The most surprising response from the "Library Journal" 2002 survey of 150 public libraries is that circulation is up after declines for the past couple of years. Budgets are holding their own, with a slight increase overall of 3%. Aggressive merchandising, promotion, and better circulation systems point to success. (AEF)

Describes a new analytical tool, data envelope analysis (DEA) model, which can provide better understanding of the efficiency of academic research libraries. Reports the results of a study using 1994-1995 Association of Research Libraries statistics together with expert judgments, in terms of constraints, to make the model more applicable to the…

Describes how undergraduate libraries have responded to change and the changing needs of undergraduate students. Examines statistics from 20 libraries, and summarizes results of a survey of 9 libraries on book versus periodical usage; staff size; reference staff philosophy; library status; and response to increased emphasis on undergraduate…

A number of library projects show the cost-effectiveness of sharing space in buildings. Six tables provide statistics for new academic and public library buildings; additions and renovations; renovations only; and a six-year cost summary. Photographs of library interiors and exteriors illustrate the article. (AEF)

Summarizes the findings and recommendations of a 1991 survey of higher education libraries in Papua New Guinea. Topics discussed include the role of the National Library; funding; development of the Papua New Guinea Library and Information Network (PNGLINET); buildings and storage facilities; staffing and training; statistics; and library skills…

Storage and financial considerations prompted a reshelving study of 300 scientific review titles which found that about half of all titles at Pennsylvania State University were used at least once and that periodicals were used more often than monograph series. As a result, periodical titles were incorporated into the journal collection and series…

Discusses the need for statistics for librarians to measure the performance, use, and value of electronic scholarly journals to make the best purchasing decisions for their institutions. Reports on two reporting mechanisms, one of which uses the library's log files, and describes other current projects to determine usage measures. (LRW)

Discusses the increase in circulation over the past seven years at the Queens Borough Public Library. Improvements in collections, promotion, and services responsible for this increase are examined, and circulation data are presented in graphs. (MES)

Outlines a method for establishing a depreciated value of a library collection and includes an example of applying the formula for calculating depreciation. The method is based on the useful life of books, other print, and audio visual materials; their original cost; and on sampling subsets or sections of the collection. (JKP)

This study examined circulation and inhouse use of 13,029 randomly selected volumes--both serials and monographs in all subject areas--in a university library over a 7-year period. Results challenged inference of internal use from circulation figures and the appropriateness of weeding based on lack of circulation alone. A 26-item chronological…

This reexamination of earlier forecasts and statistics related to research library growth--Purdue studies first published in 1965, data and forecasts from Fremont Rider's 1944 book--shows mixed results for evidence of continuing rapid growth of collections and acquisition expenditures and marked decline in acquisition rates. (16 references) (EJS)

Addresses factors to be considered in selecting library audiovisual materials in a time of increasingly complex constraints and operations. Suggestions offered include learning how to dig out facts that count, using unorthodox resources for evaluation, updating selection policy, and employing statistical and other measures to analyze patrons and…

Describes how three public library youth librarians used statistics to justify budget requests, change resource allocations, expand services, and show benefits of new services to the community. Examples are provided under the following headings: Show what's missing; Show what's gone wrong; Show what's going right; Show inequities; and Compare and…

Discussion of methods for gathering journal use information in academic libraries (for retention decisions) highlights an 8.4-year time-series of weekly library journal pickup data. Use of the autocorrelation function, spectral analysis, and intervention analysis is described.(LRW)

Reviews time-saving approaches that can help academic librarians (or small libraries lacking collection development librarians) to maintain collections. A sidebar provides information on locating subject publication lists and appendices offer guidelines for collection weeding and sampling. (JMV)