Presented is a method for estimating the proportion of books in a library which are responsible for the determination of the circulation performance rate of the library studies. A university and public library were studied. Results showed that a much smaller proportion of the collection determines the circulation performance rate of the university…

Random samples of monographic materials from U.S. and Canadian public libraries were matched with collections from similar libraries of different sizes. Strong positive correlation appears between percentage find rate and target library size, with regression analysis suggesting linearity over a wide range of collection sizes. (Author)

A nine-question survey was mailed to every fifth home in Plainedge, New York on January 13, 1977. The questionnaires were color coded according to election districts to aid in determining differences in attitudes toward, or use of, the library in relation to location, possible correlation with census data relating to education, income level, etc.,…

Reports on a study of the validity of Trueswell's 80/20 collections and holdings rule with regard to the circulation levels for fiction and nonfiction books at the Clearwater Public Library in Florida. Data are presented in five tables, and an 18-item reference list is attached. (JL)

This report presents a summary of Alaska public library statistics for FY (Fiscal Year) 1998 in the following areas: circulation and interlibrary loan; collections; income; expenditures; expenditures on collections; staff and volunteers; and hours, attendance, reference, and programs. The tables and graphs in Part 1 compare this data with…

Based upon annual reporting data for FY 76, this statistical report was designed to facilitate rapid comparison of support and activity levels among Massachusetts public libraries. The first section presents summary tables providing means, medians, and percentile values by population group for each of the following indicators: (1) library…

This supplemental report has been developed to assist administrators in the comparative analysis and evaluation of Massachusetts public libraries. Libraries have been placed into one of seven budget groups according to their total operating expenditures to provide another method of comparing libraries by "like" size and population of…

The catalogs of 19 large urban public lending library systems (10 American and 9 Canadian) were examined to determine the extent of their holdings of 222 gay-related titles. The populations of the libraries' service areas ranged from about 100,000 to three million. The title lists comprised classic and contemporary works taken from standard lists…

Using decision points from Esther Piercy's "Commonsense Cataloging" as a framework for analysis, this paper compares the opinions of experts on cataloging, classification, and shelf arrangement of audiovisual materials in school libraries, public libraries, and media centers with actual practices in four school and community libraries in…

Overlap (two libraries own same title) and duplication (one library has more than one copy) in children's collections of books and audiovisual materials were measured. It was found that there was less overlap between two school libraries than between a school library and a public library. Six references are cited. (EJS)

The 2000 edition of the Michigan Library Statistical Report presents data provided by public libraries, library cooperatives and those public libraries that serve as regional or subregional outlets for providing services to blind and physically handicapped patrons. All legally established public libraries in Michigan were invited to respond. Data…

Compares the more positive library automation experiences of a small public library with those of a large research library. Topics addressed include collection size; computer size and the need for outside control of a data processing center; staff size; selection process for hardware and software; and accountability. (LRW)

Investigates how the needs of adult new readers are being met in five North Texas public library systems using the PLA's (Public Library Association) list of recommended titles for "Adult New Readers" for 1993-97 as the comparative sample. All the libraries had titles from the sample, though there was considerable variance. Only one…

Each year, from 1982 to 1986, the Library Research Center at the University of Illinois conducted a study called the Index of Quality of Public Library Service. For this study, unobtrusive tests of reference service and book availability were performed annually in Illinois Public Libraries. When the results from rural libraries were compared with…

To gain some insight into the effectiveness of the Glendale Public Library Processing Section, it was decided to compare, with some very crude measures, the performance in the acquisition and cataloging areas of that library with that of the neighboring libraries of Pasadena and Burbank. A management consultant on the Glendale City Manager's staff…