This research is a study of demands for books in library circulation systems. Demand data for random samples of books were collected and fitted to various standard distributions. The numbers of demands for collections of books are shown to be Negative Binomially distributed. As is shown, this implies that the numbers of demands for individual…

The variable" loan and duplication policy which was developed is described and also the considerable impact of implementation. The work is presented as a case study in library O.R. The great importance of analyzing the structure of problems is stressed and the nature and usefulness of models is described. (9 references) (Author/NH)

This fifth and final report describes activities since June, 1965. Centralization of the Eisenhower Library Collection was completed early in 1965 and a circulation system became operational in April, 1965. The main portion of this report focuses on various aspects of the circulation system such as preparation of identification cards; the…

Argues that library book circulation is a binomial rather than a Poisson process, and that individual book popularities are continuous beta distributions. Three examples demonstrate the superiority of beta over negative binomial distribution, and it is suggested that a bivariate-binomial process would be helpful in predicting future book…

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…

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…

Mathematical models of library operations are presented which describe the amount of use made of resources by a user in a visit, the distribution of book circulation in a collection, the dependence of circulation on time, and the effect of multiple copies on user satisfaction. (9 references) (Author/NH)

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…

Operations Research models of the acquisition and storage functions of a library are developed. Rules for selection of materials for a depository are analyzed and models of circulation interference and usage are explored. A generalized model of library costs and benefits is proposed. (11 references) (Author)

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…

Two aspects to be considered in designing a storage system for library materials are: the fraction of the collection which is to be stored; and the criteria to be used for selecting materials for storage. This study demonstrates that for a given selection criterion least-cost storage quantities can be assessed by balancing the large circulation…

This is a study on the operating efficiency of the public library system in Australia. Cost functions have been fitted to library data and the results are interpreted with a view to generating insights into the functioning of the existing library system. An exploratory cost benefit analysis has also been attempted. Activities of libraries have…

THE PROBLEM OF PREDICTING THE PATTERNS OF USE OF LIBRARY MATERIALS IN ORDER TO DECIDE WHICH MONOGRAPHS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM A MAIN COLLECTION AND PLACED IN STORAGE IS STUDIED IN THIS REPORT. SPECIFICALLY, THE STUDY EXAMINES PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND DEVELOPS NEW MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR STUDYING THE…

Measurements of materials and library operations were carried out in five public libraries and an observation study of staff work was conducted in the Hawaii State Library. The goals of this phase of the larger state study included testing and modification of measures to ensure their applicability to public libraries in the state, and the…

The instructions provided for carrying out data collection and analysis procedures for library materials, services, and users include sampling techniques. Evaluation methodology is described for determining the probability of a user finding and obtaining a recently published book in a particular library, title and periodical availability, how a…