Library collection weeding criteria based upon unequal distribution of demand require that distribution remain stable over time. A mathematical expression is derived that tests that stability. Verification is not inordinately time consuming and is facilitated by the use of automated circulation systems. (Author/RAA)

Gives an example of how use of periodicals in an academic environment has been recorded, how it has been built into a collection development program, and how it has focused on areas for future concern. (Author)

Proposes two general classes of user tasks-recognition tasks and tasks requiring inference-for which performance measures were developed. The measures include graphical object recognition, textual object recognition, action recognition, free-text gist determination, multiple-choice gist determination and visual gist determination. Results from two…

Provides librarians and others with summary of types of methods available to determine extent to which books, journals, and other library materials are being used, highlighting circulation studies, survey of user opinions, document delivery tests, shelf availability studies, in-house use studies, and citation studies. Forty-four selected…

Discusses results from an experimental study which measured user and journal publisher acceptance of microfiche editions and hardware performance at Wayne State University Libraries. Study results prompted a full-scale acquisition program of currently available microform materials. A profile of six microfiche collections for academic libraries is…

Describes a two-phase study at Polk Library of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh that (1) found an apparent fallacy in the statistical procedure developed by Trueswell and (2) concluded that obsolescence could best explain the poor circulation record of little used books. (Author/JD)

Presents the results of a survey conducted in June 1980 to determine the use and effectiveness of English language encyclopedias in 75 Canadian public libraries. (CHC)

The truest meaning of public service was that, although never used by all citizens, it was still available for any citizen. Whether public service in America can survive in the next decade, and maintain its basic altruistic concepts, will be the concern of all librarians. (Author/NH)

Extracts five conclusions from a survey of library material use studies: (1) recorded use in many libraries is low; (2) use within the library parallels circulation; (3) past use predicts future use; (4) recent materials are used more frequently; and (5) Americans use few foreign language materials. (FM)

Discusses general findings reported in the literature of use and citation studies on the use of citation counts as found in "Journal Citation Reports" for identification of periodical titles for cancellation in a university library. Principal reasons for retention of little-cited journals are noted. Twenty-one references are cited. (EJS)

Identifies major sources of United Nations documentation on microform, and evaluates materials available from those sources in terms of library requirements and user needs. (Author/CMV)

Analyzes the half-life of book use through analysis of over 10,000 regional and statewide interlibrary loan requests. Correcting for the growth of the literature, this study indicated that the half-lives of monographs may increase from lower to higher levels of the hierarchy in a library network. (CWM)

Suggests that fundamental questions with broad policy implications and a perspective that approaches academic library from patron's point of view remain to be asked about library costs, collections and their use, library users, and both the academic setting itself and the people who work within it. Seventeen references are cited. (EJS)

Develops an empirical model for predicting the size of an information store necessary to satisfy specified levels of demand. A method for selecting items for retirement with the least adverse impact on the store is suggested. Three tables, three figures, and a 10-item reference list are included. (Author/JL)

Presents the results of a study to measure library materials use and cost at the University of Pittsburgh, the errors and inaccuracies encountered in the study, and the responses of faculty members and University librarians to the findings. (CWM)