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…

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)

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.…

Faced with growing problems in the management and direction of its periodical collection, in 1973 the McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph established a Periodical Use Committee responsible for collecting and analyzing statistics on the use of periodicals within the library. Specific responsibilities of the committee included deciding…

This paper is a report to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on the changing state of the Harvard College Library and the larger information environment of which it is a part. It is also a call for faculty participation in a strategic planning process designed to reposition the Library to serve an information age university in the twenty-first…

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,…

Discusses the use of quantitative collection development and use studies as research tools to evaluate the quality of children's library collections. Four studies, conducted in school and public libraries, that involve analyzing data with statistical tests are reviewed to show how data already being collected can be developed into research…

Describes the OCLC/AMIGOS Collection Analysis CD (CACD), a microcomputer-based tool for the evaluation and development of library collections. CACD applications are discussed, including preparation of statistical reports, accreditation and grant support, budget preparation, verification of collection development policy goals, and cooperative…

Describes the methodology used at the University of Arizona Library to address the issue of access versus ownership of library materials. Topics discussed include participatory management; data collection, including focus groups, interlibrary loan statistics, and graduate research citation analysis; and resulting recommendations, including…