The Vigo County Public Library studied patron use of the card catalog by reviewing nearly 300 questionnaires completed by student and adult users. The results indicate that the catalog is used equally to find author, title, and subject -- with the latter a bit more prevalent. Most users did not find the filing difficult, and preferred use of the…

A questionnaire was mailed to 723 libraries (385 responded) to inquire about special collections size, type of material, and assigned hours and responsibilities of staff. Assistance from unions requested by libraries includes financial support, promotion of library use through union headquarters, and bibliographies prepared by union officials.…

Presents the results of a survey of public librarians in the United States conducted to determine their attitudes toward intellectual freedom with emphasis on responses regarding extension services to poor and minorities, attitude changes, and factors that influence attitudes. (CHC)

The purpose of the study was to determine the state of programs and services to the aging provided by the 1,330 public libraries with service area population exceeding 25,000. Library services were defined to exclude routine services such as book lists but include programs and services (1) which are offered specifically for the aging population or…

One of the early tasks of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) was to identify the sources of public funds available for use in financing public libraries. Information is available on the amounts of federal and state funds for financing public library services. What is not known at the national level is the various…

Both users and non-users of the Springfield, Oregon Public Library were interviewed for this survey. A user is defined as one holding a library card. Two separate questionnaires were administered to the two categories. Information from the users focused on what kinds of materials they want to read and their awareness and use of various library…

A survey of 125 public library directors in Indiana laid the groundwork for a future study of change in the public library. Data were gathered on the background characteristics of the libraries and directors; directors' perceptions of change; and utilization of formal planning processes. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (27 references)…

Questionnaires completed by library catalog users revealed that catalogs are more widely used in academic libraries than in public libraries, especially at the county level. Guidance in use of the catalog by librarians promotes use by library patrons. Reasons for non-use and methods of using the catalog were surveyed. (4 references) (SJ)

Discusses results of a survey questionnaire of public and school libraries that investigated the use of Internet filtering software. Considers filter alternatives; reasons for filtering or not filtering; brand names; satisfaction with site blocking; satisfaction with the decision to install filter software; and guidelines for considering filters.…

A survey was conducted of adult patrons leaving 70 Illinois public libraries on 1 day in April 1983 to determine patrons' success in using the library that day, their level of library usage in the past year, and what changes, if any, they would like to see in their local libraries. Responses were received from 62 (89%) of the libraries in the…

Data for this study was provided by the survey of a random sample of adults in North Carolina which was conducted by the Institute for Research in Social Science. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in mid-1971. Responses to a question in the interview about public library use are analyzed here, together with data on characteristics which…

As educational and cultural centers, public libraries are in the mainstream of American life. Persistent library crime, such as pilferage, theft and vandalism, represents much more than financial loss. It deprives the public of access to irreplaceable books, rare manuscripts and other reference materials. Equally important, it inflicts hardships…

Survey of 56 public reference librarians from New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania reveals that they perceive reference service as comprising question answering (34 percent); locating information (30 percent); service (17 percent); providing materials (7 percent); aiding readers in library use (4 percent); telephone referral (2 percent); 100 percent…

Presents the results of a survey conducted in June 1980 to determine the use and effectiveness of English language encyclopedias in 75 Canadian public libraries. (CHC)

This study was designed to analyze some of the services offered by Illinois libraries serving populations of fewer than 2,500, particularly in terms of how they operate and which circulation services are used most frequently. A questionnaire was mailed to 192 libraries, with 131 or 68.2% returning usable responses. Among the general findings: (1)…