Assuming that freshman research papers can be interesting as well as educational, this book presents ten sample student papers selected from classes in which research methods were taught through the use of newspapers and periodicals. The paper topics, based on real people and actual events, range from bizaare murder cases and treasure expeditions…

A study of the Purdue University Libraries was conducted to help allocate costs by user group and academic department. A circulation survey was taken to determine user identification. The sampling included reserve material used in the library, materials borrowed overnight or longer, and use of photocopy service. Copies of transaction cards were…

Although there have been some arguments against librarians doing research, a growing body of literature finds significant benefits in their research and publication, both for themselves and for their libraries. These include job advancement, personal recognition, improved relationships with teaching faculty, increased responsiveness to change, and…

Reviews results of 36 faculty status surveys published since the establishment of standards by the Association of College and Research Libraries in 1971. These findings present a documented picture of the realities of academic librarianship in relation to stated goals and provide information useful for the reevaluation of faculty status.…

The use of locally produced dissertations by extramural scholars was examined in four Ohio academic libraries. The results include identification of users by type of institution; purpose for which the dissertations were used; and tools and approaches successfully used in identifying and locating the desired dissertations. (CLB)

Describes a unit developed to introduce chemical technology students to basic library research using the resources related to chemistry. The unit consists of a lecture on basic library organization, bibliography and abstracting, a lab with hands-on bibliographic searching, and a follow-up independent exercise in research. (BT)

Summarizes the effects OhioLINK, a networked patron self-initiated interlibrary borrowing system, has had on the traditional interlibrary loan (ILL) department at Miami University (OH). Finds Miami's lending to 11 other schools decreased 13% and filled photocopy requests increased 17% while Miami's borrowing increased less than 2%, filled loan…

This study examined job descriptions (1975, 1981, 1990) of three paraprofessional jobs in an academic library technical services department at a small, private liberal arts college to determine changes occurring as a result of automation. It found no significant differences. Although changes were more idiosyncratic than expected, they may indicate…

Uses a feminist standpoint to correct inaccurate scholarship in curricula, pedagogy, and research in library and information science. Topics include feminist philosophy and its relevance to curricula revision, specific curricula changes, the significance of women's ways of learning to pedagogy, research needs and the role of subjectivity in…

Describes a survey of Wisconsin academic library support staff that explored the effects of computerization of libraries on work and job satisfaction. Highlights include length of employment; time spent at computer terminals; training; computer background; computers as timesavers; influence of automation on effectiveness; and job frustrations.…

Anthropologists at seven universities were surveyed to determine their methods of information retrieval, choice of information sources, perception of the adequacy of library service, and information needs. Results show that journals, field data, and maps are important sources; interlibrary loan is often used; and the majority of needs are met by…

Reviews the literature of government document use from mid-1977 through December 1989. The literature is identified and analyzed in terms of 6 library surveys, 3 citation studies, and 13 user surveys. Research findings indicate that social scientists are the heaviest users of documents. (Author/MAB)

Evaluation of changes in a human genetics course for medical students at the University of Illinois, which incorporated clerkship features including case studies, small group work, and library research, found significant gains in student achievement and favorable assessments by students and faculty. (Author/DB)

Describes methodology for analyzing MARC (machine-readable cataloging) records of highly circulating titles to document common characteristics for collection development purposes. Application of the methodology in a university library is discussed, and data are presented on commonality of subject heading, author, language, and imprint date for…

Describes a multifaceted evaluation of the Brandeis model of reference services, which included how the model was defined, direct observation of librarians, unobtrusive study, and a focus group project to gauge patron response. Results of the study and needed improvements are discussed. A sidebar article describes the Brandeis model. (22…