Reports results of a survey of library patrons which investigated: (1) reasons patrons choose the public library for popular nonprint materials; (2) whether patrons using the library for nonprint materials tend to use print materials during their visits; and (3) how use of nonprint materials affects patrons' perceptions of their libraries. (MES)

This analysis of the circulation records of books added to a psychiatric library from July 1983 through May 1985 reports the total number of books circulated, their number and percentage in specific subject areas, missing titles, and usage by in-house and off-site borrowers. Implications for future collection development are explained. (Author/EM)

This document is one of ten kits distributed annually by the Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC), a clearinghouse operated by the Association of Research Libraries, Office of Management Studies (ARL/OMS) that provides a central source of timely information and materials on the management and operations of large academic and research…

The first article describes SPORT, a database providing international coverage of athletics and physical education, and compares it to other online services in terms of coverage, thesauri, possible search strategies, and actual usage. The second article reviews available online information on sports medicine. (CLB)

This document reports the results of a library use study conducted at Frazar Memorial Library (Louisiana) in 1983 as a follow-up study to a 1976-77 library use study. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the extent to which patrons used and were satisfied with library services, to identify areas for improvement, and to gather data…

Noting that the primary function of electronic mail within research libraries has changed from interlibrary loan to administrative purposes in the last four years, this kit begins with an overview of the results of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) surveys of the use of electronic mail (e-mail) in member libraries conducted in 1984 and 1988.…

A study designed to discover reasons for reduction in public library usage by children as they reach adolescence surveyed 122 junior high students to determine where they obtain reading material, what influences selection, and whether location of young adult books in the children's section inhibits use. Ideas for promotion and improved programming…

Describes a survey on the use of microcomputers in special libraries. The discussion of the findings includes types of hardware and software in use; applications in public services, technical processes, and administrative tasks; data back-up techniques; training received; evaluation of software; and future plans for microcomputer applications. (1…

Describes a survey of 100 community and junior college librarians to collect information about the libraries, the availability of electronic mail systems, and attitudes about expanded E-mail use for interlibrary communication. Of 22 respondents, 12 have local E-mail systems and 11 have access to multi-institutional networks. Includes the…

Reports the results of a survey of 50 academic libraries that have Kurzweil Reading Machines and discusses librarians' responses to both factual and opinion questions about use of the machines. The questionnaire used in the survey is included. (Author/CLB)

A library survey was conducted during February 1983 to ascertain the characteristics of the user population, user needs, and user satisfaction with library services in five science and technology libraries at the University of Texas at Austin, including the chemistry, engineering, geology, physics-mathematics-astronomy, and science libraries. A…

A survey of 75 small academic libraries reveals that most hold reasonably current editions of four or five different general encyclopedias with considerable agreement on most popular titles. Encyclopedias are used primarily for ready reference and general introductions to research topics; new editions are purchased at least every five years. (EJS)

The kit on electronic mail (EM) contains results of a January 1984 Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) survey on current and planned uses of EM within the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Questionnaires were distributed to all 117 member institutions. Of the 69% who responded (81), 43% (35) indicated that they now use EM in their…

Fifty-five Association of Research Libraries member academic libraries were surveyed to determine trends in use of commercially available online numeric databases. Databases searched, searchers, users, publicity, library role in relation to numeric databases, and librarians' attitudes toward and knowledge of databases are examined. The…

A survey of 430 users of online catalog at Ohio State University Libraries found that most users are undergraduate students (68 percent) and that majority (95 percent) choose online catalog as first source of information. Fewer performed known-item searches and success rates were generally higher than reported in earlier studies. (8 references)…