This paper is a review and analysis of published research in the field of shelf classification in libraries, as well as an assessment of future prospects. Past, present, and proposed rationales for shelving books are described; results of investigations, surveys, and user studies are summarized; and suggestions for further research are presented.…

The eleven conference papers emphasize the need for research into the "why" and the "who" of the library non-user. Attitudes and environmental factors contributing to non-use are: (1) lack of student motivation by pre-college experience with libraries; (2) failure of instructors to utilize the library except as a reserve collection, (3) failure of…

A 2-phase study evaluated the existing reference referral network in California, and developed and evaluated two alternative designs, one organization-based and the other formula-based. The evaluation phase consisted of the following tasks: (1) a survey of all public libraries and cooperative systems of the state regarding their priorities for and…

This is the report of a 1975 survey study on the information needs of adults in the service area of the Eastern Shore Regional Library, conducted to provide data for improving public library services and for future library planning. A questionnaire containing 192 steps was used in interviewing a selected sample with fair demographic representation…

Difficulties involved with serving users are well known, but until now no one has tried to determine the percentage of those users who have questions but don't ask the librarian for assistance. This survey attempts to identify such users and discover why they don't ask. (16 references) (DH)

A user survey was conducted at the Hugh Stephens College Library to determine the degree of user satisfaction and identify limiting factors. Analysis of data from 203 data sheets completed by patrons requesting specific titles reveals that acquisitions by the library and user error are more significant limiting factors in this library than either…

Highlights data from unobtrusive exploratory study related to referral process of reference questions posed at academic depository libraries. Related literature is reviewed, followed by discussions of assumptions related to referral process, implications of study findings, recommendations to improve quality of referral services, and research…

A survey at the University of Rhode Island Library assessed the students' perceived effectiveness, satisfaction, needs, and expectations in resource use. Forty percent of the students were not satisfied with their search for information and materials found. Students recommended better organization and availability of materials and more staff…

This study examines bibliographic instruction methods and aids currently being used in selected Canadian academic libraries. The project's objectives included identifying: the current state of bibliographic instruction; programs or special services offered for foreign students; changes or developments that have taken place in bibliographic…

Research conducted at Fisher Library, University of Sydney, which measured user failure to locate known items in catalog or on shelves, yielded overall failure rate of 35.9 percent (26.2 percent at catalog; 46.1 percent at shelf). User errors caused two-thirds of failures at catalog and more than half at shelf. Fifteen references are provided.…

This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the telephone reference service of a university library. Questions were called in by volunteers to several different divisions of the library to try to determine: (a) factual accuracy of responses, (b) level of interviewing by the staff person, and (c) attitude of the staff person. Results of the study…

This study describes two surveys of the users of the Public Documents and Maps Department of the Duke University Library. The information gathered in the course of this inquiry is reported: (1) in a profile of the users of the department's reference service, and (2) in a comparison and analysis of the evaluations of reference encounters by both…

A user satisfaction study undertaken at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign library to demonstrate and analyze an application of Kantor branching analysis of user frustration monitored direct and partially controlled user access to materials. Satisfaction rates and causes of user frustration are discussed. Eleven references and user group…

The results of two surveys, designed to provide data for use in the planning of a new library at San Jose State University, include student and faculty perceptions of the adequacy of present library services in fulfilling research and information needs. Specific areas investigated are hours and security, reference and information services, library…

Presents highlights of a survey conducted for the National Library of Canada to identify information needs of teacher- librarians. Questions included use of National Library services, information sought outside the school library, type of information school libraries were unable to locate, use of interlibrary loan, use and potential use of…