Problems of indexing and index use lie at the heart of information use. They determine maximum possible use of information systems and sources, affect communication with users, influence the use of retrieved documents, and should form a more important field of research than past history indicates. Previous research provides some clues to user…

To increase a deep continuous stream of library research, the following steps are recommended: (1) expand present research activities in library schools, libraries, and professional associations; (2) add evaluative measures to library "demonstrations" set up as a part of state plans for library development; (3) sponsor experimental…

This investigation of the use of nonfiction books borrowed from an academic library--the Main Library at the Ohio State University--examined two premises which underlie the creation of full-text electronic information systems of nonfiction books: that such books are generally read to obtain information, and that they tend to be read in parts. Data…

This report describes a survey conducted in 1979 to determine user response to SCORPIO, part of the Library of Congress Information System (LOCIS) consisting of online catalogs that are used directly by the public and are integrated with regular reference services. A questionnaire distributed to 123 users of this system asked about types of users,…

In order to identify and explain the reasons for differences in average on-line search rates among terminal installations, the operations and performance of several facilities using the Lockheed DIALOG system for on-line searching of the ERIC data base were studied. Detailed examinations were made of such aspects as the DIALOG system response time…

This volume represents a partial collection of papers scheduled for presentation at the 37th conference of the American Society for Information Science, held October 13-17, 1974. The 57 papers are grouped into 10 sections roughly corresponding to the 10 technical sessions of the conference: implications for information utility, data base…

Describes a study conducted at the Utah State University library that investigated electronic database awareness and use by 856 administrators and teaching faculty. Responses to a survey revealed the need for greater publicity regarding new electronic acquisitions, training opportunities, and methods of remote access. (Author/LRW)

The purpose of the investigation is to identify an operationally viable research methodology for assessing the value derived from selected library services at Cranfield Institute (England) and to evaluate and comment on the costs of providing such value. Four population groups are critical in the development of the expected value of library…

Five issues must be considered if a more effective information and bibliographic delivery system is to be developed for Canadian education. (1) The size and characteristics of the reference group in Canadian education should be studied. With all its subgroups, this group may comprise as many as 200,000 people. (2) The number and types of documents…

Presents longitudinal case studies of four students in high school and after completion of college to compare their perceptions of the information search process in libraries. Library user studies are discussed, a model of the search process is described, and implications for the design of information systems are suggested. (36 references) (LRW)

Information Interdependence is an empty concept unless the real user is a dominant element. The individual user of information must be sensitized to the existence of information interdependencies and to the critical need to foster much more of it, if libraries are to survive economically and provide exemplary information service. Three approaches…

Part 1 of this two-part book examines "the subtle and ubiquitous nature of change." The purpose of the first group of readings is twofold. First, the works of Wasserman, Meadow, McAnally and Downs, Pettinger and Zapol, and Steere comment and report on needs, obstructions, and futures of many aspects of library-media-information programs and…

To explain why member libraries were failing to fill interlibrary loan requests, this study surveyed 26 public, school, community college, university, and special libraries throughout the Cooperative Information Network (CIN). The study was designed to discover: which libraries were chosen for loans, how soon patrons wanted loan information, how…

This study used focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires to collect input for developing the Mann Library Gateway at Cornell University. This Web-based information system provides access to catalogs, indexes, directories, numeric datasets, full-text documents, and spatial files. Concluded that scholars would benefit from…

The application of technology to libraries, possible library systems of the future, and problems of effecting a transition between the present and the future are examined. The report identifies a series of recognized or assumed service and operations requirements, surveys major technologies applicable to libraries, and reviews current and planned…