Computers have had a tremendous impact on library services as automation has affected every aspect of library activity. Automated systems may be viewed as either internal, intermediate, or external, and different factors must be considered in planning for various types of systems. Internal systems, which are used only by library personnel, handle…

Discusses cooperation between public libraries and schools and describes programs developed by the Chandler (AZ) Public Library Youth Services department for teachers, including longer check-out periods for library materials and a telephone service to hold materials for pick-up. (LRW)

This collection development policy serves as a planning tool for William Paterson College library decision-makers by providing information necessary for the allocation of funds for library materials. As a communications tool it provides guidelines for establishing priorities for the selection of library materials and criteria for the withdrawal of…

Reports results of a survey of 293 colleges and universities that reveals a growing trend toward making computer software and hardware available to faculty and students, despite potential illicit copying software. The role of the academic library and copyright implications are discussed. Twenty-three references are cited. (EJS)

Proposes ways in which computerized data available in public libraries can be organized and used for management decision making. Experiences in the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library system and the Monroe County (Indiana) Public Library system are described, and use of the data for preparing materials acquisition budgets is discussed. (36…

Discussion of the merger of separate library units focuses on examples from Indiana State University Libraries' recent merging of the interlibrary loan unit of the reference department with the circulation department to form a new lending services department. Factors to consider in the merging process are discussed, emphasizing staff needs. (seven…

Discusses evaluation procedures for public libraries. Topics addressed include accountability; cooperation among libraries; economic factors; evaluation options, including the use of staff and/or consultants; problems uncovered; and factors to consider when deciding to keep or discard materials, including community needs, circulation statistics,…

Fuzzy set theory, a mathematical modeling technique that allows for the consideration of such factors as "professional expertise" in decision making, is discussed as a tool for use in libraries--specifically in collection management. The fundamentals of fuzzy set theory are introduced and a reference list is included. (JL)

Discusses the effectiveness of nonbook activities as a public service or in support for other services in the public library, and describes the programing activities of the Logan Square branch of the Chicago Public Library. Ten references are listed. (CHC)

This notebook presents ideas for and readings about producing a well-organized and efficient school library program. The notebook is divided into 15 major sections, each of which begins with an overview of the topic, continues with practical discussions of different aspects of the topic, and is followed by background readings consisting of new…

This report summarizes the first year activities of the Library and Information Resources for the Northwest (LIRN) Program of the Fred Meyer Charitable Trust. LIRN is one of three regional programs of the Trust and is active in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The LIRN Program is aimed at making needed information more…

Discussion of allocation of library acquisitions budgets, especially for monographs, focuses on the proportional use statistic (i.e., a value that compares circulation and holdings in a subject area). Topics addressed include economics; benefits that libraries provide; use of the collection by patrons; computers as aids to resource allocation;…

Describes a method for measuring library impact by calculating the ratio of materials circulated in a time unit to those acquired in that period. A breakdown by Dewey Decimal Classification for a hypothetical library is reported, as well as how this ratio can be interpreted. (BK)

Discusses the need for resource sharing among libraries to go beyond traditional interlibrary loans. Topics addressed include resource sharing via circulation; a new publishing model; shared cataloging, acquisitions, serials control, management, personnel and expertise, and facilities; paying for services; and the role of networks. (LRW)

This study presents the result of the Columbia-Greene Community College (New York) annual book use survey. The main purpose of the study was to determine which subject areas are most/least in demand, so that the library can acquire books to optimally meet actual demand. The library did a 12% arithmetic sample of the entire circulating collection.…