In this explorative study, we first investigate current use of public library statistics in public library management to identify a governing framework and then carefully suggest an alternative framework with income as a goal for sustainability. The meaning of income in terms of management is also discussed. Within this framework, we conduct a…

Libraries are operating in a fluid service environment in which people increasingly turn to the Internet to address everyday concerns. They also face competition from large booksellers that offer potential library patrons access to a virtually unlimited selection of books. These developments have understandably provoked questions and concerns…

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…

A preservation census was conducted of selected Dewey ranges of the volumes located in the mezzanine area of the Social Science Department of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library main branch. This collection is housed in a non-circulating, semi-supervised stack area and includes approximately 500 volumes in the fields of bibliography and rare…

Database usage from a random sample of academic and public libraries in the United States and Canada reveals patterns of use in selected types of libraries. Nine tables present usage statistics. Factors that influence database use are briefly discussed. (AEF)

This report contains a series of recommendations for a uniform statistical report system for Pennsylvania public libraries, based on the assumption that many of the procedures in library work can be quantified in a meaningful manner. The types of data needed for the Commonwealth, individual library use, local reporting, and for research purposes…

The 1996 National Household Education Survey (NHES:96), an ongoing national survey on important educational issues, included a series of questions about the use of public library services by members of United States households. Responses represent public library use by members of each household surveyed and not by individual persons within…

The main article in this issue is a report on "Salaries and Expenditures of Illinois Special Libraries, 1983," based on 366 usable responses to a mail questionnaire. Data on 14 variables (including 4 aspects of salaries) are cross-analyzed by 6 factors: geographical area, person to whom head librarian reports, sex of head librarian, size…

This book discusses the motivations that cause adults to go to the public library. It is grouped into eight sections concerning: (1) the research methodology and results used to determine four motivators that were good predictors of library use; (2) the development of library research; (3) several characteristics of library users in terms of…

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)

A Public Library Association (PLA) survey compiled information on public libraries in bibliographic networks. Aspects identified and measured were perceptions of participation, reasons for non-participation, reactions to services, and suggestions for increasing participation. Recommendations are made for actions by PLA and the networks to ensure…

Public library effectiveness efforts are placed within the context of theoretical and empirical research on organizational effectiveness. The construct, measures, and determinants of public library effectiveness are investigated, and a possible model of the determinants of public library output measures is presented. (Author/EM)

Compares directors' use of Public Library Data Service statistics and Federal-State Cooperative System for Public Library Data statistics to show how directors make use of statistics and to highlight the statistical information that directors find particularly useful. The survey addressed: last time of use; ways of use; frequency of use of…

This report summarizes some of the key findings of a survey of the Connecticut public that was conducted as part of the Year of the Library Project by the Institute for Social Inquiry at the University of Connecticut. The purpose of the study was to explore public attitudes that might be relevant to improve and broaden use of library services. The…

Discusses the use of quantitative collection development and use studies as research tools to evaluate the quality of children's library collections. Four studies, conducted in school and public libraries, that involve analyzing data with statistical tests are reviewed to show how data already being collected can be developed into research…