Introduces a novel order statistic, the "adapted Gini index," and relates it to the conventional form of Bradford's law. An alternative index of dispersion is suggested based on the relative entropy of the frequency distribution. A variety of experimental data is reported. (VT)

Studies on the topic of obsolescence in literature are reviewed and it is concluded thatthe concept is not of practical use for librarians. An extensive list of studies in the field is appended. (PF)

Two studies concerned with optimizing the effectiveness of design of bibliographic materials given certain practical constraints are reported. (Author/PF)

The sample of monographic literature used in this study conforms to Bradford's law and demonstrates that the law is not confined by political or economic boundaries. (Author)

Discusses controversial topics related to the nature and purpose of the library catalog, including the need for catalogs; users and nonusers; the nature of the bibliographic record; standards; disputes related to implementation of the second Anglo American Cataloging Rules; and resource sharing and networks. An extensive bibliography is included.…

Discusses digital libraries and provides brief accounts of digital library projects in different parts of the world. Reviews the literature on digital library research under 16 subject headings and suggests future directions. (Contains 114 references.) (LRW)

Reviews the goals and methods of research and development in documentation, stressing research which aims to improve the communication between the information user and source. Research is discussed within the context of the documentation system rather than by specific results. (JVP)

Report on study to consider ways in which research effectiveness could be assessed outlines possible approaches (cost-benefit assessment, citation analysis, publications, real-time tracking study, case study, take-up survey, audience research panel, penetration study). Appropriateness of approaches is discussed in relation to projects funded by…

Reviews library management research, particularly objectives, measurement methods, collection size, book availability, and stock control. (LS)

Reports experiments with a term weighting model incorporating relevance information in which it is assumed that index terms are distributed dependently. It is argued that, if high recall searches are required, relevance feedback based on the modified dependence model may be superior to the Boolean search. (Author/VT)

Perhaps the most important finding of this review of research in user behaviour is that it has yet to be demonstrated that the use of lbiraries has any definite influence on anything else. (111 references) (Author/NH)

Introduces Q-analysis, a methodology for investigating a wide range of structural phenomena that defines structures in terms of relations between members of sets and reveals their salient features by using techniques of algebraic topology. Applications relevant to librarianship and information science are reviewed and present limitations…

Proposes a research model to test the dependence of a field list of internationally visible journals on the initial set. Outlines applications of the experiment and hypothesizes on the validity of the Institute of Scientific Information's (ISI) impact factors. Suggests that in some cases lists of journals selected by linguistic or geographic…

Discusses the British Library's role, identity, and expectations, and comments on successes, charges, and copyright problems of the Lending Division, the current image of the Reference Division, controversial areas within the Bibliographic Services Division, and criticism of library research associated with the Research and Development Department.…

Discusses concept of a national library service, and compares expenditures of the British Library with public libraries and polytechnic libraries. Issues related to the British Library's location, the services of its Lending Division, work supported by the Bibliographic Services Division, and images of the Reference Division are addressed. Listed…