This study concerned pre-school programming in public libraries and the impact of such programs on (1) the circulation of children's books and (2) the number of children visiting the library. The hypothesis was that effective programming for pre-schoolers increases the number of children coming to the library, which, in turn, increases…

Describes a book availability study using the ACCESS retrieval and delivery system for the evaluation of library services. (CWM)

The case study considers the technical aspects, not the principles, involved in charging the public for the use of lending library service. After examination of the present service it is felt that the following four systems of charge are possible: (1) subscription, or membership surcharge; (2) a unit issue charge; (3) a book reservation charge and…

A data comparison was made between 33 rural libraries in Utah and the essentially rural bookmobile service maintained by the Extension Services Division of the State Library Commission of Utah. The comparison revealed that, in terms of cost per item circulated, bookmobile service was slightly more expensive. Using cost per capita served as a…

Describes a particular approach to a library problem: the utilization of computer simulation to provide data on how best to serve the citizens of the state of Washington through delivery of library materials by mail, with patrons ordering from a printed catalog of materials. (Author)

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…

This study collects and analyzes information on the characteristics of the community and the public library system of East Brunswick, and provides an example of a library planning method responsive to community needs. Unobtrusive data collection techniques utilizing the 1970 census, local reports, and library records were the primary sources of…

A sample of library-output statistics measuring circulation, reference, and in-library use was collected from 76 libraries and tested for redundancy, correlation, and variation using time-series analysis to test the Relative Fidelity of Measurement Model (RFM). The 275 sample statistics correlated in an unpredicted pattern. Twenty-three sources…

To search out areas for library cost reduction, a cost-effectiveness study of an overdue pickup operation was conducted. Labor and vehicle mileage costs and costs of planning the weekly pickup route were tabulated, and compared against the value returns from fines and the avoided cost of replacing lost items. Labor and mileage was determined at…

The Oklahoma County (Oklahoma) Library executed a six-month experiment in 1974 on one of its five bookmobiles to determine whether: (1) patrons would accept a primarily paperback book collection; (2) the cost of unreturned paperbound books in a no-fine and no-overdue-notice situation would be cost-effective when compared to the predictable loss of…

Explored user perceptions of dependability and accuracy of Texas A&M library services through focus groups. Reports user difficulties in locating materials, inaccurate catalog and circulation records, inadequate signage, searching the online catalog, and late notification of interlibrary loan arrivals; and discusses the library's efforts to…

In order to study the effects of introducing an automated circulation system at Oberlin College, Ohio, data were collected from September 1978 until June 1982 on book availability, usage of library facilities, attitudes of library users toward the library, and the efficiency of circulation activities. Data collection methods included circulation…

Prior to changing from a manual/time sharing circulation system to an online system with an in-house computer, the staff of the Mary and John Gray Library of Lamar University reevaluated their current circulation policies in light of the increased capabilities of the new system. As part of this process, a survey was conducted of the libraries in…

The Alabama Public Library Service (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 funds for the more than 200 public libraries in Alabama. Information is reported…

Questions the soundness of the creation of the British Library and whether it has met its originators' expectations. Reviews its historical development, facility and staffing problems, the Lending Division, the Bibliographical Services Division, and the Research and Development Department. Seven references are listed. (RBF)