Reports the findings of a six-year West Virginia University study that tested the "direct access" debate in its main library after undergoing the transition from closed to open stacks. Circulation, book availability, and search and library-use statistics are provided, and their implications are discussed. (Author/JD)

Length of time books are kept and how long it takes to return a book upon receipt of a recall notice are analyzed according to student and faculty population--faculty shown to be slower returning books. The author argues for more equitable treatment of all patrons and a policy change. (CWM)

In the spring of 1978, the Virginia State Library commissioned The Computer Company to conduct a feasibility study of the possibility of establishing a statewide library network for the Commonwealth of Virginia. In this report, the authors respond to that study by identifying three areas of concern for academic libraries: (1) the need for academic…

Reports a study of the distribution of use among users of a short loan collection in an academic library. Results indicate the most active one-third of all users generate between two-thirds and three-quarters of all use. A brief list of references is provided. (Author/SW)

Explores the possibility of adding user-oriented class associations to hierarchical library classification schemes. Analyses a log of book circulation records from a university library in Taiwan and shows that classification schemes can be made more adaptable by analyzing circulation patterns of similar users. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the cyclic nature of library use focuses on the use of spectral analysis to identify periods in library circulation series and pickup for shelving at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The theoretical context of time and frequency domains is presented. (Author/LRW)

Describes an empirical Bayes method for predicting future use of library materials. Data from the University of Saskatchewan are used to illustrate practical applications of the model for simple prediction, prediction profiles, and prediction intervals. (21 references) (MES)

Argues that the gamma mixture of Poisson processes, for all its perceived defects, can be used to make predictions regarding future library book circulations of a quality adequate for general management requirements. The use of the model is extensively illustrated with data from two academic libraries. (Nine references) (CLB)

Provides an overview of a project at RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) that experimented with wireless technology, including laptop computers that circulate within the library building. Discusses project requirements, including ease of use, low maintenance, and low cost; motivation, including mobility; implementation; and benefits to the…

Describes a book availability study using the ACCESS retrieval and delivery system for the evaluation of library services. (CWM)

Presents a user-based approach to exploring the possibility of adding user-oriented class associations to hierarchical library classification schemes. Classes not grouped in the same subject hierarchies yet relevant to users' knowledge are obtained by analyzing a log book of a university library's circulation records, using collaborative filtering…

This article describes and evalutes the IBM System 7 automated circulation system in use at Slippery Rock State College Library since 1973. Background information is furnished on the library and its locale as well as the general rationale and objectives for automated circulation systems. The presentation of the IBM S/7 includes (1) reasons for its…

Undertaken to determine if the pattern of use of library reserve collections found at other college libraries continues to exist at DePauw, this study found that approximately 40 percent of all the reserve collection items never circulated during the entire semester, and that 33 percent of the collection circulated only one to five times during…

Multiple regression analysis was employed to determine three variables which best correlate with circulation: number of books added, full-time equivalent size of student body, and undergraduate and graduate courses offered. A regression equation recommending a predictive value for the number of books to be added was developed; data tables are…

Although weeding can save libraries money, shelving time, and increase circulation, it can create serious political problems for college librarians. Proposes a method of compiling lists of candidate titles for weeding based on a comparison of recommended titles lists contained in three editions (1967, 1975, 1988) of Books for College Libraries.…