Six years ago, the author shared some strategies on managing a cutback ("Budget Shortfalls," "Library Journal" 5/15/03, p. 34-35). Now, people are in an even more severe economic downturn. In this article, the author offers some additional tips on how to cope with more budget shortfalls during this recession.

Three articles present: results of survey of use of videocassettes and audiocassettes in academic and public libraries; (2) results of a survey of library collections of audiocassettes of books and their acceptance by patrons; and (3) a description of the operation of a videocircuit by a regional library system. (EJS)

Urges library administrators to reject the findings of the Kent Study concerning the curtailment of library acquisitions and the sharing of library materials. The Pittsburgh Senate Library Committee raises serious questions of flawed methodology in the conduct of the study. Seven references are listed. (RAA)

The Molesworth Institute conducted a year long experiment on the shelving practices of two academic libraries of comparable size, with similar user populations. Results show that the practice of leaving the middle two shelves empty for future expansion cannot be recommended. Measurements include accumulation of dirt; usage; and incidents of…

The needs of users and nonusers in the Piedmont area of North Carolina for nontraditional library services, e.g., nonprint materials and community information and referral, are investigated by a survey of 251 residents. (Author/KP)

Results of a study at the University of Pittsburgh library to determine the extent to which library materials are used and the full cost of such use are presented. Use and nonuse of books, cost of book use, and journal use and nonuse are described. (Author/KP)

Results of two surveys concerned with the provision of books to readers in an academic library are reported. Simple and inexpensive measurement techniques--diary and survey slips--were used to measure holdings, availability, and performance rates. Results are compared to DeProspo's methods for measuring holdings and availability rates. (JPF)

Patrons of an engineering library have technical requirements and idiosyncracies which should be considered by library planners. The results of a survey made by the Mitre Corp. are discussed. (DH)

Presents results of survey conducted in April 1982 of 100 U.S. public libraries and library systems to gather information on microcomputers for public use. Types of microcomputers, purchase of equipment, level of use and restrictions, training, and problems and benefits are discussed. Nine references are listed. (EJS)

This essay offers a step-by-step tool which librarians can use with appropriate data to determine the success of a branch library in reaching the potential user, or for indicating population needs not being satisfied. (Author/KP)

Discusses results of a survey of factors influencing database use in public libraries. Highlights the importance of content; ease of use; and importance of instruction. Tabulates importance indications for number and location of workstations, library hours, availability of remote login, usefulness and quality of content, lack of other databases,…

Discusses a public library system program that provides free public access to microcomputers, noting justification, objectives, equipment specifications, uses and software, staff training, policies and procedures, program implementation, and users. Eight references are listed. (EJS)

Discusses reference-use statistics in academic libraries. Highlights include new functions and resources, limits of traditional counting methods, ranking the sources, the Internet's impact on instruction, computer-assisted versus one-on-one instruction, and creative solutions to reference services. (AEF)

Reports results of a survey sent to business school graduates from the classes of 1977 and 1983 on their use of libraries both currently and as students. Areas covered include: use of monographs versus journals and use of online services, public and corporate libraries, loose-leaf services, and popular current reading. (EM)

Sprucing up the microform reading area, with attention given to the human and environmental aspects discussed here, will contribute to changing users' attitudes from negative to positive regarding this format. (Author)