Patron-Driven Acquisitions (PDA) is a new model used for e-book acquisition by academic libraries. A key component of this model is to make records of ebooks available in a library catalog and let actual patron usage decide whether or not an item is purchased. However, there has been a lack of research examining the role of the library catalog as…

Selecting appropriate performance improvement interventions is a critical component of a comprehensive model of performance improvement. Intervention selection is an interconnected process involving analysis of an organization's environment, definition of the performance problem, and identification of a performance gap and identification of causal…

It's well known that technology is changing at an increasingly rapid pace and that many public libraries throughout the United States are attempting to adopt new technologies to better reach their patrons. In trade journals, blogs, and at library conferences, professionals in the field have continually discussed the best methods for using web…

The planning and results of a recent inventory of the main library of the Houston Public Library are described. (PF)

A summary and overview is given of a several-year research project, Requirements Study for Future Catalogs.'' The research was intended essentially to ascertain what information should be recorded in future library catalogs in order to best serve their users. Various publications and reports based on the project are summarized. (Author/NH)

In this literature review, the effect of catalog division on catalog departments in terms of cost, physical expansion of the catalog, as well as methods and different kinds of division are considered. (Author/PF)

Two studies concerned with optimizing the effectiveness of design of bibliographic materials given certain practical constraints are reported. (Author/PF)

An experiment in manipulating machine-readable library records for use in subject searching indicated that such programs would be useful to extend service outside a single library location. (Author/PF)

Research programs of the University of California (UC) Institute of Library Research (ILR) for the period July 1975 to June 1976 included: (1) error analysis of the UC Union Catalog Supplement (UCUCS), (2) error analysis of on-line bibliographic data bases, (3) planning data for UCUCS-2 conversion planning, and (4) document delivery support for…

Focusing on the resources of an academic library (th University of California at Los Angeles, in this case), this booklet outlines and discusses a plan for conducting library research in preparing a term paper. Beginning with a section on books, in which the card catalogue is explained, the outline continues with sections on periodicals and…

Factors studied are patron knowledge of subject field and knowledge of principles of the Library of Congress subject headings system. (KP)

Summarizes a study of the use of reference service at Sterling Memorial Library, the central research library of Yale University. (PF)

Used as a primary text for a required one-hour basic research methods course at the College of Charleston, this handbook is designed to familiarize the student with the basic precepts and tools used in research. Each of the seven chapters represents a different step in the research process: (1) locating background information--encyclopedias; (2)…

This report outlines the development and evaluation of a library instruction program at Macquarie University in Australia designed to help students use the subject catalog more quickly and effectively. Phase I of development established: (1) objectives; (2) two methods of teaching--performance instruction and simulation of a real library…

The Inner College of the University of Connecticut was organized to try to make alternative education work--it provides the opportunity for each student to design a personalized education, suited to his or her own aspirations and interests. This catalog and resource magazine describes offerings by the Inner College designed to accomplish this…