The subjective reactions of two researchers are presented to provide comment on selected aspects of public library surveys which may have similar components to those which the authors found in Portage County, Ohio in 1969 and 1970. (See "Public Library Services in Portage County; An Analysis for Planning." ED 039 907) Aspects covered…

The purpose of this study was to survey and analyze two census tracts of Salt Lake City proper, a residential area frequently referred to as Central City. This study was commissioned by Richard J. Rademacher, Director, Salt Lake City Public Library. A questionnaire was formulated through an analysis of other surveys at the conclusion of an…

This March 1973 survey assessed library use by non-affiliated users by type of library in the six county library council region. Among the items on the questionnaire distributed to over 100 public, academic, school, and special libraries were: (1) the purpose of the library visit and the subject matter of interest, (2) satisfaction with services…

Library surveys are a means to an objective examination of the library and its services, helping to clarify the purposes that are being served and to assess the methods of providing these services. This survey was undertaken as a cooperative project of the seven public libraries of Summit County, Ohio. Its purpose was to develop a long-range plan…

A survey of users of the teachers' library at the San Diego County Department of Education was conducted to assess the level of effectiveness of the library's collection and services in four general areas: (1) professional literature and curriculum collection, (2) publications from the professional resource and development service, (3) textbook…

This manual has been designed as a practical guide to quantifying and measuring the results, or outputs, of public library service to children. The basic output measures presented are tailored to reflect library services to children (defined as persons 14 years old and younger) and their care givers. Six categories of measures are presented: (1)…

Conducted prior to the building of a new central library, this study was designed to assess the need for children's library services in downtown Sacramento. The development of a profile of the community environment and general characteristics of the population through the use of secondary sources is described; the assessment of family needs and…

Based on responses to a survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members in March 1988, this Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) flyer and kit are designed to assist administrators of large academic libraries in the selection of useful methods of conducting user surveys for particular library concerns. The flyer provides a brief…

The Colorado Council for Library Development commissioned a state survey to facilitate long range library planning. A survey was designed by Colorado Market Research Services, Inc. and directed to adults throughout the state to ascertain the information needs of the sample population. Citizens were queried as to the frequency of their library use,…

Article focuses on planning process used by staff of State University of New York College at Brockport library to develop and implement a user study measuring effectiveness of library's services. The planning model, research committee, sampling design, questionnaire development, and implementation and evaluation of survey are discussed. Twenty-one…

This study reports findings from a survey of U.S. and Canadian medical libraries belonging to the Association of Academic Health Sciences Library Directors (AAHSLD). Conducted in the spring of 1990 and funded by AAHSLD, the survey had the two primary purposes of assessing the use of the AAHSLD "Annual Statistics" in providing data for decision…

This analysis of an affluent, well educated, family community and its library by a professional consulting organization used statistical and budget data, public meetings, and surveys of citizens, library users, and staff to determine the library needs of the community and to develop a plan for improved library services. Questionnaires were…

This collection of library documents, which illustrates current techniques for conducting user studies in order to facilitate specific public services planning and priority-setting efforts at the member libraries of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), contains excerpts from: (1) four general user studies conducted at the University of…

This guide from the Public Libraries Association (PLA) describes a planning process to be used by individual library systems to establish their own standards appropriate to local conditions and needs; design strategies to reach those needs; and inaugurate a planning cycle that involves continuous monitoring of progress and regular adjustment of…

The results of two surveys, designed to provide data for use in the planning of a new library at San Jose State University, include student and faculty perceptions of the adequacy of present library services in fulfilling research and information needs. Specific areas investigated are hours and security, reference and information services, library…