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)

Standard collection evaluation techniques appear to receive varying amounts of emphasis from one type of library to another. Differences in choice of technique arise from differing evaluation objectives, and choice of questions to be answered is determined by purpose(s) of library and additional factors (i.e., governance, clientele, size). (97…

Organizational change and technological developments have impacted community college library staffing. Every job description at every level requires some degree of computer expertise. Many libraries have developed new computer-related positions, while other libraries have incorporated these responsibilities into existing staff positions.…

This paper reports the results of a study on the role of librarians in college library decision making. Emphasis is placed on the library directors' perceptions of librarians' participation in nine areas of decision making and the form of participation by librarians in these areas. The nine areas of decision making addressed by the study are: the…

Divided into five parts, this report describes a research project which used the Delphi method to identify the future roles of the library at Mercer County Community College through 1986, and to set priorities for those roles. The introductory section includes definitions of the problem, the terms used, the subject, and the organization of the…

This report outlines the development and evaluation of a library instruction program at Macquarie University in Australia designed to help students use the subject catalog more quickly and effectively. Phase I of development established: (1) objectives; (2) two methods of teaching--performance instruction and simulation of a real library…

To operate effectively, libraries must develop methods by which to identify literatures of high utility to their clientele and must acquire and organize these literatures in such a way as to optimize their usefulness. One such method, the bibliometric approach, is based on the assumption of certain regularities in patterns of authorship,…

The cost and funding studies project of the proposed Western Interstate Bibliographic Network began activities in July 1975. To support the development and implementation of western interstate bibliographic network capabilities, the project concentrated on the collection of cost data in western libraries, the impact of network services on…

Two Wisconsin public library systems conducted a planning process for library services to special needs users during 1985-86. The needs assessment process used and the results obtained are described in detail and the two approaches used are compared. (One library collected more qualitative data and the other more quantitative data.) (EM)

This book shows teacher-librarians and school library media specialists how to perform qualitative research and use the results effectively to promote the school library and build a shared understanding of the impact of school libraries on student learning. Hands-on guidance is provided for performing action research, including how to establish…

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…

Investigates the effects of participatory management techniques advocated by the Public Library Association through a study of long-range planning at four public libraries that focused on staff members' views of the planning process, types and levels of staff participation, and attitudes about the effectiveness and consequences of the planning…

This final report is a product of a Preservation Planning Program (PPP) self-study conducted by the Colorado State University Library (CSUL) working with the Association of Research Libraries' (ARL) Office of Management Studies (OMS). Designed to put self-help tools into the hands of library staff responsible for developing plans and procedures…

This final report is a product of a Preservation Planning Program (PPP) self-study conducted by the State University of New York (SUNY), Stony Brook, working with the Association of Research Libraries' (ARL) Office of Management Studies (OMS). The PPP is designed to put self-help tools into the hands of library staff responsible for developing…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) Kit reports on eight Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members that were interviewed in July and August 1997 about how they have addressed the results of user surveys conducted between 1992 and 1995. Although libraries have recognized the importance of user surveys, sometimes the surveys get…