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)…

The recent demand for more accountability from public libraries has made it essential that true cost-benefit analysis be applied to their operations. The authors developed a cost-benefit analysis methodology and applied it to five large public library systems. This article describes ongoing research to modify their methodologies to make them…

An Association of Research Libraries survey of Alabama public university libraries revealed that disabled populations on campuses were not being served; 27 questions were divided into categories of general information, management and training, space, and general services. Reasons for lack of preparation included lack of knowledge and funding. The…

The kit and flyer examine library photocopy operations, including services, personnel, equipment, and financial management practices by member institutions of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). To find out about these operations, ARL surveyed its 112 members, and received 93 replies. Forty-nine academic libraries (58%) described their…

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit reports results of a survey that examined how many Association of Research Libraries (ARL) libraries offer fee-based services to their external users, the procedures and organizational structures of such services, and the factors that contribute to a successful fee-based service program. For…

This report presents two approaches to measuring inflation for public libraries: (1) an approach based on a fixed-market-basket (FMB) of the prices of library inputs, which yields a public library input cost index (PLICI), and (2) an approach based on an econometric model of library services and costs, which yields a public library cost of…

"Statistics and Input-Output Measures for Colorado Public Libraries, 1999" is a compilation of data collected from the Colorado Public Library Annual Report sent to each public library jurisdiction in February of 2000 and returned in March. The 1999 response rate was excellent: 100% of Colorado public libraries returned the Annual Report…

Describes a survey administered by the King County Library System (Washington) that assessed the resources of school libraries and media centers in its service areas in order to determine the public library's appropriate role and level of service in supporting students. Results indicated that school libraries in King County are not well funded.…

This report provides a statistical profile of state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year 1994. The data were collected through the new State Library Agencies Survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics. The report documents the variety of roles being played by state library…

This report provides a statistical profile of state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year 1995. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies Survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics. The report documents the variety of roles being played by state library agencies…

Assesses the collections of Nigerian university libraries by comparing them to those of their peers in other African and British universities. Discusses the impact of the World Bank Loan Project on resuscitating Nigerian university libraries. Strategies for maintaining adequacy and relevance of the collections for the 21st century are recommended.…

Seventy-seven principals serving grades 7-12 in Missouri schools were surveyed to determine the differences between how principals view school librarians and how school librarians view themselves. Similarities occurred in the perceptions about the importance of a library program and inadequate funding. Views diverged most noticeably in terms of…

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 has gone into effect, many libraries are evaluating and improving their library services for people with disabilities. There are nearly 110,000 children in Missouri who receive some type of special education assistance because of physical, mental or emotional impairments. Through an anonymous…

This document is a compilation of data collected from the 2001 Colorado Public Library Annual Report sent to each Colorado public library jurisdiction in January of 2002. State totals, grouped by the size of the population served, report data for general information, paid staff in full-time equivalents (FTEs), library funding sources, staff…

Examines the economic behavior of academic research libraries, arguing that academic research libraries seek to maximize universities' utility by expanding library collections. Findings are consistent with those from a previous study using a different ranking system and sample data and reconfirm that library collections contribute significantly to…