Based on the concept that library use measurement should have as its basic starting point the individual patron, a method of data collection and analysis has been developed that explores individual patterns of borrowing over time. The method accounts for the number of visits on which borrowing takes place, number of items borrowed per visit, and…

One of a series on library services to disadvantaged adults, this guide gives a three step plan for assessing community information needs. Seven methods of information gathering are described, and the important factors to be considered in interpreting the information are outlined. A pre-planning information form, a sample questionnaire for agency…

In order to ascertain what data elements should commonly be considered in the development of a meaningful procedure for recording and analyzing library reference transaction data for planning purposes, a comparison was made between the development, use, and results of surveys designed and tested at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and the…

An in-depth examination of Henry County and the Blue Ridge Regional Library in Virginia was conducted to assess the effectiveness, needs, and objectives of the library. Included are a brief history of Henry County, its physical, social, and economic characteristics and projections, and an evaluation of district census data. A detailed description…

This manual is provided to help Wisconsin counties that participate in state-funded public library systems fulfill their statutory obligations to provide library service to their residents. It suggests a range of alternatives, provides a broad outline of planning considerations, and describes service environments and possible responses to those…

A community analysis study of the Hollins Branch Library, Roanoke, Virginia, was undertaken to evaluate the library's activities and services and provide a base for developing short and long range goals and objectives responsive to community needs. Data were gathered from various sources including regional and local planning agencies, local…

This study examines the actual and the desired performance of school librarians in areas of planning, accessing networks, instructional and curriculum development, and production of learning resources. A questionnaire based on the 1976 certification requirements for Texas learning resources specialists was constructed as the survey instrument.…

Describes research on the impact of preschool storytimes on emergent literacy, with the intent of guiding the implementation of such needed research. Discusses the significance of this research to public librarians and describes the methodology, consisting of two phases and a pretest and posttest, and the scoring instruments and data analysis.…

The cost and funding studies project of the proposed Western Interstate Bibliographic Network began activities in July 1975. To support the development and implementation of western interstate bibliographic network capabilities, the project concentrated on the collection of cost data in western libraries, the impact of network services on…

This paper presents guidelines and tools for action research in the school library which will help the librarian justify expenditures and personnel and evaluate and plan services. It shows how statistics can be turned into meaningful knowledge about what is currently being done in the library, how well it is being done, whether it should be done,…

The cost and funding studies project of the proposed Western Interstate Bibliographic Network began activities in July 1975. Major activities during the third quarter included: (1) renaming of the program to Western Interstate Library Coordinating Organization (WILCO) to reflect the facilitating and coordinating role anticipated for the entire…

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the Postsecondary Planning Commission conducted this study of the library resources and needs of South Carolina postsecondary institutions as part of its goal to improve the quality of South Carolina state higher education programs. Questionnaires sent to college libraries were designed to test…

The 28 papers in this sourcebook relate to the evaluation of children's services in public libraries: (1) "Introduction to Evaluation" (Jane Robbins and Douglas Zweizig); (2) "Research and Measurement in Library Services to Children" (Adele Fasick); (3) "Evaluating Children's Services" (Diana Young); (4) "What Is…

Quantitative output measures for municipal and county public library services in Wisconsin provide points of reference for libraries to analyze their needs and establish primary service goals based on unique community-targeted services. Traditional input measures are also furnished, which produce various recommended targets, based on the size of…

Discusses issues relating to the reliability, validity, utility, and information value of unobtrusive testing of library reference services; provides suggestions for practical applications of these criteria; applies study findings to library decision making and planning; and identifies topics for further methodological refinement. (Author/CLB)