A significant number of distance students report they "stray" from their home universities by using local libraries, despite the fact that distance education librarians work hard to provide customized resources and services tailored to their programs and needs. Are public libraries and special libraries able to meet the research needs of…

Distance educators have special library needs. This article discusses the results of a library needs assessment of distance instructors at the University of Wyoming. Access to resources, use of library instructional services, barriers to distance library use, and perceived gaps in service are all addressed. Follow-up actions, based on survey…

It has become widely recognised across the academic and research libraries sector that special collections and archives play a key role in differentiating each institution from its peers. In recognition of this, Research Libraries UK (RLUK) established the workstrand "Unique and Distinctive Collections" (UDC) in support of its strategic…

This report marks the first release of library statistics data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It contains data on state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2006. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (StLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative effort…

The Special Libraries' Association (SLA) has conducted salary surveys since 1967, triennially from 1967 to 1990, biennially from 1990 to 1996 and annually from 1997 forward. The objectives of the annual Salary Survey are to: (1) Collect and analyze systematic, accurate information about the salaries of special librarians and information…

This report marks the third release of library statistics data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It contains data on state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2008. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (StLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative…

The Special Libraries' Association (SLA) has conducted salary surveys since 1967, triennially from 1967 to 1990, biennially from 1990 to 1996 and annually from 1997 forward. The objectives of the annual Salary Survey are to: (1) Collect and analyze systematic, accurate information about the salaries of special librarians and information…

This report marks the second release of library statistics data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It contains data on state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2007. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (StLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative…

Automating a library can be an expensive, time-consuming endeavor that includes many risks. These risks can be reduced through a variety of methods: learning all one can about the systems available that perform the functions in which one is interested, clearly defining one's needs and expressing them succinctly to vendors, and learning how other…

This first compilation of statistics for special libraries serving state government agencies is based on data supplied by 1,134 comprehensive reference, law and legislative, and technical and specialized libraries in response to a mail questionnaire. Twenty-one tables display data on library materials, staff, finances, and services. Analysis of…

This study systematically examines the reading habits and in-house library use of a group of survey respondents in the Independent Living complex at a retirement community located in Westlake, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. The residents responded to an anonymous questionnaire requesting information about their reading habits and their preferences…

The "Texaco" copyright litigation resulted in new rules governing photocopying of journal articles in special libraries affiliated with for-profit enterprises. The federal court decisions in "Texaco" begin with the premise that research in those libraries serves a profit-seeking motive, and consequently the courts have…

This loose-leaf directory of California state agency libraries and information sources lists names of senior staff, address, telephone number, hours, subject strengths, circulation policies, and services of more than 150 libraries and information centers within the California state government. The information was collected through questionnaires…

A survey of 301 Illinois special libraries was conducted in 1982 to determine the number and type of statistics collected by these libraries and the ways in which these data are used. The mean number of statistics collected was reported as 10, including both technical and public service measures. Measures kept regularly by at least 50% of the…

Consists of an analysis of the data obtained in a recent survey of the libraries of 26 less known museums which emphasize some aspect of science and technology. Data discussed include staff size, collection size, subject specialties, interlibrary loan participation, online search activity, and memberships in consortia or networks. (Author/EJS)