Discussion of fines charged by libraries for overdue books focuses on the experiences of the Somerville Free Public Library (New Jersey) in implementing a no-fine policy. Goals of the new policy that are evaluated include increased circulation, increased return of late materials, and an improved library image. (seven references) (LRW)

The purpose of this project was to perform an analysis of the Rockford Public Library (Illinois) circulation services department and provide recommendations leading to customer service improvement, better space utilization, and improved departmental work flow. Based on an analysis of input from individual interviews with staff, review of…

Conducted in 1979 to discover the extent of library use by Racine area residents, to determine their awareness of library services available, and to form conclusions and recommendations to help increase neighborhood use of the branch library, this study randomly sampled 179 residences using a questionnaire composed of 25 questions. The survey, in…

This report presents the findings of the first national survey of public libraries on their services and resources available to children. Questionnaires were mailed to a national probability sample of 846 public libraries, nonrespondents were contacted by telephone, and the final response rate was 97%. Survey items included the availability of…

Published in Danish with an English abstract and summary, this report amplifies the information on the use of public libraries included in previous leisure time research by describing a survey of more than 4,000 members of the Danish population. Users as well as non-users were interviewed, including children. The report is subdivided according to…

Two surveys were conducted in 1981/82 and 1982 respectively to determine if Illinois public libraries were satisfying their patrons in terms of book use, and how much money Illinois public libraries received directly from their patrons in library fines, fees, and charges. In the first study, 2,133 adults returning a book at a random sample of 71…

Designed to facilitate the rapid comparison of fiscal year 1978 support and activity levels among public libraries in Massachusetts, this report identifies twelve indicators of library support and activity and presents percentage and per capita figures for each municipality. Data are for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 1978, and represent…

This report describes a study designed to determine whether the collection of computer software by libraries falls into a pattern of library type and whether patron use of computer software falls into a pattern of clientele type. Following a summary of previous research, a discussion of the study methodology describes a survey of 154 randomly…

This report presents statistical pictures of New York State public libraries and public library systems during the calendar year 1990. The information is derived from the 1990 Annual Report for Public Libraries and Annual Report for Public Library Systems forms. Three statistical pictures of public libraries are presented. First, statistics for…

Recreational reading has proved its importance in the public library systems nationwide, as confirmed by circulation records and significant consideration in library budgets, indicating the need to develop systems that bring the book and the reader together in a systematic way. This paper seeks to define the operation of readers' advisory programs…

To determine whether videocassettes have become an integral part of library collections, a survey was conducted to compare book and video circulation statistics during a 5-year period in northern Illinois. A survey was sent to directors of the 84 public libraries in the Suburban Library System in northern Illinois requesting the population of each…

Presents results of survey of procedures to handle the circulation of unbound periodicals in 232 public and academic libraries using four major turnkey automated circulation systems. Methods used are described (use of machine-readable symbol attached to issue) and procedures developed at the Eastern Washington University Library are explained in…

During a 5-day period in 1990, a total of 1,401 reciprocal borrowers in the North Suburban Library System (NSLS) received questionnaires asking about their choice of library and other aspects of borrowing behavior to provide data on the reciprocal borrowing characteristics and patterns within the system. This survey was designed to identify the…

This study of four public libraries in Northeastern Ohio was conducted to determine the amount, if any, of restriction of access of materials to minors. Four libraries were opportunistically selected, and the director and children's librarian in each were interviewed. The emerging hypothesis was that some restriction would occur. The written…

To determine on which levels of cooperation most media specialists and public librarians function, and whether or not the cooperation is satisfactory, a survey was conducted of libraries and school media specialists in the Atlanta-Fulton County and Gwinnett County (Georgia) areas. Questionnaires (152) were mailed to 115 school library and media…