A history and overview of library services in the health sciences area, beginning with the deluge of information in World War II. Includes discussion of types of libraries and users, special services, interlibrary cooperation, bibliography and research, information retrieval and library mechanization. An extensive list of references is appended.…

Adequate recordkeeping in medical libraries provides useful guidelines for collection management, acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, planning, and administration. Computerized recordkeeping is also discussed, as well as the characteristics of library users and library use patterns. There are extensive references. (LS)

Discussion of the role of academic libraries focuses on a study that proposed and tested a model to explore the use of academic libraries. Investigated service quality factors, resources, and user characteristics, and concludes that use is influenced most by a user's perceived familiarity with the library and its resources. (Author/LRW)

Describes the several kinds of use studies, and then attempts to appraise what they contribute and do not contribute to the planning process. (Author)

In the future, the central unit of the large city library will be pulled in opposite directions by two inevitable forces: the specialized demands of an interdependent society centered in the metropolitan area, and the deterioration and rehabilitation of the city itself. (1 reference) (Author)

From the user's viewpoint, the four important cooperative trends are: 1) the use of technology to increase the effectiveness of library cooperation; 2) development of regional and national cooperative endeavors; 3) growing cooperation between the information user and librarian; and 4) cooperation between researchers on user needs and the…

This study of the way librarians use the library literature examined interlibrary loan requests at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Data were analyzed on: subjects, journals, and years requested; library types; patron types; and citation sources. The practical and technical aspects of librarianship were found to be the most…

Examines the information practices and strategies used by interdisciplinary scientists in research libraries. Highlights include gathering and disseminating knowledge outside their core knowledge domains through personal networks, conferences, and the literature; intermediaries who help transfer knowledge and information from unfamiliar subject…

Reviews research on obsolescence (decline over time in validity or utility of information), citing two major state-of-the-art reviews and subsequent research involving citation studies and use studies based on circulation and reshelving statistics. A problem-solving management model developed to aid libraries deal with obsolescence is discussed.…

Explores the differences between the level of adoption of information resources by selected faculty and their responses to these technologies, the impact of library technology on the way they use the library for research and teaching, and their interpretation of the role the library plays in this period of transition and change. Contains 41…

Describes the research objectives, rationale, methodology, and findings of a model program developed at the Northwestern University Library, which examined whether online catalogs require instruction and, if so, how that instruction would be best delivered. (CLB)

Using data on the cost of interlibrary loan, journal prices, and journal use, this article presents an economic analysis of the SUNY (State University of New York) Express consortium and the potential savings from consortium delivery of scholarly articles and joint collections development. Concludes that while considerable savings are possible…

A general overview is presented of this issue focusing on institution libraries. Articles are concerned with users of libraries, institutional environments, historical changes, the varying needs of adults and children, library materials, public library cooperation, and education programs for institution librarians. Correctional facilities are…

Presents results of an exploratory study attempting to establish a methodology for the unobtrusive analysis of a digital reference enterprise. Logs of over 3,000 questions asked of the Internet Public Library in early 1999 were analyzed on the basis of questions asked, self-selected demographic information, how those questions were handled, and…

Discusses user satisfaction with remote access to online catalogs, categorizes the types of assistance remote users require, and considers the library's responsibility to these invisible users. An outline of suggestions for improving service to remote users is provided. (CLB)