This study examines whether an analysis of characteristics of libraries or information centers and librarians in highly productive companies yields operational models and standards that can improve their efficiency and effectiveness and their parent organization's productivity. Data was collected using an e-mail survey instrument sent to 500 large…

Discussion of cultural barriers in information systems focuses on results of a study at a large private research organization in Austria that was conducted to identify major problem areas and to develop a framework for identifying and evaluating possible solutions. User, technical, and cost factors for evaluating options are considered. (30…

The role of information research centers in institutional research activities was explored, based on 1,040 requests for student data at an information center at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, during 1980-1985. Three distinct information center markets were identified and mechanisms for serving each market were recommended. The first was…

During the spring semester of 1987, the University of Arizona implemented an experimental information desk as a means of improving the quality of service to patrons by relieving congestion at the reference desk. Services at this desk, which was staffed by reference personnel during the first phase of the project, included serving as the initial…

A study examined the impact of a communication training program on the productivity ratings and end-user satisfaction ratings of User Support Professionals (USPs). Subjects, 30 USPs whose training level qualified them to respond to problem solving calls received by a large centralized Help-desk facility located in the southwestern part of the…

The last few years have witnessed continuous power shifts in the information structure of organizations. As a result of these changes, end-user computing (EUC) has been growing at a tremendous rate. This paper discusses the three functions of Information Centers (IC) to support EUC in organizations: training, technical support, and control. A…

Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 authorized the creation of sex desegregation assistance centers (SDACs) to provide local education agencies with technical assistance and training for improving sex fairness in education. This role was later expanded to include assisting local districts in implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments…

A rural library project of the Intermountain Group, a network of four land-grant universities, eight local communities, and the state libraries in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Montana, developed a Community Interest Inventory and solicited information on professional information needs from identified community groups who were users or potential…