Describes an experimental integrated service point that combines the desks and staff who perform reference and circulation at one of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's libraries. Considers whether this service model can consolidate public service points to improve response to customer needs; discusses performance measurement; and offers…

Discussion of the merger of separate library units focuses on examples from Indiana State University Libraries' recent merging of the interlibrary loan unit of the reference department with the circulation department to form a new lending services department. Factors to consider in the merging process are discussed, emphasizing staff needs. (seven…

This collection of policies for providing access to the collections and services of research libraries for users who are not associated with the library's parent institution includes six examples of general access policies, three documents on reference service, five statements of circulation policies, and descriptions of four cooperative…

This report describes an online minicomputer-based system, one combining library inventory control with catalog access, that was implemented at Virginia Tech's main library in order to meet the demands of increased circulation activity and rising staff costs. Following overviews of the institutional environment, the systems development department,…

Presented by a library science student at the University of California at Berkeley, this description of Moffitt Undergraduate Library includes financing and budget, the building (physical description), book collection, staff, library technical operations, and user services. The report begins with a framework for the idea of an undergraduate…

An analysis of body movements of individuals at reference and circulation public service points in four academic libraries indicated that both receptive and nonreceptive nonverbal behaviors were used by all levels of library employees, and these behaviors influenced patron interaction. (Author/LS)

Provides a general overview of library automation and a number of suggestions to assist in making decisions about automation in small academic libraries. Three areas of automation are discussed--reference service, circulation, and technical processes--with emphasis on the planning process, implementation, and evaluation. (CLB)

This project examined a series of alternative policies for the management and funding of university libraries as they adopt and adapt to various information science technologies to accomplish the functions of acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and reference services. Comparative case studies were completed at the University of Chicago,…

The 36 tables in this report present summaries of unpublished data gathered in a 1979 survey of college and university libraries which was part of the Higher Education General Information Survey (HEGIS) conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Included are statistics on library book and periodical holdings; materials added…

This guide is the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Libraries' quick reference tool for providing information about its collections, facilities, and services. The articles are arranged in an alphabetic, dictionary format with numerous cross-references, and highlight information on the following: administrative offices; company annual reports;…

The purpose of this study is to identify and determine the extent of technological change in the development of automation as it is reflected in the professional literature and the rates at which males and females contribute to this literature. A database search of Library Literature on WILSONDISC was undertaken to identify publications written in…

Academic libraries in Ohio were surveyed to determine the existence and content of training in customer service offered to library employees in the circulation and reference departments. Surveys were mailed to 127 libraries, and achieved a return rate of 68% (n=87). The survey contained questions about customer service training for both new and…

Documentation supplied in this kit demonstrates how research libraries provide services to visiting scholars as distinguished from other categories of external user. A "visiting scholar" is most often defined as a faculty member affiliated with an institution of higher education but the term may also include independent scholars and persons…

Discussion of the use of academic libraries by public borrowers focuses on policies developed at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Highlights include library networks and identity problems; access to materials; fee-based reference services; and requiring patrons to register a credit card to be used for replacement materials and fines. (LRW)

Describes an exchange program between academic libraries in Sichuan Province and Washington State University, and discusses the Chinese approach to academic librarianship in the areas of management and personnel, access and circulation, automation, reference services, collection development and censorship, and library facilities. (CLB)