Identifies the future research needs of information and referral services in public libraries. The major theme is that emphasis must be given to users--both present and potential users of public libraries. (Author/PF)

Discusses a secondary analysis of a user survey from 13 public libraries to isolate factors that contribute to high levels of performance by reference librarians and to identify reliable indicators that can be used to measure and evaluate reference services. Examined user ratings of reference services by transaction type, either self-generated or…

Summarizes the results of 11 selected studies of the accuracy of reference services and identifies six modes of failure of reference services. Methods of detecting and reducing failure in each of these modes are then discussed. (17 references) (MES)

This 1991 poll by the University of Illinois' Library Research Center consisted of a telephone survey of a representative national sample of 1,181 people and a mail survey of a random sample of 541 Public Library Association members. Data were gathered on public and professional opinions about public library services, collections, censorship,…

Argues that semiotics, the science of signs, provides a suitable research tool for investigating the communication process in public libraries. Literature review identifies research using semiotic methods, as well as communication research in public librarianship that would have profited from semiotics, as a first step toward understanding the…

This study of public libraries in Ohio explored whether voluntary state public library standards will be complied with to the same extent by smaller and larger libraries. Findings indicate that library size, as measured by population and income, is a factor in two categories of standards components: community input and library management. Contains…

Recent work in both the history of education and the influence of popular culture suggests that libraries can be studied as sites where the public is taught--through a variety of mechanisms--important lessons about communication, knowledge and society. Researchers have addressed the interpretive question of whether literacy is tied to progress and…

This study examined whether user satisfaction with library services is affected by certain objective and subjective librarian behaviors exhibited during the reference interview. A patron survey was conducted during July 1993 in three branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library, located in northeastern Ohio. The sample was determined by the patrons…

Over a 3-year period (1985-1987) site visits were made to selected U.S. libraries that focus on climbing or mountaineering as a specific area for comprehensive collection building to survey their monographic holdings, serial holdings, and special collections. The monographic collections were compared to two lists of outstanding mountaineering…

This master's thesis describes the compilation of an index referencing libraries in "The History of the Woman's Club Movement in America," a 1,173-page work without an index which was published in 1895. This project was undertaken to facilitate using this work for research on women's roles in the development of libraries. A controlled…

Interlibrary loan requests originating at 72 Idaho public libraries during a 12-day period in January 1978, were analyzed to determine fill rate, turnaround time, and patron satisfaction with turnaround time and materials supplied. The results show that of 910 total requests submitted 75.05 percent were filled, 20.11 percent had not been received…

Central Massachusetts Library Administration Simulation Project (CLASP) was a research project funded under Title II-B to develop and test a simulation model that would enable public library personnel to learn and practice skills of negotiation, decision making, budgeting, and program planning. A simulation model was developed and tested in a…

Data from a research project on the value and impact of public library book reading have provided insights into the role of the public library in the reading experience. The principle of equity of access was seen as crucial, in that it provided everyone with the opportunity to encounter reading material. Respondents also compared the buying and…

Describes the economic impacts and benefits received from public libraries in Florida, indicating that public libraries make a significant contribution to the economic development of the state. Discusses taxpayer funding, budget cuts, and determining economic impacts from taxpayer investments; and presents a framework for further studies.…

This section includes five articles on research and librarianship including a case study on research and practice in academic libraries; select peer-reviewed journals that examine the current state of public library research (1996-2000); development of research on school library media programs; benefits of collaborative authorship for librarians…