As a means of studying the present public catalogs and possible catalog format alternatives at the Iowa State University library, a 6-week queuing study was conducted. Objectives of the study were (1) to determine the correlation between other library statistics (e.g., door counts and circulation records) and use of the public catalogs; (2) to…

Presents results of study conducted at Physical Sciences Library, University of California, Davis, employing unobtrusive observation techniques to determine user browsing activity. Tables indicating circulation, observed browsers, total browsers, books removed, books replaced, time duration, and browsing frequency by time of day are appended. (EJS)

A multifaceted card catalog use study was conducted at University of Illinois Music Library to determine hourly rate of use at sound recording and book/music catalogs; time spent at catalogs; who uses catalogs and why; difficulties users encounter; success rate of users' searches; recommendations for designing online catalog. (16 references)…

Reports differences in results for two use studies conducted in a science and engineering library, one using a reshelving methodology, the other requiring users to self-report material use. Differences are reported in terms of high-use periodicals, overall materials use, and use of the entire journal collection. (13 references) (KRN)

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)