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)

New model formulations and solution methods are given for the Journal Selection Problem. The results are developed in a framework that can also accommodate problems with a somewhat different structure than the Journal Selection Problem, thus providing new solution strategies for these problems as well. (32 references) (Author/NH)

This report discusses the seven basic types of problems found in business and industry as they apply to library institutions. These seven basic types are: (1) inventory problems, (2) allocation problems, (3) queueing problems, (4) sequencing problems, (5) routing problems, (6) replacement problems and (7) search problems. (MF)

The problem of how much of a branch library's budget should be spent on acquisition of new material as opposed to holding capital in reserve to photoduplicate material at the main library upon demand is presented. (Author)

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…

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)

A management review and analysis was conducted by the staff of the libraries and audio-visual center of Purdue University. Not only were the study team and the eight task forces drawn from all levels of the libraries and audio-visual center staff, but a systematic effort was sustained through inquiries, draft reports and open meetings to involve…

The objectives of this study are to ensure that the resources at the disposal of the librarian are deployed in a manner which will effectively contribute to the purposes of the university. User behavior is explored in an attempt to solve the difficulties that arise in library planning and management, such as: (1) the relationship between length of…

The paper reviews the research on design and operation of research libraries sponsored by the Purdue University Libraries and the Purdue School of Industrial Engineering. The use of mathematical models in library operations research is discussed. Among the mathematical methods discussed are marginal analysis or cost minimization, computer…

The objectives of this study are to ensure that the resources at the disposal of the librarian are deployed in a manner which will effectively contribute to the purposes of the university. User behavior is explored in an attempt to solve the difficulties that arise in library planning and management, such as: (1) the relationship between length of…

Describes two types of program budgeting that were well received in the literature of the 1960s and 1970s. The results of a survey which examined the impact of zero-based budgeting (ZBB) and planning-programming-budgeting system (PPBS) on library budgets are presented, and potentially useful aspects of program budgeting are identified. (CLB)

Three articles describe the relocation of the chemistry branch library to the main academic library at Rutgers University (Newark, New Jersey) as part of a trend toward centralization. Highlights include user support for the move, including faculty and students; and the operations research methodology used for planning and implementing the move.…

This study was initiated by the Acting Director of the Division of Technical Services at University of Louisville to examine and analyze the structure of the division and its workflow, use of personnel, and level of productivity. Information on the workflow and structure was obtained from department head workflow charts, statistics indicating the…

This follow-up report combines results from a staff review process and final recommendations of the Acting Director for the reorganization of the Division of Technical Services at University of Louisville in Kentucky. The report is divided into two sections: "Report on Staff Review" and the "Final Recommendations on Reorganization…

This study was designed to determine: (1) whether the 5-year planning cycle described in the 1980 manual "A Planning Process for Public Libraries" is being used in North Carolina's public libraries; (2) whether output measures described in a second publication released in 1982 are being collected in the state's public libraries; (3) the…