Examines the economic behavior of academic research libraries, arguing that academic research libraries seek to maximize universities' utility by expanding library collections. Findings are consistent with those from a previous study using a different ranking system and sample data and reconfirm that library collections contribute significantly to…

Data from a research project on the value and impact of public library book reading have provided insights into the role of the public library in the reading experience. The principle of equity of access was seen as crucial, in that it provided everyone with the opportunity to encounter reading material. Respondents also compared the buying and…

Describes a study of Institutes of Health Sciences (IHS) libraries in Botswana that determined the state of the collections and services and examined how well the libraries provided complements to classroom-based student learning and to lecturers' research. Results showed that college library standards were not met and recommends strategies for…

To enable the William R. Perkins Library to focus attention on its collection development operation, a six-member study committee was appointed to review within the present and future environment of the university current collection development policies and procedures and to suggest changes as appropriate to ensure effective use of the library's…

Presents four challenges faced by libraries and proposes research designs to address each of them. The challenges involve: invisible infrastructure; content and collections; preservation and access; and institutional boundaries. Proposes a mixture of research methods that includes surveys, case studies, documentary analyses, and policy analyses.…

Designed for governmental planners, documentalists, librarians, and archivists, these two United Nations studies examine integration of the planning of libraries and archives services with the planning of economic and social development. In Study 1, the planning of documentation centers and libraries is investigated. An appendix includes survey…

In order to find reliable methods of ascertaining quality in library service, three public libraries in the Chicago area were assessed using the Rutgers "Performance Measures for Public Libraries." The Rutgers study can reveal the needs and characteristics of library patrons, and may itself be instrumental in increasing patronage. It…

Reports on a study that provides evidence of the positive impact of library media centers on academic achievement in 221 Colorado public schools during the 1988-89 school year. The importance of library media expenditures in making staff and collections available and the library media specialist's instructional role are verified. (two references)…

Reviews research on school library media programs from the ERIC database that addressed the status of school library media programs, the information seeking process, the use of technology, censorship, school library media collections, collection development, funding, use studies, the role of the library media specialist, and professional training.…

The first part of a two-part review of research related to school library media collections summarizes studies with implications for budgets and collection size, the selection process, collection policies, and the librarian as censor. A table compares data on holdings and expenditures for schools providing high-level library service with national…

This abstract of a report from a study commissioned by the Millbrook Press discusses changes in school library media centers based on interviews with librarians and administrators. Topics discussed include student enrollments, budgets, library staffing, utilization of the librarian, curriculum planning, administration attitudes, book collections,…

The independent research libraries have diverse origins and have traveled many paths toward today's complex of library resources in this country. The motives for their founding are many, and their varying sizes belie the uniform significance of their collections to the national resource. (Author)

Describes research from the ERIC database on school library media programs. Topics discussed include library and information skills instruction; information seeking; educational equity; use of technology; censorship; school library media collections; use studies; role of the library media specialist; collective bargaining and job/certification…

Discussion of the role of school library media centers (LMCs) in Wisconsin highlights the Final Report of the State Superintendent's Task Force on School Library Media Issues. Issues addressed include the media specialist as curriculum partner, education and staff development, programs and technology, facilities, collections and resources, and…

This study provides evidence of the positive impact of library media centers (LMCs) on academic achievement in 221 Colorado public schools during the 1988-89 school year. The importance of the library media specialist's instructional role is also verified. In contrast to previous research on the relationship, this study uses schools rather than…