When looking for ways to improve library services, we considered what data sources were readily available to us and how we could harvest and use this data. We investigated three years of chat reference statistics at Central Michigan University, a large research institution, to gain a better understanding of our patrons' chat behavior. We then…

Two measures of effectiveness for university libraries are constructed: the primary, defined over the total population of users, considers the number of information items desired, number of satisfactorily answered inquires, and number of users; while the secondary, total population is divided into subsets according to similarity of user needs. (13…

Four hundred and fifty-three patrons responded to a 1976 library use survey conducted at California State College at Dominguez Hills to assess present effectiveness and identify areas of concern for use in planning. The study found that some library patrons use the local public libraries because they are more convenient, while others use larger…

The use of overdue notices or threat of encumbrance (the withholding of students' grades until library books are returned) is a common practice in academic libraries. Yet the effectiveness of such policies has seldom been investigated. This study examined a circulation overdue policy, comparing selected variations in that policy. Three levels of…

Two measures of effectiveness for university libraries are constructed. The Primary Measure of Effectiveness, defined over the total population of users, considers the number of material and information items desired by the users, the number of satisfactorily answered inquiries, and the number of users. For the Secondary Measure of Effectiveness…

Concludes that evaluations of library instruction based on library use present a useful picture of the impact of instruction within the context of program objectives. Yet to be found, however, is a methodology that will express the role student motivation and maturation play in the development of effective library skills. (RAA)

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…

Explains a multifaceted process for evaluating the operation of learning resource centers (LRCs). Identifies the underlying management principles critical to evaluation. Proposes self-evaluation by staff, evaluation by faculty, and student surveys as methods of LRC assessment. Includes sample evaluation instruments. (CBC)

In October, 1971, AIMLO (Auto-Instructional Media for Library Orientation) was initiated at Colorado State University Libraries. AIMLO is an innovative approach to undergraduate library instruction, providing on-demand, point-of-use programs about three basic library tools: periodical indexes, the card catalog, and U.S. government documents. To…