Based on data from two experiments, this article attempts to assess degree to which people differ in interpretations of questions referring to library services and the implications for interpreting survey results. Sources of error in questionnaire research--sampling, response (question interpretation, response decision, category choices)--are…

The main concern is with identifying exemplar user need studies and discussing the possible value of their methodology for a broader range of library services. (Author/MF)

Presents results of study conducted at Physical Sciences Library, University of California, Davis, employing unobtrusive observation techniques to determine user browsing activity. Tables indicating circulation, observed browsers, total browsers, books removed, books replaced, time duration, and browsing frequency by time of day are appended. (EJS)

A survey on the use of journals at the Soreq Nuclear Research Center Library was conducted to determine whether the allocation of the largest share of the total library budget to journal subscriptions is justified, and which journals are in low use and could thus be discontinued. The findings, including criteria developed for defining core…

This is a step-by-step guide to designing and conducting an assessment of the in-house use of periodicals in a library. It focuses on in-house use because libraries that allow their periodicals to circulate probably already have mechanisms to track circulation. The guide consists of an explanatory text followed by a checklist. The checklist…

A Rand Library user survey was conducted in February 1975. It involved the collection of sufficient baseline data describing user characteristics, usage, and satisfaction parameters to enable specific library policy alternatives to be evaluated. This article gives a brief overview of the survey instrument design, the data collection methodology,…

This 1982 survey of adult users in small public libraries provides statistical data on current and future user patterns in relation to youth services program. Details on method and library sample, reasons for public library use, children of library users, and the case for youth services are covered. (5 references) (EJS)

Some students and all instructional faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy Library were surveyed by a team of computer and behavioral scientists and library administrators. Findings included a high opinion rating of known services but also identified numerous little-known services and resources; measurable differences in usage patterns were…

Summarizes results of library survey conducted in three developing countries to determine availability and utilization of documentation produced by organizations of United Nations system. Highlights include research methodology (libraries surveyed, sources of publications collected, method of acquisition, depositories); processing of documents…

This review takes a critical approach in summarizing and evaluating the methodology and scope of catalog use studies, with emphasis on the subject approach to card catalog searching. Subject access is defined in this report; however, the process of subject searching, described repeatedly in library literature, has been based upon common sense…

Through utilization of effective sampling procedures, libraries may obtain substantial savings in terms of data collection costs. A theoretical statistical sampling model is presented and two types of random sampling techniques are empirically compared as to their effectiveness in estimating a library usage parameter. Implications are drawn for…

Study of student use and perceptions of residence hall libraries at Indiana University (telephone survey in residence centers, user survey in libraries) reveals that students do use such libraries. Magazine and newspaper collections are used most frequently; records, audiocassettes, class-related materials, and study space are also popular. (7…

Reports results of study designed to analyze user behavior in two Cyprus cultural center libraries--American Center Library and British Council Library. Library floor plans, user characteristics and patterns, special use analyses, serious versus casual use, and relationships or correlations between characteristics and services are highlighted.…

Patron use of periodical indexes was studied by interviewing patrons on random basis as they used periodical and newspaper indexes. A questionnaire was designed to gather information on citation elements, how patrons locate magazines in library, and how they use university's serials holdings list. Seven references and questionnaire are appended.…