The library profession must begin to develop some meaningful and usable measures or indicators of how well libraries serve the taxpayers. It is the thesis of this article, that we do not now have any parameters that will enable us to evaluate the effectiveness of library services. (7 references) (Author/NH)

Four hundred and fifty-three patrons responded to a 1976 library use survey conducted at California State College at Dominguez Hills to assess present effectiveness and identify areas of concern for use in planning. The study found that some library patrons use the local public libraries because they are more convenient, while others use larger…

Statistics are basic to the legislative process and must be available in a form quickly and easily perceived to support library legislation. There should be a sound statistical base, fleshed out with practical examples, to impress legislators and lay persons. Communication of statistical data to decision makers requires a sound public information…

This report examines current library services in Alaska and proposes a statewide development plan based on data gathered from interviews with citizens and library personnel, and state library and education department records. A statistical profile of Alaska as a library service area is presented emphasizing geographic, distance, population…

Attended by representatives of American Library Association (ALA) divisions and committees, other national library associations, state library agencies, library schools, and all types of libraries, this conference was held to discuss: (1) the program of the National Center for Educational Statistics (USOE) as it pertains to libraries; (2) the…

This analysis of the community was designed to identify the needs of its citizens so that the Washington County Public Library could plan more responsive library services. Sections described the physical and historical aspects of the community; demographic characteristics of its population, including age, sex, education, employment status and…

The Libraries (Deposit of Books) Act 1962 requires printers in Tanzania mainland to deposit one copy of all books printed by them with the librarian of the University of Dar es Salaam and in 1963 the Minister for Education issued the Libraries (Deposit of Books) Order which extended the Act by requiring printers to deposit a further copy with the…

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) serves the information needs of Alabama public libraries. As a state agency, APLS is charged with improving library services throughout the state to ensure that all citizens have access to quality library and information services. The agency is responsible for receiving and administering federal and state…

This survey is a statistical summary and analysis of data on Texas public libraries, collected by the Field Services Division of the Texas State Library. The following statistical presentations were prepared: (1) an individual statistical profile for each public library in the state, also including the classification of libraries by population…

The community characteristics and the present library services of the borough of Etobicoke, Ontario, were studied in order to make recommendations for improved service. It was concluded that the major changes to be expected in the area were an increasing population and increasing numbers of ethnic minority residents. It was recommended that a new…

The Barrie Public Library was studied as part of a larger commission authorized by the Georgian Bay Regional Library Board. Analysis was restricted to local policies and procedures which were under the full control of the Barrie Public Library board and staff. Aspects of library services provided on a cooperative basis--interlibrary loan, 16mm…

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) is responsible for receiving and administering federal and state funds for the more than 200 public libraries in Alabama. This document represents the annual report for the Alabama Public Library Service for fiscal year 1998. Information is reported under the following categories: Evaluation and Research;…

An indepth study was made of each of the 16 libraries in the Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG) region. As an essential aid to library planning, census data was analyzed to determine the social, economic, educational characteristics, and the geographic distribution of the population to be served. The library survey looked at…

The Owen Sound Public Library was studied as part of a larger commission authorized by the Georgian Bay Regional Library Board. Analysis was restricted to local policies and procedures with recommendations designed to improve those services which are under the full control of the Owen Sound library board and staff. Aspects of library services…

Most academic libraries undertake the collection and reporting of statistical information on activity levels for many aspects of both technical and public services. Data on reference activity are used for a variety of purposes within the library, primarily to facilitate planning and improve delivery of reference services, and also externally,…