A team approach to analysis of library operations is suggested. A specific example of staffing library information desks illustrates the complementary characteristics and advantages of using a librarian/consultant team. The example shows how lines of thought are developed by the team and the important aspects of cooperation between team members.…

This study focuses on factors contributing to the low level of effectiveness of library and information services to the Spanish speaking community as reported in the literature. It analyzes, using an open system approach, models developed by public and academic libraries to serve the Spanish speaking population. Problems contributing to the…

A pilot project tested the feasibility of developing computer simulation models as aids to the operation and design of library systems. (Author/PF)

A comprehensive engineering approach to the analysis of libraries as information service systems is described in which operations research type models are developed and tested for optimizing the design and management of document storage and retrieval processes. Extension of this approach to the development of more comprehensive system models is…

The long-term goal of this investigation is to design and establish a national model for a system of library statistical data. This is a report on The Preliminary Study which was carried out over an 11-month period ending May, 1969. The objective of The Preliminary Study was to design and delimit The Research Investigation in the most efficient…

Two trends in the use of quantitative methods of evaluating libraries that have evolved from general systems analysis are discussed in this literature review. The cost effectiveness approach is aimed at discovering new, improved procedures and devices for providing library services; such alternatives make it possible to evaluate how efficiently a…

A RETRIEVAL MODEL WAS DEVELOPED FOR TEACHING AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ON THE BASIS OF VARIED WORK EXPERIENCE AND ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL AND LIBRARY SERVICES. THE MODEL IS BASED ON SHANNON'S COMMUNICATION MODEL BUT IDENTIFIES THE WOULD BE READER, OR DESTINATION OF RECORDED MESSAGES, AS THE ACTIVATOR OF RETRIEVAL SERVICES. TWO MAIN…

The development of this management system begins with an exploration of what the library is attempting to achieve. After an investigation of the hierarchy of library objectives, it is concluded that the one objective which satisfies a set of specified criteria is to maximize the expected future exposure of university community members to documents…

The arrangement of this publication follows, as nearly as possible, the actual conference program. The seven sections represent the topics selected by the planning committee as areas of concentration. Each section includes a state-of-the-art paper and related talks and discussion. The topics covered are: the library of the future, file…

Describes British Library's work on Systems Dynamics, a set of techniques for building simulation models based on analysis of information feedback loops. Highlights include macro-simulation modelling activities of social science disciplines, systems analyses and models of information retrieval processes and library services, policy models, and…

Systems analysis is about problems and their solutions. Analysts are warned that in a field of constant change, this text can only provide some of the needed tools and information, not all of the answers. Wise systems analysts never become fixed on one technique or technology, knowing that they will change, but instead focus on learning…