The first of a two-part series covers research published since 1970 that is directly relevant to interlibrary loan in the United States, with emphasis on studies of total volume, growth rate, nature of exchange relationships, characteristics of requests and types of material requested, users and uses, and financing. (47 references) (EJS)

Report on survey of 160 public libraries highlights characteristics of libraries involved in literacy education, incentives and barriers, services provided, populations served, library staff, materials and equipment, library participation in cooperative literacy efforts, and budget and funding sources. A recommended approach to library involvement…

A survey of 125 public library directors in Indiana laid the groundwork for a future study of change in the public library. Data were gathered on the background characteristics of the libraries and directors; directors' perceptions of change; and utilization of formal planning processes. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (27 references)…

Circulation time-series data from 50 midwest academic libraries were used to test 110 variants of 8 smoothing forecasting methods. Data and methodologies and illustrations of two recommended methods--the single exponential smoothing method and Brown's one-parameter linear exponential smoothing method--are given. Eight references are cited. (EJS)

Describes a practical study to demonstrate trend analysis and several related statistical instruments that can be applied to library research, presents possible topic for full study, and substantiates author's view on future of libraries. An overall analysis of variance is presented and examples of data analysis are appended. (13 references) (EJS)

Public library effectiveness efforts are placed within the context of theoretical and empirical research on organizational effectiveness. The construct, measures, and determinants of public library effectiveness are investigated, and a possible model of the determinants of public library output measures is presented. (Author/EM)

This survey of librarians in public and school libraries serving a significant number of Hispanics found that, although 60 percent of the respondents report that books in Spanish for Spanish-speaking children and young adults serve an important educational purpose, many of the remaining respondents are very much opposed to increasing their…

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.…

Construct validity and reliability estimates indicate that study designed to measure utilization of automation in public and academic libraries was successful in tentatively identifying and measuring three subdimensions of level of automation: quality of hardware, method of software development, and number of automation specialists. Questionnaire…

Research on two exposure techniques--book displays and book lists--supports the idea that browsers need, want, and will use some type of guidance to narrow their book selection. Two reasons for this are given: these techniques require little patron effort and reach large numbers of browsers at one time. (Author/EM)

Comparison of return rates of materials from Ohio State University Libraries to other home loan studies for academic staff and students indicates that due date may be less important than previously thought, and publicity should be tested as means to encourage students to return materials at earlier date. (12 references) (EJS)

Barriers that hinder development of cooperative arrangements among libraries in Costa Rica are identified by studying librarians' perceptions of obstacles. A ranked list of barriers shows that the most important obstacles are related to administration and governance, absence of guidelines, poor public relations, and a limited number of…

This discussion of the measurement of performance criteria and desired or acceptable level of achievement focuses on the performance criteria used for the evaluation of interlibrary services (success rate, turnaround time, cost, and impact of service). Document delivery, communication, and interlibrary loan research are covered. Fifty references…

A survey at the University of Port Harcourt (Nigeria) examined faculty attitudes toward returning overdue library books. Results were analyzed using the cluster method of factor analysis, and forgetfulness of library obligation and personalization of resources were identified as the primary factors influencing faculty to retain books. The…

A model for the organization of multitype library networks was tested on the l43 networks in the United States with public, academic, school, and special library members. Eight indicators of organization and their interdependence were measured: planning, governance, funding, communication and delivery, configuration, administration, evaluation,…