Discussion of fines charged by libraries for overdue books focuses on the experiences of the Somerville Free Public Library (New Jersey) in implementing a no-fine policy. Goals of the new policy that are evaluated include increased circulation, increased return of late materials, and an improved library image. (seven references) (LRW)

The purpose of this project was to perform an analysis of the Rockford Public Library (Illinois) circulation services department and provide recommendations leading to customer service improvement, better space utilization, and improved departmental work flow. Based on an analysis of input from individual interviews with staff, review of…

Data analysis of a questionnaire completed by 38 public libraries in the United States and Canada who possess "turnkey" automated circulation systems is presented. Results show that libraries are enthusiastic about benefits to staff and patrons. For libraries with increasing circulation, the computer allows more time to handle additional work load…

The series of selected statistical presentations of public library management data that originated in the Office of Education in 1945 is continued in this report. The data reported were collected with a questionnaire addressed to the 1,178 public libraries which serve areas having at least 25,000 inhabitants. The five tables of data include…

This report looks at the use of public library online circulation systems for the generation of in-house secondary information--such as statistical reports and mailing lists--and also considers problems in maintaining confidentiality of patron records when using online circulation systems. Based on a survey of the literature, general information…

This report presents the findings of the first national survey of public libraries on their services and resources available to children. Questionnaires were mailed to a national probability sample of 846 public libraries, nonrespondents were contacted by telephone, and the final response rate was 97%. Survey items included the availability of…

To test the strength of a booklist as a selection aid, an experimental/control group research design was used in the Lexington Library of the Davidson County (North Carolina) Public Library System to measure the effect of a booklist on the circulation of a group of fiction books that had not been checked out from the library in 4 years or longer.…

This statistical report is designed to facilitate rapid comparison of Fiscal Year 1977 support and activity levels among Massachusetts public libraries. Summary tables provide medians, percentiles, and means by population group on (1) library expenditures as a percent of total municipal expenditures; (2) total income per capita; (3) municipal…

Two surveys were conducted in 1981/82 and 1982 respectively to determine if Illinois public libraries were satisfying their patrons in terms of book use, and how much money Illinois public libraries received directly from their patrons in library fines, fees, and charges. In the first study, 2,133 adults returning a book at a random sample of 71…

Designed to facilitate the rapid comparison of fiscal year 1978 support and activity levels among public libraries in Massachusetts, this report identifies twelve indicators of library support and activity and presents percentage and per capita figures for each municipality. Data are for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 1978, and represent…

At the request of the Children's Librarian, a brief review of the Young People's Library shelving process and control desk arrangement was made. For the shelving process, a time-spent survey was made to determine the relative amounts of time spent on the various phases of the operation. A special questionnaire was designed, and the library pages…

This study was conducted in l978/79 to test the hypothesis that the circulation of books put in a prominent display location would increase because of the tendency of adults to select books in public libraries by browsing, rather than looking for specific titles. The circulation of all copies of a sample of ll5 titles from the adult individual…

Proposes and investigates feasibility of using three new variables in addition to simple activity counts in measuring reference services: (1) user questioning regardless of where activity occurs; (2) treating individual user and question as unit of analysis; and (3) examination of questioning in context of other library use. (11 references) (EJS)

Circulation statistics for 198 books randomly selected from nonjuvenile collection at Allerton Public Library were ascertained. Comparison of experimental group (all related catalog entries withdrawn from card catalog) and control group (all catalog entries left intact) showed no statistically significant influence of removal of cards on…

This report describes a study designed to determine whether the collection of computer software by libraries falls into a pattern of library type and whether patron use of computer software falls into a pattern of clientele type. Following a summary of previous research, a discussion of the study methodology describes a survey of 154 randomly…