What began with a few libraries' early application of ethnographic methods to learn more about user behaviors and needs has grown to become a significant body of work done across many institutions using a broad range of methods. User-centered investigations are increasingly influential in discussions about the shape and future of the research…

Lists four areas identified by participants at the 1987 Resources and Technical Services Division Serials Section program as mandatory considerations in the study of serials automation within the context of linking public and technical library services. Four conference papers to be published in this and subsequent issues are introduced. (MES)

Describes experience gained by applying philosophical principles to library serials cooperation between two academic libraries. Philosophical views concerning cooperation; conditions leading to success of the project; serials survey of selected faculty members from English, biology, and economics departments; and proposals based on computer…

As background for defining public library adult services in the 1980s the perceived role of the public library in the United States since its inception is summarized and changing definitions are analyzed. Data collection and analysis plans for the Adult Services in the Eighties Project are described. (EM)

Growth and changes in "RQ" (1960-1985) are examined and detailed in both text and tables (cover/size, pagination, editor, articles, advertisements, physical features, association interests, reviews, columns, government publications). Development of columns, government publication news, thematic articles, authors of "RQ"…

Discusses areas needing revision in the manual "Output Measures for Public Libraries," i.e., measurement objectives, research skills of output measures users, management versus research contexts, relating inputs to outputs, problems in data collection, user versus library performance, sample sizes, interpretation of output measure…

Prestel is an interactive videotex system which has been available to the public in the United Kingdom since the late 1970's. Recent research funded by the British Library Research and Development Department provided public libraries with access to Prestel and monitored their reactions to the services. Aims of the trial were to promote Prestel by…

Maintains that there are two traditional categories of data for scholars: (1) physical objects and nonmaterial objects and (2) processed information. Describes the development and current plans for the Documentation Project, a Norwegian database for language and culture. (CFR)

Describes adoption of microcomputer tutorial for library orientation at state-owned school of approximately 2,800 students. Highlights include advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer-assisted instruction, production of tutorial software, the program, evaluation, and revisions. Goals for library instruction and sampling of questions used to…

This kit on the integration of nonprint media into Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions contains a concise summary of a 1977 phone survey with ARL members, eight descriptions of programs and services, and five acquisition and processing policies. To collect data on practices regarding the acquisition, processing, and use of…

A task force at Northwestern University Library reviewed utility of a slide-tape program in new student orientation, and created an updated version for library use. The year-long project combined planning, goal-setting, budgeting, studying equipment and techniques, script-writing, selecting appropriate slides, and integrating all parts into a…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit compiled by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) contains documents pertaining to bibliographic access in ARL libraries. Data collected in a 1975 SPEC user services survey are presented in two tables to illustrate new, eliminated, and planned services in ARL libraries and methods of…

Describes creation of list of approximately 200 serials that consistently publish job openings in various disciplines and are included in University of California Davis holdings. Production, distribution, and use of the list are noted. Field and job title index, journal listings, and data collection and evaluation forms are appended. (EJS)

This paper examines the barriers to cooperation among a group of librarians and trustees in the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) in New Jersey as the group explored the potential advantages of a cooperative automated circulation system. This network of public libraries shares reciprocal borrowing, direct access to borrowing, and…

Describes how a librarian, assisted by a knowledge engineer, developed a computerized reference assistance system for a separate government documents department. Rationale for the expert system, problems in selecting reference materials and user questions to computerize, and the formulation of a workable human/computer interface are covered. A…