Many librarians evaluate local Interlibrary Loan (ILL) statistics as part of collection development decisions concerning new subscriptions. In this study, the authors examine whether the number of ILL article requests received in one academic year can predict the use of those same journal titles once they are added as library resources. There is…

The growth in number and kind of online reference services has resulted in both new users consulting library research services as well as new patterns of service use. Staffing in-person and virtual reference services desks adequately requires a systematic analysis of patterns of use across service points in order to successfully meet fluctuating…

As virtual worlds continue to proliferate globally, libraries are faced with the question of whether to provide information services to virtual patrons. This study, utilizing a mixed-method approach of interviews, focus groups, and surveys, represents one of the largest studies of virtual libraries attempted to date. Taking a holistic perspective,…

Library staff members should ultimately base their purchasing choices on the mission statements of their employing institutions. Fortunately, library mission statements have much in common. Undoubtedly, for example, all libraries have a goal that includes "serve the information needs of the community," because on some level, all libraries are…

Libraries and library faculty play a significant role in supporting college curriculum and helping students succeed academically. In particular, libraries are the primary location both physically and remotely for supporting faculty and students in their research and information needs. Over the years, this role of libraries and library faculty has…

Since its establishment in 1839 to serve the branches of state government, the Illinois State Library has undergone an evolution in the methods, resources and services provided. Over the years, the State Library's sphere of service has expanded to meet the information needs of the public through a statewide network of libraries and regional…

This article offers five ideas librarians should review every now and then to make sure the right services are being offered in the most effective manner to the people they serve. These five exercises or ideas may not be completely easy but neither are they difficult or expensive. However, they will guarantee an increased awareness of, and…

This is a marketing approach to satisfying the library user. Modern retailing practices, including market research as a basis for planning, are applied to libraries. (JAB)

The author views the organization as a total operating system which mobilizes its resources for the sole reason of satisfying the wants of a market. The organization must consider the environmental forces of technology, and also social, economic, and competitive trends. (Author/JAB)

This summary report of the Governor's Conference in Colorado which preceded the White House Conference on Library and Information Services provides brief descriptions of such pre-conference activities as regional meetings, "speak-outs" on local issues, and the preparation of position papers by professional library groups, as well as an…

Book reviewed by Robert D. Stueart points out the need for organizational change in academic libaraies and suggests new organizational and work system designs and ways of incorporating them. Academic libraries are urged to begin thinking in terms of client needs, rather than organization of work into categories. (EJS)

To better serve the diverse and complex needs of the parliamentarian, parliamentary libraries are transferring the emphasis of their activities from collection building to the provision of increasingly more costly library services. Parliamentary libraries must accept that information prepared for members of parliament is more differentiated and…

This review of Council on Library Resources (CLR) activities for 1990/91 begins with status reports on the following CLR managed projects: professional education, including the Academic Library Management Intern Program and CLR/Kellog fellows; bibliographic systems; science and engineering, including the CLR/National Science foundation Project and…

The program described in this report (covering 1980-1984) was developed to implement the provisions of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) which provide for federal aid to assist the states in (1) establishing, extending, and improving public library services in developing areas; (2) constructing public libraries; (3) providing…

This analysis of life style data on a random sample of 423 adults demonstrates the value of such data in identifying the needs and interests of a community, and suggests ways in which such information can be used in planning and promoting public library programs. Twelve references are listed. (JL)