GANDALF (General Alpha Numeric Direct Access Library Facility) is an information retrieval system designed and implemented at the University of New Mexico for the purposes of retrieving abstracts from large abstract data bases, such as the ERIC system. Previous batch-process information retrieval systems for use with the ERIC data base have been…

With heavy emphasis on the application of the scientific approach to research in library science, this proposal for an introductory textbook presents an overview of the current status of investigations in librarianship and discusses strengths and weaknesses of existing guides. A conclusion is reached that available guidebooks all fall short of…

The national bibliographic services currently provided by the Library of Congress (LC) include the Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) service, LC's Automated Process Information File System, and the Library of Congress Subject Headings. Cooperative projects involving LC include COMARC (Cooperative MARC), a national bibliographic data base for…

Reviews the goals and methods of research and development in documentation, stressing research which aims to improve the communication between the information user and source. Research is discussed within the context of the documentation system rather than by specific results. (JVP)

Vendor selection can mean success or failure of an approval plan; this study evaluates three book vendors by comparing their plans on the bases of speed, bibliographic accuracy, and discounts. (Author/CWM)

Demonstrates the need for objective, quantitative measurements of children's services in the public library, lists objectives for these services, and describes the mode of research best suited to the task. Library schools are urged to work with practitioners in the field to build a body of research for the future. (JVP)

The Molesworth Institute conducted a year long experiment on the shelving practices of two academic libraries of comparable size, with similar user populations. Results show that the practice of leaving the middle two shelves empty for future expansion cannot be recommended. Measurements include accumulation of dirt; usage; and incidents of…

A brief account of an experimental workshop for students at Glasgow College of Technology on the use of Biological Literature is presented, together with an assessment of participants' reactions. The most novel feature of the workshop was its emphasis on self-teaching. (Author/MA)

The literature of bibliometrics suggests that the results of bibliometric studies can be of practical use in libraries by providing a scientific basis for collection management decisions. Reports on the application of these studies are virtually nonexistent and a number of reasons for this are suggested. (EM)

Based on data from two experiments, this article attempts to assess degree to which people differ in interpretations of questions referring to library services and the implications for interpreting survey results. Sources of error in questionnaire research--sampling, response (question interpretation, response decision, category choices)--are…

Discusses three major motivations for in-house library research--planning, problem solving, and staff development--in terms of the functions and responsibilities of library management. Ten stages in a research project are identified and management contribution to each is described. It is concluded that the role of management is critical.…

Barriers to research in library schools are identified; and some alternative means of eliminating or lessening the barriers are considered. (Author)

A report of several comparisons designed to measure the retrieval effectiveness of machined-aided indexing and manual indexing. (Author)

Eleven issues of "Fast Facts" from the Library Research Service cover information from libraries across Colorado. These issues focus on topics from the public, academic, and school sectors. These topics include patron use of AskColorado (a statewide virtual reference service) and the rising use of online services. The "Fast…

Statistics that pertain to article use and individual user satisfaction should be weighed in determining library journal holdings. Separate article use/user satisfaction relationships must be developed for each discipline and library population. (NH)