The mere fact that a library service is being used does not mean that the service makes a difference or has a positive impact on the user. This has significant implications for Special Library and Information Services (SL&IS) that have to constantly prove that they add value. Because of the difficulty of measuring impact effectively, the…

Introduction: Reports the conduct of a national survey in Sweden to establish the desired research priorities for libraries. The research sought to establish what evidence-base is needed for evidence-based practice. Method: The Delphi method was employed to solicit opinions on the kinds of research needed by libraries of all kinds in Sweden.…

ICT has enabled a wide dissemination of information and a sharp increase in the magnitude of electronic information sources. The use of e-information sources by healthcare personnel within Saudi Arabia has received little research attention. This paper discusses the use of e-information sources by healthcare personnel in the kingdom. A…

Describes a survey of 192 special library and information center managers in Brazil that examined managerial activities and factors accounting for variation in managerial jobs. The results are discussed in terms of personal and organizational characteristics, perceived importance of managerial roles, and perceived preparedness to perform…

This report discusses the methodology, problems, follow-up procedures, recommendations, and benefits involved in the compilation of a directory which will identify library collections held by ethnocultural clubs, federations, organizations, community centers, and language schools in Canada. Appendices contain samples of a form letter,…

Describes results of a survey of geoscience and mineral technology libraries in Brazil conducted to determine the level of knowledge and adoption of marketing techniques among library managers. A lack of knowledge of marketing was verified, and recommendations for improving the situation are suggested. (12 references) (LRW)

The purpose of this research project was to examine the current state of libraries in the Solomon Islands with particular attention to the resources available and the services provided. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire, site visits, and informal interviews carried out in the Solomon Islands between July and August 1998. The 20…

The current status of curriculum materials centers located in schools of education in Canadian universities is described in this study according to name of the center, purpose, administrative status, collection, classification scheme used, and services offered. Survey instruments used are noted, and 13 footnotes are listed. (EJS)

Describes a study that examined continuing professional development activities, needs, and aspirations of Australian special librarians and information center managers. The extent and nature of organizational support, educational activities and professional involvement of those interviewed, and participants' perceptions of present and future needs…

Nine Canadian health libraries participated in a pilot test of the Benchmarking Tool Kit between January and April, 1998. Although the Tool Kit was designed specifically for health libraries, the content and approach are useful to other types of libraries as well. Used to its full potential, benchmarking can provide a common measuring stick to…

Describes the results of a survey of broadcasting libraries in Nigeria that used questionnaires, observation techniques, and interviews to generate data. Inadequacies regarding staffing, development, preservation and conservation practices, collection development, bibliographic control, space, and funding are discussed, and recommendations for…

This document comprises two papers on geography and map libraries and cartographic materials which were presented at the 1984 IFLA general conference. "Cartographic Materials as a Resource for National and Regional Planning and Development," by E. Hans van de Waal (Utrecht), addresses the importance of cartographic materials for…

Describes use studies of CD-ROM products in American and western European academic, public, and special libraries. Comparative results of the surveys are reported, including effect of CD-ROMs on library use of online databases, difficulties with different vendors' search techniques, and desired subjects of optical products. (10 references) (LRW)

The second of two articles reporting on a study conducted at the J.A. Turner Professional Library, a professional education library in Canada, presents questionnaire and interview data on library services and resources for three groups of library users: school board senior administration, school board program coordinators, and university faculty.…

This report presents the results of a national survey on manpower in libraries, information centers, and archives in Thailand in both Thai and English. On November 26, 1987, 2,350 questionnaires were sent to 8 types of libraries, information centers, and archives: public libraries, national libraries, university libraries, college libraries,…