This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit reports results of a survey attempting to characterize "branch libraries" and "discrete collections" housed in main academic libraries. The results provide a snapshot of current definitions, subject areas, services, and administration of these collections, as well as…

This paper identifies the nature and extent of backlogs in OhioLINK libraries, how these backlogs are controlled and managed, and who has knowledge of what is contained in these backlogs. Using survey methodology, data were collected from the heads of cataloging and collection development departments of the OhioLINK libraries through…

This SPEC Kit, published six times per year, examines how Association of Research Libraries (ARL) libraries have structured themselves to identify networked information resources in the market, to evaluate them for purchase, to make purchasing decisions, to publicize them, and to assess their continued utility. In the summer of 1999, the survey…

The role of non-M.L.S. professionals in the library environment is examined in two articles together with some of the educational, administrative, and professional issues involved. The first article focuses on the role of the archivist in academic libraries and the second discusses the non-M.L.S. professional in the library network environment.…

Over the past 10 years, many changes have affected the roles of librarians and other professionals in research libraries. The changes have been caused, in part, by technological advances, reorganizations, more focus on libraries as learning organizations, the use of teams and team-based approaches to tasks, and a recognition of diversity's…

Reviews the literature on changes in academic library organizations and describes the results of a survey of library directors that investigated concepts of a virtual library, both as digital technology and as a new organizational concept. Discusses models of virtual libraries and library networking, and includes a copy of the questionnaire.…

A survey was conducted in those academic and research libraries that are involved in the OhioLINK project to determine their use of approval plans and their budgetary patterns. Written questionnaires were used to collect data in order to examine approval plan use, approval plan and firm order budgeting, and vendor use. Analyses of the responses…

A serials cancellation pilot project was conducted by the Pittsburgh Regional Library Center (PRLC) from August 1981 to December 1983 in order to demonstrate the utility of using a large online union list of serials for making and reporting collection management decisions. A total of 21 academic libraries and one public library from Pennsylvania,…

The kit on electronic mail (EM) contains results of a January 1984 Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) survey on current and planned uses of EM within the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Questionnaires were distributed to all 117 member institutions. Of the 69% who responded (81), 43% (35) indicated that they now use EM in their…

Explores marginal costs involved in decentralization of academic libraries by analyzing labor and material costs of a branch library (Library School Library, University of California, Berkeley) and discussing cost to users and universities. Benefits of a branch library are summarized based on survey done among 40 users. References are provided.…

To gather more information on the role of the liaison in research libraries, the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Office of Management Services conducted a survey in 1992 of its academic library members. Completed surveys were returned by 49 libraries. Liaisons in both technical and public services were reported by 59 percent, while 31…

This kit presents the results of a survey conducted by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in 1974 to investigate and document various experiences of academic and research libraries in reclassifying portions of collections or entire collections and the relationship between libraries' particular classification schemes on effective…

Based upon the 211 usable responses received to a survey of the libraries of 68 colleges of advanced education, 19 universities, and 226 technical and further education (TAFE) colleges in Australia, this report considers the establishment of a system that would permit distance education students to borrow materials from a local academic library.…

In November 1984, surveys were mailed to the 215 interlibrary loan coordinators of OHIONET institutions asking them to participate in a study of interlibrary loan (ILL) photocopying practices and procedures. Questionnaires were returned by 152 coordinators for a response rate of 71%. The study focused on the use of various tools in the selection…

This study examines the library services provided by school, academic, and public libraries in the shire and municipal areas and recommends a voluntary network to share resources and facilities. Among the specifics, it advocates the conclusion of a formal networking agreement; apointment of a network coordinator; establishment of an administrative…