The items selected employ or discuss the scientific method as it is applied to problems of library management. The references are grouped into four categories: General, Mathematical Programming, Modeling, and Systems Analysis. The bibliography covers approximately a fifteen-year period ending 1970. (151 references) (Author/NH)

History and analysis of library use studies, 1960-1973, as indexed in "Library Literature." (LS)

The major reasons which seem to be preventing operations research from achieving its potential and fulfilling the expectations of its proponents in library management are explored. (Author)

The advancement of science through information transfer and the role of operations research and information science in this process are re-examined by the author in terms of the rise of technological disillusionment, scientific recession and concern with the limits of growth. (21 references) (Author/KE)

This paper examines the nature of decision making in libraries, with the view of learning what qualities ought to be developed while in a library school. The concluding section raises questions that must be answered before operations research (O.R.) can be successfully integrated into a library school curriculum. (7 references) (Author/NH)

For optimal allocations of limited funds, it is necessary for libraries to develop measures of output. Various forms of user exposure to documents are discussed in an effort to develop such measures for public libraries. It is suggested that the accrual method of accounting be used to compare such measures with costs. (40 references) (Author/NH)

Discusses the purpose of mathematical models and reviews the phases of the modeling process--defining performance, representing the problem, predicting performance, estimating parameters, defining optimization criterion, determining solution, and implementing results. Reviews of book-use, resource allocation, and library network models are…

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…

Addressed to both librarians and systems analysts, this book attempts to apply the analytic methods of operations research and systems analysis to the operating problems of the library. The first part of the book discusses theoretical models with emphasis on the pattern of book use, on its change with time and on the problem of estimating and…

Describes operations research as an important management tool that can aid library managers in effectively using available resources and as a set of analytical tools that can enable researchers to better understand library and information services. Early history, definition, models, applications to libraries, and impact are noted. Twenty-five…

The application of systems engineering and operations research to the problems of libraries has developed quite strongly during the past five years. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to this relatively new area. There are serious problems of applying systems engineering to libraries. This is to be expected in the case of 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…

CONVERSION AND COMPATIBILITY CONSTITUTE TWO MAJOR CONCERNS IN THE INSTITUTION OF AUTOMATED SYSTEMS IN LIBRARIES. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THESE TWO FACTS, THIS REPORT DESCRIBES IN DETAIL FIVE MORE OR LESS STANDARD AND HIGHLY COMPATIBLE CIRCULATION SYSTEMS WHICH INCORPORATE A COMMON FORM OF INPUT AND WHICH REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF CONVERSION FROM…