This guide gives an overview of basic library research methods with emphasis upon developing an understanding of library organization and professional services. Commonly used bibliographic techniques are described for various published and unpublished, print and nonprint materials. Standard reference sources (bibliographies, encyclopedias, annual…

Designed to facilitate communications in future automation projects between library and data processing personnel, especially those projects involving the use of automated systems in the service of disabled patrons, this guide identifies and describes a master set of major circulation system requirements and design considerations, and illustrates…

Divided into inventory project procedures for the identification of missing books for future replacement and inventory guidelines for use by subject librarians to determine whether an item should be replaced, this report sets forth very specific procedures for conducting a comprehensive inventory of monographic holdings. They are based on…

The increased demand for library materials resulting from improved bibliographic access due to automation, and auditors' demands for more accurate accounting of library assets/holdings, have made it increasingly important that the discrepancy between the catalog and the materials in the stacks be reduced. This paper identifies many of the benefits…

A 1977 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) survey investigated how libraries were training personnel for routine tasks. Of the 73 responding libraries, more than 75% (58) reported that manuals and procedural guides, along with on-the-job training, were the main methods of instruction for technical skills. Accordingly, this kit on skills…

To gather information on current catalog maintenance practices, researchers selected institutions from respondents to the September 1984 version of the OMS (Office of Management Studies) Automation Inventory of Research Libraries. A telephone survey of technical services and systems staff at 23 libraries investigated a wide range of issues related…