Fuzzy set theory, a mathematical modeling technique that allows for the consideration of such factors as "professional expertise" in decision making, is discussed as a tool for use in libraries--specifically in collection management. The fundamentals of fuzzy set theory are introduced and a reference list is included. (JL)

The process described in this manual is designed to help small academic libraries systematically study the use of their circulating book collections. Originally developed in 1980, the manual has been used successfully in several small college libraries, both with and without assistance from outside consultants. In most cases, the study can be…

Presents and discusses the results of a study undertaken at Washington State University to determine whether different subgroups of the library collection had different loss and misshelving rates and, if so, whether the worst problems could be predicted from circulation data. Two tables present the data from the study. (Author/JL)

A cost analysis of the problem of growing library collections shows that it is more desirable, economically and academically, to establish regional compact shelving facilities for infrequently used library materials than to discard the materials. This report develops and applies a cost model--based on the Palmour Cost Model--which examines the…

Use studies were conducted at the main libraries and science branches at the Davis and Santa Cruz campuses of the University of California to gather data for use in the detailed planning for establishing regional compact shelving facilities for infrequently circulated library material. Analysis of preliminary data on the three areas…

This text focuses on decisions which affect library stock control or the acquisition and management of library materials. The book covers five areas: (1) a definition of the problem; (2) optimal size of library stock; (3) diagnosis of faulty control of book availability; (4) improvement of book availability; and (5) synthesis of theories and…

Relates the Seminole Community College (Florida) library's experience barcoding a collection of materials and provides practical suggestions on how to implement barcoding in other libraries. Highlights include a barcode plan (smart barcodes and dumb barcodes), worker guidelines, problems encountered, and costs. An annotated bibliography and seven…

Technical procedures of Syracuse University Libraries are described in this manual which is divided in two parts: (1) description of the general organization of Syracuse University Libraries collections and the various ways to obtain access to them; and (2) detailed technical procedures to be followed when adding or removing material from the…

Reports on output measures that can give children's librarians additional information to better control collections and make better selection and weeding decisions. Statistical comparisons utilizing circulation data (comparing circulation year to year, circulation to patrons served, circulation to number of materials owned) and availability of…

Describes and illustrates Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) procedures appropriate for book collection data analysis. Several different procedures for univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis are discussed, and applications of procedures for book collection studies are presented. Included are 24 tables illustrating output…

This annual report summarizes activities of the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) for the fiscal year (FY) 1993. It begins with a letter from the director who gives an overview of the report and a listing of the Library Service Executive Board. The following general areas are then discussed: (1) agency services including the summer reading…

This document provides a history of the National College of Education libraries from 1920 through 1978. The research process consisted of five major activities: (1) locating and collecting information from written sources; (2) conducting oral history interviews; (3) extracting information from audio tapes; (4) organizing the information from all…

This study was conducted to fulfill two objectives: to gather the data necessary to define the core collection, i.e., a subset of the holdings that can be identified with reasonable assurance as being able to fulfill a certain predetermined percentage of the future demand on the present collection, and to examine the value of these data as a…

This five-article section discusses changes in the management of the school library resulting from use of the computer. Topics covered include data management programs (record keeping, word processing, and bibliographies); practical applications of a database; evaluation of "Circulation Plus" software; ergonomics and computers; and…

Based on information from the 1988-89 IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) Academic Libraries Survey, this report presents data from the higher education institutions in IPEDS, i.e., all colleges and universities with accreditation at the higher education level in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Analyses of these data…