This empirical research examined scale economies of academic research libraries and developed a total cost function for estimating economies of scale. Suggests that libraries in general, and academic research libraries in particular, are information provision organizations that provide multiproducts and multiservices. Findings indicate that slight…

Examines the economic behavior of academic research libraries, arguing that academic research libraries seek to maximize universities' utility by expanding library collections. Findings are consistent with those from a previous study using a different ranking system and sample data and reconfirm that library collections contribute significantly to…

Librarians at Harvard University have written the most comprehensive guide to selecting research collections for digitization. This article applies the Harvard Model to a digitization project at Indiana University in order to evaluate the appropriateness of the model for use at another institution and to adapt the model to local needs. (Contains 7…

This overview draws together six articles on library services to the aging. Economic and demographic characteristics of these potential patrons are presented, along with social gerontology'' and related concepts through which their needs may be understood. Some of the literature on the subject is reviewed and gaps identified. (18 references) (KE)

Libraries and librarians still tend to ignore older citizens, as shown by three major research efforts. Expanded preservice and inservice education programs are needed to promote interest in service to the aging. Existing programs are described and recommendations, including training for an information-referral center approach to service, are…

Research in gerontology as it has contributed to further research on and expanded library services to the aged is discussed. Significant research efforts eminating from the library and gerontology community are highlighted. (30 references) (KE)

The development of library service to the aging is traced from its beginning in the 1940's through its present level in the early 1970's. Ten events which include projects, White House conferences, studies, grants, and opening of special offices, that stimulated the expansion of services over the years are highlighted. (92 references) (Author/KE)

The importance of preserving and restoring ephemeral art materials is emphasized and useful techniques are described. (PF)

Provides an overview of public administration and its similarities to library and information science, and notes research themes in public administration (innovation, organizational development and change, decision-making and evaluation, personnel, financial concerns, marketing, dissertations). Future of public administration research and its…

Analyzes subject trends from 1975-84 in nine influential journals in library and information science. Thirty-two subjects which constitute 89 percent of the subjects published are discussed under five categories according to their distribution characteristics: (1) boom topics; (2) declining topics; (3) roller coaster issues; (4) stable subjects;…

A number of factors have an impact on reading needs and interests of older people as compared with younger adults. Patterns of reading interests are visible but not generally applicable to the entire group of older patrons. Library programs, bibliotherapy, reading aids and further research are discussed in terms of these findings. (32 references)…

A discussion of library research support by diverse federal agencies, with and without matching funds from state, local, or foundation sources. Also lists information sources for library research. (LS)

Traces emergence and development of research in library science; argues that prevailing ideology posits desirability of adoption of a positivist epistemology for research in the field; and proposes drawing of work in critical theory and hermeneutics, to rethink the epistemological foundations of research in library and information science. (38…

Discusses funding for library research (1964-84), including previous findings; problems in analyses of funding; activities of major research funding agencies (Higher Education Act of 1965 Title II-B, National Science Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Council on Library Resources); and funding by professional organizations. Problems and…