Discusses the use of quantitative collection development and use studies as research tools to evaluate the quality of children's library collections. Four studies, conducted in school and public libraries, that involve analyzing data with statistical tests are reviewed to show how data already being collected can be developed into research…

Includes seven articles that discuss research on libraries; numbers of libraries in the United States and Canada; library acquisition expenditures; price indexes for academic and school libraries; expenditures in school library media centers; state rankings of public library data; and library building construction. (LRW)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 36 books of interest to school library media specialists in the categories of cataloging and technical services, issues and perspectives, management, resources, teaching role, and technology. Selection criteria included timeliness, perceived interest in the topic, and a 1992 or 1993 publication date. (KRN)

Provides a summary of the competencies needed by librarians and suggested curriculum components which were indicated in the literature about librarianship, 1988-94. Highlights include graduate programs, core curricula, elective curricula for specialist education, school library media specialists, public libraries, catalogers, various special…

The Lancaster County (Pennsylvania) public library, which receives many school districts' interlibrary loan requests, experienced a 100% increase in periodical article requests. Working cooperatively, school and public librarians developed a LSCA Title II grant to study magazine usage to make cost-effective decisions about improving timely access…

Describes the role and responsibilities of the school library media specialist as identified in 1994-96 dissertation research. Highlights include media specialists as collaborative workers, the importance of leadership, commitment to a media literacy-skills program and student needs, professional development, the need for principal support,…

Discusses results of a science faculty survey conducted at York University to determine researchers' use of current awareness services, including print and Web-based services. Considers differences between science disciplines and implications for future library services and includes a copy of the survey. (Author/LRW)

A focus group study of 29 Queens College/CUNY (City University of New York) undergraduates, born and educated outside the United States, determined that most described needs related to course work rather than language or culture. Participants commented on library hours, physical surroundings, research tools, personnel, collections, and copy…

Presents: "Research on Libraries/Librarianship in 1998"; "Assessment of the Role of School/Public Libraries in Support of Education Reform"; "Number of Libraries in the United States, Canada, and Mexico"; Highlights of NCES Surveys"; "Library Acquisition Expenditures, 1997-1998: United States Public,…

Considers the increase in the variety of electronic reference options in academic libraries based on surveys of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) members. Discusses online catalogs; CD-ROM databases; World Wide Web access; and changes in library instruction, including formal instruction, point-of-use instruction, and Internet instruction.…

Each of nine issues of this newsletter focuses on one topic. The topics covered are: (1) Librarian Salaries at Colorado Community Colleges; (2) Criteria for Allocating the Library Materials Budget; (3) School Library Media Centers in Colorado 1994; (4) Circulation Statistics: What's Included & What's Excluded?; (5) U.S. Population Unserved…

Changing demands on academic libraries make it important to assess continuously the status of academic library resources and library operations. The Academic Library Survey (ALS), conducted periodically by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) since 1966, was designed to provide concise information on library resources, services, and…

Huddersfield University Library (England) has undertaken a wide range of evaluative studies of its services and systems, using various data collection techniques such as: user surveys; exit interviews; online and CD-ROM analysis; benchmarking; user groups; staffing and staff development evaluation; suggestion sheets; student project work; group…

The completion of a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation requires discipline, independent initiative, creative thinking, working with others, and the surmounting of self-doubt. This book attempts to facilitate the dissertation process for students. This book is organized around the themes of content and process. The first part of this book…

This paper reports on a study in which data on audiobook borrowers' backgrounds, borrowing practices, and desires were collected, in order to assist library staff in making informed collection development decisions and being responsive to patron needs. Participants were patrons of the Salem Public Library (Ohio). An anonymous questionnaire was…