Describes the several kinds of use studies, and then attempts to appraise what they contribute and do not contribute to the planning process. (Author)

From the user's viewpoint, the four important cooperative trends are: 1) the use of technology to increase the effectiveness of library cooperation; 2) development of regional and national cooperative endeavors; 3) growing cooperation between the information user and librarian; and 4) cooperation between researchers on user needs and the…

Describes how experts create and use "bundles"--organized, highly selective collections of information--to help solve problems and maintain situation awareness. Based on fieldwork in an intensive care unit, five examples of bundles are described that illustrate the variety of bundles in use. A summary of bundle properties is given. (AEF)

A discussion of the literature of user studies on information needs in urban areas. (PF)

In the future, the central unit of the large city library will be pulled in opposite directions by two inevitable forces: the specialized demands of an interdependent society centered in the metropolitan area, and the deterioration and rehabilitation of the city itself. (1 reference) (Author)

The various kinds of microforms, the criteria for evaluating microform equipment, the components required to create a whole microform system, and the potential created by a close interrelationship between microforms and computers are among the topics discussed. (NH)

This study of the way librarians use the library literature examined interlibrary loan requests at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Data were analyzed on: subjects, journals, and years requested; library types; patron types; and citation sources. The practical and technical aspects of librarianship were found to be the most…

Discussion of the role of academic libraries focuses on a study that proposed and tested a model to explore the use of academic libraries. Investigated service quality factors, resources, and user characteristics, and concludes that use is influenced most by a user's perceived familiarity with the library and its resources. (Author/LRW)

A general overview is presented of this issue focusing on institution libraries. Articles are concerned with users of libraries, institutional environments, historical changes, the varying needs of adults and children, library materials, public library cooperation, and education programs for institution librarians. Correctional facilities are…

Presents results of an exploratory study attempting to establish a methodology for the unobtrusive analysis of a digital reference enterprise. Logs of over 3,000 questions asked of the Internet Public Library in early 1999 were analyzed on the basis of questions asked, self-selected demographic information, how those questions were handled, and…

A history and overview of library services in the health sciences area, beginning with the deluge of information in World War II. Includes discussion of types of libraries and users, special services, interlibrary cooperation, bibliography and research, information retrieval and library mechanization. An extensive list of references is appended.…

Highlights some of the conditions affecting rural and small libraries and describes their roles in providing information services. Results of two research investigations report that for many Americans, the community library is perceived as a place for books and is used primarily by women. The complete survey instruments and results are appended.…

This article presents a psychological perspective on research in librarianship and explores potential for application of psychological research principles and practices to behavioral research in libraries. Highlights include evolution of a theory of user behavior and the nature of psychological research and research designs and methodologies.…