Examines, within the U.S. and selected regions, nine basic characteristics of social systems that are frequently mentioned as causes of differences in library development. A comparative procedure was used to identify those variables with universal explanations. Results indicate the most critical variable was level of formal education. Twenty-eight…

Describes how library decision-making was enhanced by a systematic study of patrons, services, and effectiveness based on the concept known as performance measures for public libraries. Improvements in the data gathering and analysis techniques are noted; also provided are survey instruments, examples of selected revised forms, and references. (SW)

Presents a model for the development of statewide levels of adequacy for public libraries. Recent developments affecting the profession's thinking about standards are reviewed, various dimensions of the concept of standards are discussed, and issues that remain to be resolved are identified. (Author/JD)

Reviews studies of historical and current trends in the library location theory; the relationship between distance and library users and variables, including available transportation, use motivation, and community awareness; and public facility location models such as central place theory and elastic demand. Extensive references, four figures, and…

Discusses the findings and implications of a California Library Association survey in 1977 which investigated the availability of online search services, factors affecting the decision to charge, and the bases of fee schedules at 28 California libraries. Previous research is mentioned. Eight tables and 14 references are included. (RBF)

Analyzes and compares the opinions of public library directors and ALA-accredited graduate library school directors on public library goals, probable library developments by the year 2000, and library performance measurements. The mean, median, mode, and interquartile range are indicated for each response. Included are six tables and six…

Describes a two-part book circulation use study conducted to find a simple inexpensive and effective method of weeding a public library branch collection, to determine whether weeding increases circulation, and to compare results with Slote's results. Seven tables, one appendix, and 32 references are provided. (RBF)

The need for library services standards to reflect the growth in cooperation and interdependence among libraries and for accountability and their intended purpose, impact on directional changes, and on services improvement are discussed as well as the implications of their being based on scientific inquiry. Listed are 24 sources. (RBF)

This review of government publishing presents a summary of research studies; an overview of the government as publisher 1930-1980; a departmental, functional, and subject analysis; a proposed research program; the history of United States government publishing; and a description of sales and depository distribution. Fifty-four references are…

Describes a procedure for identifying a group of potential users from among current nonusers in a sample of adults drawn from the library's community. This procedure was designed for use in conducting marketing surveys for public libraries. (Author/CHC)

Describes a method for assessing the performance of public libraries using a standardized scoring system and provides an analysis of public library data from New Jersey as an example. Library standards and the derivation of measurement ratios are also discussed. A 33-item bibliography and three data tables are included. (JL)

Proposes a model, based upon a survey of citizen groups in Toledo, Ohio, for the selection of factors to consider before developing library services to increase access of citizen groups to public policy information. The results of the survey are analyzed. Five tables, nine figures, and a bibliography are included. (Author/JL)