"Research Library Issues" ("RLI") focuses on current and emerging topics that are strategically important to research libraries. The articles explore issues, share information, pose critical questions, and provide examples. This issue includes the following articles: (1) ARL Library Budgets after the Great Recession, 2011-13…

Several models and methods applicable to university library networks are discussed as tools to increase understanding of cause and effect relationships in these complex organizations. Collection of data by unobtrusive measures and display of information by graphic techniques are briefly described. (Author)

Following an explanation of cost-effective studies and the need for them in libraries, part one of this report provides step-by-step instructions, with examples, to enable librarians to conduct such studies in their own setting. Part two provides an example of the use of the model, presenting the results of the cost analysis of monographic…

This study examined the psychological and behavioral determinants of community college library cooperation, primarily through interlibrary loans, in the Washington Community College Library Cooperative. Fifty-nine of ninety-one Washington community college library professionals responded to a questionnaire on attitudes and expected behaviors. A…

Through utilization of effective sampling procedures, libraries may obtain substantial savings in terms of data collection costs. A theoretical statistical sampling model is presented and two types of random sampling techniques are empirically compared as to their effectiveness in estimating a library usage parameter. Implications are drawn for…

A study focused on library formula budgeting practices with a special concern for the typical upper division university functioning in a state system of higher education. The basic objectives of this research project were to develop a model budget for upper division university libraries and to demonstrate the use of formulas in predicting the…

The potential for using a computerized communication system to facilitate resource sharing in New England has been investigated by the staff of the New England Information Network (NELINET). The central purpose of their research was to determine whether a strategy for load leveling of interlibrary loan (ILL) requests could be implemented online as…

Discusses the need to reevaluate bibliographic instruction in academic libraries for an expanded online environment based on experiences at Moorhead State University (Minnesota). Topics addressed include the addition of databases to local online catalogs; student searching; search patterns; database characteristics; student search skills; library…

Describes the Dewey Online Retrieval System (DORS), which was developed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to experiment with classification-based search strategies in online catalogs. Classification structures in automated information retrieval are discussed; and specifications for a classification retrieval interface are…

Based on a series of six field experiments conducted from 1978 through 1981 at Northeast Louisiana University's Sandel Library, this report examines user preferences related to library carrel arrangement in the context of personal space theory. A brief review of research on personal space requirements and a description of Sandel Library and its…

A study investigated the relationship between the completeness of end users' mental models of an online system and their ability to use the system effectively. Although all of the study subjects were relatively successful, those with more complete mental models tended to have better search results than subjects with incomplete or poor mental…

Three papers based on projects produced in a course entitled Operations Research and Library Management, jointly sponsored by the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and the Graduate School of Library Science are reported and explained. Topics covered include an assessment of faculty interest in an information retrieval service;…

Describes a multifaceted evaluation of the Brandeis model of reference services, which included how the model was defined, direct observation of librarians, unobtrusive study, and a focus group project to gauge patron response. Results of the study and needed improvements are discussed. A sidebar article describes the Brandeis model. (22…

A general methodology for cost effectiveness analysis was developed and applied to the Colorado State University library loan desk. The cost effectiveness of the existing semi-automated circulation system was compared with that of a fully manual one, based on the existing manual subsystem. Faculty users' time and computer operating costs were…

Reports on studies conducted to provide an in-depth picture of online catalog use in three aspects of library research: (1) as part of the reference process; (2) as used by unassisted users; (3) as a step in obtaining documents. The research methodology is offered as a model for surveying other library services or products. (14 references) (KRN)