This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit reports results of a survey attempting to characterize "branch libraries" and "discrete collections" housed in main academic libraries. The results provide a snapshot of current definitions, subject areas, services, and administration of these collections, as well as…

This report details the findings of the Florida Postsecondary Education Planning Commission in its evaluation of the Florida Center for Library Automation (FCLA), library automation in Florida, and networking and resource sharing among the state's libraries. An introductory chapter defines terms and outlines data gathering activities, while the…

In 1980 a survey was conducted of 600 hospital libraries within the Kentucky-Ohio-Michigan Regional Medical Library (KOMRML) Network (Region V of the National Library of Medicine's RML Program) in order to gather managerial information on library users; facilities; holdings; procedures; services; administration; personnel; budget; expenditures;…

A 2-phase study evaluated the existing reference referral network in California, and developed and evaluated two alternative designs, one organization-based and the other formula-based. The evaluation phase consisted of the following tasks: (1) a survey of all public libraries and cooperative systems of the state regarding their priorities for and…

Reports on research undertaken to develop model for planning and evaluating regional multitype library networks that engage in resource sharing. Identification and interdependence of eight organizational variables (planning, governance, funding, communication and delivery, configuration, administration, evaluation, and success) based upon members'…

A survey was conducted in 1979 to determine the state of public library service to physically handicapped persons (persons with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments). Usable returns were received from: (1) 398 public libraries that serve populations of more than 25,000 and are not network libraries of the Library of Congress National Library…

Designed to offer guidelines, ideas and help to those who provide library service to young adults, this manual includes information about the provision of young adult (YA) services in six sections. The first section, which addresses planning and administration, includes a definition of a young adult and a checklist for determining community needs…

This analysis of an affluent, well educated, family community and its library by a professional consulting organization used statistical and budget data, public meetings, and surveys of citizens, library users, and staff to determine the library needs of the community and to develop a plan for improved library services. Questionnaires were…

This paper examines the belief that no more than half of the public school libraries in the state of Ohio are automated to any degree. The purpose of the research was to determine the degree and nature of automation at the public school libraries in Ohio. A written survey was mailed to 350 libraries that represented a randomized sample of the…

The first of two phases of this study consisted of assessing the need for a more formal library network in Virginia by surveying libraries, conducting site visits, interviews, and regional hearings, and reviewing documentation on existing levels of automation and networking in the commonwealth. Information gathered during this phase supported both…

This report presents the findings of a survey of New York State Library System administrators and governors designed to provide an empirical benchmark of opinion within the New York State library system and to aid in discussion, evaluation, and planning at the library systems conference. Survey data were collected by means of telephone interviews…

This publication reports results of a survey of 83 ARL (Association of Research Libraries) member libraries that examined the decision making process in migration from one automated library system to another. Data are reported on planning; implementation; workflow redesign; and training, publicity, and evaluation. Supplemental materials include:…

The successful inclusion of school library media centers in fully articulated networks involves considerable planning and organization for technological change. In this study a preliminary model of the stages of school system participation in library networks was developed with the major activities for each stage identified. The model follows…

A year-long study involving 29 libraries (11 public, 5 academic, 1 combined academic/public, 6 special, 1 combined public/school, and 5 school) was undertaken in FY 1984 to monitor the usage of an existing union catalog--the Washington Library Network Resource Directory--and determine what policies and protocols should be considered when preparing…

This document provides a detailed design for the data portion of the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) public library network. The data network is based on Frame Relay technology, and would provide more functionality at a higher speed than a previously considered dial-in network could. The document is divided into 16 sections: (1) Introduction;…