Introduction: This paper presents the findings from a project that investigated the lived experiences of library and information professionals in relation to evidence-based practice within an Australian public library. Method: The project employed ethnography, which allows holistic description of people's experiences within a particular community…

This paper examines the place of public libraries in supporting distance learners in Makerere University, exploring the factors which affect utilisation of their services. The study adopted a survey design with 300 B.Ed. students, collecting data through focus group discussions, structured questionnaires and individual interviews.

The purpose of this study is to gain a finer-grained picture and better understanding of the travel patterns of library users, and the activities, demographics, and other factors that affect library access. Previous studies of physical accessibility of public libraries, which have focused on library users' single-destination trips and their travel…

Develops two models of reference interview behavior: the Needs-Oriented Model and the Question-Oriented Model. The models are tested by reanalysis of data from a 1978 dissertation on interviews in the public library setting. Results show the appropriateness of the models and indicate that the question-oriented interview was more prevalent. (eight…

To perform a complete and useful evaluation of the impact of federal funding, under Titles I, II, and IV of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), on public library services to the disadvantaged, handicapped, and institutionalized, two convergent lines of study were undertaken: the study of project plans and achievements and the study…

Discusses methodological issues in cross-cultural studies of diverse communities, including language problems, data collection and analysis, sample size, and dissemination of findings. A study of the information-seeking behavior of ethnolinguistic gatekeepers in several communities in California is described. Suggestions are given for public…

This study was undertaken to investigate the relative importance of childhood experiences in determining adult reading and public library use. Data were gathered via a nationally representative telephone interview conducted by the Survey Research Center of the University of Michigan. The interview contained 25 questions relating to current reading…

As part of a larger state survey of public attitudes toward libraries in Colorado, conducted in 1973, this report presents data gathered from interviews with a sample of Colorado adults who are not currently enrolled in any program of formal education. The initial section of this report deals with how often, how, and why nonstudents use all types…

This report describes the pilot data collections and post-questionnaire interview activities of the Council on Library Resources (CLR)/Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) Online Public Access Project. The background of the project is briefly described, the purpose and adminstration of the post-questionnaire interviews are outlined, and pilot…

This report presents an American Library Association (ALA) Book Fellow's observations of schools and libraries in Sweden's Vasterbotten County in the fall of 1988. The narrative report discusses Sweden's cultural policy, comprehensive library service, library classification system, databases, audiovisual services, and education policy, as well as…

Book condition surveys have been conducted in several large research libraries in the United States to determine the extent of book deterioration in those libraries. This paper outlines the steps for conducting a brittle book survey adapted from more comprehensive surveys to assess the extent of paper brittleness of the book collections in a small…

This study of public library employees' perceptions of library goals based on one case study reveals that staff hold generally conservative views of public library purpose and prefer goals that are print-based and directly related to reading. Most significant influences on perceptions are local practice and practical considerations. (24…

The purpose of this study was to determine the scope of library service rendered to persons over 65 by public libraries and libraries at state and federal institutions. Library services were defined to exclude routine services such as book lists but include programs and services (1) which are offered specifically for the aging population or (2) in…

Fifty women enrolled in an urban Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program were interviewed about their use of the mass media and the public library for useful information, preferences in the use of mass media, and their attitudes about source credibility. A 23-item interview guide is appended. (25 references) (EJS)

Twenty-eight adolescent girls were questioned about their life concerns and the role of information in helping with these concerns. They were able to identify a number of information needs. Most thought that information was available to assist them but not from school and public libraries. The findings suggested possible reasons for this.…