As virtual worlds continue to proliferate globally, libraries are faced with the question of whether to provide information services to virtual patrons. This study, utilizing a mixed-method approach of interviews, focus groups, and surveys, represents one of the largest studies of virtual libraries attempted to date. Taking a holistic perspective,…

Explores problems in the design and evaluation of programs by which special libraries market their services, and identifies potentially useful approaches and quantifiable measures for market structure analysis, design decision-making, and marketing program evaluation. Eleven references and a list of nine use studies with survey instruments are…

The basic activities of marketing are discussed, including gathering information and determining needs, designing a program around the elements of the marketing mix, and managing the marketing program. Following a general discussion, applications of the marketing concepts to a health sciences library are described. The administrator of the health…

This self-study by the University Libraries at the University of California, Riverside, involved the efforts of 35 staff members over a period of 11 months. Task forces were organized according to five issues: Role of the Library in the Future in Its Commitment to Public Services; Service Performance and Service Needs; Technology and Public…

The University of Washington (Seattle) developed an administrative process that integrates user needs assessment. The user-centered library is defined and assessment initiatives including policies, surveys, analysis of resource allocation, and professional development are discussed. (AEF)

Discusses a survey conducted at Miami-Dade Community College to document the characteristics, needs, and knowledge of library users, and explains how the survey became an essential tool for decision making by community college library administrators regarding the elimination or initiation of programs and services. Describes the study and its…

Discussion of information management focuses on three main areas of activities and their interrelationship: (1) strategic, including establishing frameworks and principles of operations; (2) analytic, or research elements, including user needs assessment, data gathering, and data analysis; and (3) operational activities, including reference…

Discussion of the connection between bibliographic instruction and collection development from a management perspective focuses on a project of data collection and analysis developed at the University of Colorado at Denver's Auraria Library. Information on individual disciplines is compiled and analyzed, and a needs assessment for bibliographic…

These standards provide measures for evaluating communities' needs for public library services, and summarize the essentials for quality service for youth and those who work with youth. New management tools, specifically guides for planning and role setting and manuals for defining output measures, the challenge of electronic access, as well as…

Describes results of a telephone survey of public libraries in Colorado that was conducted to assess both the attitudes and the needs of microcomputer users. Topics discussed include staff use of microcomputers; public access microcomputers; user fees; and types of hardware and software used, and types desired. (LRW)

This report describes a study designed to assess the client and staff libraries at each of the 11 California Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Department of Developmental Services (DDS) residential facilities to determine their existing resources and their ability to meet the requirements of the changing facility populations. The study…

Presents the results of a Delphi projection of continuing education needs of the library community of Wisconsin. Potential changes are summarized in nine categories: social system; target markets and learning needs; social/philosophical aspirations; new technologies; traditional functions/services; library and system structure; library…

Examines issues of leadership as they relate to the new organizational structure in the University of Arizona library precipitated by the current economic crisis, changing information technology and automation opportunities, and changing user needs and expectations. Implications for user services are discussed, including needs assessment and…

Discusses how to plan for a new school library media center or renovate an existing facility. Highlights include the importance of a planning team; the role of the architect; brainstorming, including instructional needs, patron services, library administration, and technology infrastructure; site visits to other media centers; and needs…

This book guides library administrators through stages of long-range needs assessment, particularly taking what they know about their user community, library services, performance standards, and anticipated resources, and using that knowledge to determine space and building needs. Tips, explanations, and hands-on planning tools come through…