A study surveying researchers about the attributes, function, and form of research study problem statements shows disagreement regarding purpose, content, and form. It is suggested that problem statements are essential for well-focused, manageable studies and must present a study's significance and contribution to knowledge. (21 references) (EA)

Identifies aspects of reference services amenable to evaluation, discusses the need for measures of service quality as well as quantity, presents modifications of current measures that meet this need, and stresses the importance of linking performance measures to library planning. (CLB)

Examines questions related to service quality, satisfaction, and outcomes assessment in academic libraries. Relates the literature of library and information science to each concept, identifies major research methodologies used, and offers suggestions for future research. (Contains 65 references.) (Author/LRW)

Analyzes the information life cycle and traces this concept in policy instruments and the primary and secondary literature. Topics addressed include differing views on the concept of a life cycle; steps of life-cycle management; managing information as well as technology; and the need for further study and development of models. (Contains 97…

Discussion of a citation analysis of literature concerning economic development on American Indian reservations focuses on the topics of gaming and natural resources and the environment. Highlights include a comparison of the findings to previous research; government and nongovernment sources; and suggestions for further research. (LRW)

Examines characteristics of authorship, editorial decisions, and reviewer assessments for accepted and rejected papers for "College and Research Libraries" based on over a decade of private correspondence and reviewer assessments. Comparisons with the wider literature on publishing in refereed journals are made, and directions for future research…

Highlights data from unobtrusive exploratory study related to referral process of reference questions posed at academic depository libraries. Related literature is reviewed, followed by discussions of assumptions related to referral process, implications of study findings, recommendations to improve quality of referral services, and research…

Explores the collection and use of library and information science (LIS) monographs by academic librarians. The use of individual and focus group interviews to identify issues affecting the use and nonuse of LIS monographs is described, and the influence of promotion and tenure requirements on LIS publications is considered. (32 references) (LRW)

This examination of the literature that discusses technological applications for the collections and services of depository libraries identifies areas treated in the literature and topics for further writing and research. (Author/CLB)

Examines the effects of safety nets (government information transfer mechanisms that guarantee minimum access to government information) on the ability of U.S. industries to compete internationally. The need for research that explores methods of improving information dissemination and the role of libraries and information centers in fostering…

Results of this examination of the information needs and gathering behavior of social scientists, especially historians, suggests that existing library and information services may be based on a misunderstanding of their needs. Factors that need to be studied are identified, and research models are suggested. (CLB)

Discusses issues relating to the reliability, validity, utility, and information value of unobtrusive testing of library reference services; provides suggestions for practical applications of these criteria; applies study findings to library decision making and planning; and identifies topics for further methodological refinement. (Author/CLB)