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)

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)…

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…

Briefly describes the career of Herbert Goldhor and discusses two aspects of his contributions to librarianship: public library service and administration, including the collection and publication of data for analysis and use by researchers and decision makers; and scientific research in librarianship. A chronological list of over 175 publications…

This review of major applications of economic theory and research methods to libraries provides overviews of economics of information and of library services, research related to supply of library services, research into demand for library services, finances and fees, and the library labor market. A 78-item bibliography is provided. (EJS)

Five Grand Challenges are proposed for library research: (1) Library service: Could library services be made more meaningful? (2) Library theory: Who knew what when? (3) Library design: Have digital libraries been designed backwards? (4) Library values: How neutral can libraries be? (5) Library communities: How do communities differ? (AEF)

Examines what differences libraries and librarians make, primarily from the perspective of geographical communities. States reasons why this is an essential research issue and describes contributions of current public library planning tools to the determination of impact. Examines the framework that is essential for the intellectual development of…

Examines four significant unanswered questions related to children's and young adult services in public libraries. After reviewing the existing knowledge base that can serve as scaffolding for the needed research, the author suggests strategies for refining and implementing this research agenda. (Contains 62 references.) (Author/AEF)

Identifies research topics related to outcomes assessment in a networked environment and discusses issues affecting these topics. Proposes a framework to relate traditional evaluation components and terminology to the networked environment and identifies factors in the networked environment that affect assessment methods. Suggests outcomes…

Discusses the challenges facing digital library evaluation and suggests a conceptual framework for evaluation derived from the systems approach. A review of evaluation efforts in research and practice concentrates on derivation of criteria used in evaluation. Essential requirements for evaluation are stated. Discussed are constructs, context, and…

Presents four challenges faced by libraries and proposes research designs to address each of them. The challenges involve: invisible infrastructure; content and collections; preservation and access; and institutional boundaries. Proposes a mixture of research methods that includes surveys, case studies, documentary analyses, and policy analyses.…