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)…

This study was designed to analyze some of the services offered by Illinois libraries serving populations of fewer than 2,500, particularly in terms of how they operate and which circulation services are used most frequently. A questionnaire was mailed to 192 libraries, with 131 or 68.2% returning usable responses. Among the general findings: (1)…

Discussion of mentorship, leadership, and characteristics of mentors and proteges highlights a survey of 28 public library directors that was conducted to determine the role that mentorship played in their career development. Results support the view that mentors play an important role in the career opportunities of proteges. (51 references) (LRW)

A survey of 113 Texas libraries examined characteristics of reference positions to determine whether there were important similarities and differences between public and academic libraries in the areas of professional qualifications for employment; job skills and responsibilities; work scheduling; benefits; and departmental characteristics. The…

Examines history of online information retrieval services in North American in general and in Canada specifically. The current situation is assessed on the basis of results of a recent national survey and the issue of charging for these services is discussed. Twelve references are cited. (EJS)

This report looks at the use of public library online circulation systems for the generation of in-house secondary information--such as statistical reports and mailing lists--and also considers problems in maintaining confidentiality of patron records when using online circulation systems. Based on a survey of the literature, general information…

Discusses the issues facing New York State public libraries regarding preservation of materials. Highlights include a review of related literature to examine the history, preservation methods, control of the library environment, education and training, organization, and government involvement; and results of a questionnaire that surveyed directors…

Examines changes in the perceptions of public library children's services by library professionals through a content analysis of entries in "Library Literature" since 1958 which refer to children's library services and populations served. The opinions of current library administrators are compared to those of 100 years ago. (EM)

A survey of over 200 academic, public, and special libraries in 13 selected states was conducted in the fall of 1979 to provide a state of the art report on online or computerized reference services. Libraries were selected from states which had demonstrated leadership in networking, and data were sought in four areas: (1) users of online…

In May 1981 the American Library Association (ALA) conducted a survey to determine how online search services are financed in publicly-supported libraries and in libraries in nonprofit organizations. The survey questionnaire was prepared by the ALA Office for Research (OFR), and three vendors of online services--BRS, Lockheed, and SDC--mailed the…

Reviews literature that describes information need studies of medical communities. Surveyed health-care professionals in a rural community to identify the information needs of health- care professionals, their primary sources of information, their attitudes toward the public library, and information needs of patients. An appendix contains…

Describes a study conducted in Florida to determine the status of combined school and public libraries and to evaluate whether further information is needed on their effectiveness. Recommendations based on findings from a review of the literature and a survey of state libraries and education agencies are presented. The questionnaire is appended.…

Reviews current state of the art pertaining to measurement and use of the construct of user satisfaction (user's self-reported degree of satisfaction with library services) and reports results of survey of 623 public library patrons measuring user satisfaction, evaluation of services, library use, and individual characteristics. Twenty-six sources…

Describes a preliminary study that was conducted to examine the collection development practices, selection criteria, and sources used in acquiring Native American literature for children and adolescents in public libraries in Alaska and Oklahoma. Results of a literature survey are discussed, and further research is suggested. (Contains 36…

This report summarizes a 1989 update of a 1986 survey on the diffusion and utilization of audiovisual media and equipment in Japan. A comparison of the two reveals the advancements in types of audiovisual equipment available to schools and social education facilities in Japan which have developed in only 3 years. An outline of the equipment…