The results of a survey of the New York Metropolitan Reference and Research Library Agency (METRO) and selected Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member-libraries concerning the selection tools they use the most frequently in acquiring new materials are tabulated in this guide. The categories covered by the survey are based on the Library of…

Describes results of a survey of members of the Association of Research Libraries that was conducted to determine what procedures are followed to obtain current reference books in foreign languages and to assess the libraries' satisfaction with those procedures. Standing order plans are discussed, and proposals to improve reviewing sources are…

A survey of the present reference resources was conducted as part of the Appalachia Improved Reference Services, a federally funded program to up-grade reference services in eight libraries in four counties in East Central Ohio. General recommendations include: (1) the libraries need recent materials, especially text type materials in the basic…

Reports on an informal survey of plans, practices, and strategies in relation to optical reference tools at several research libraries. The discussion focuses on start-up and continued funding, hidden costs, cost savings options, and future costs. (5 references) (MES)

A survey of heads of academic library reference services gathered information on reference collection development. Findings included: (1) selection and weeding frequently are not guided by written policies; (2) empirical studies of use are almost nonexistent; and (3) online availability of sources is an important factor in selection. (20…

Reports on a survey of advertising agency libraries and compares results of the current study with similar surveys from 1954 and 1969. Characteristics of the parent agency, organizational status and location, budgets, users, staff, collections, indexes and databases, reference books, and library services are the areas addressed. Data are presented…

This study describes materials used by secondary school students in preparing independent study papers and other types of assignments calling for library use, including the use of home collections and school, public, college, and special libraries. Bibliometric methods were used to provide measurement of the nature and currency of books,…

In order to measure the effectiveness of its libraries, the City of London Polytechnic Library and Learning Resources Service surveyed its users and compared the results with a study completed the previous year (1973). Tables and statistics have been provided for: number, type, status, and academic department of users; frequency of use;…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 33 reference items--including several CD-ROM products--published during 1991-92 that were recommended by librarians. Materials are listed in the following areas: general works; business, science, and technology; fine arts; history and genealogy; medicine and health; and social sciences and humanities. A…

This survey of 39 Illinois libraries addresses six issues: extent of interlibrary loan activities involving microforms; usefulness of bibliographic controls in locating microforms for remote access; policies; effect of microform use on other library operations; librarian evaluations; and cost comparison of three forms of interlibrary services.…

In 1995, a questionnaire was sent to Tennessee public and academic libraries with book collections of more than 5,000 volumes. The response rate was 48% and the sample included 44 public, 23 four-year academic and 7 community college libraries. Forty-three (56%) of these libraries collect local government publications. While, the earliest…

Presents preliminary results of Clearwater Public Library's study of the usefulness of "Output Measures for Public Libraries" as an indicator of reference performance, and the impact of collection development choices on reference output measures. Data on turnover rate, in-library use, reference fill rate, and reference transactions per…

A survey of 164 academic and special libraries reveals that accessibility of equivalent databases online has had a relatively small effect thus far on decisions to discontinue subscriptions to printed abstracting and indexing services. Tables display printed form and online databases used by the libraries, and seven references are listed. (RBF)

Participants in a workshop on the ethics and problems of medical reference service in public libraries generally concluded that people have a right to information concerning health and librarians should rely on common sense in answering medical reference questions and refrain from interpretation and diagnosis. Presentations included a report on a…

In December 1973, questionnaires were sent to academic libraries of varying size to discover which book and materials selection aids were used in the library's acquisition process. Aids under consideration included book reviews in library journals, professional subject journals, and publisher's selection/promotional material. The highlights of the…