8.4-year time-series of weekly library journal pickup data. Use of the autocorrelation function, spectral analysis, and intervention analysis is described.(LRW)

Seven articles discuss aspects of transaction log analysis, including introduction and definitions; history and development; components of an ideal logging facility; research methodologies; applications to a variety of library functions; practical and logical limits of the methodology; and future developments needed to enhance successful use of…