The study, prepared for the Learning Resources Branch (LRB) of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), includes a brief history of library statistical programs of the Office of Education and the National NCES, 1870-1978; the uses of library statistics by the Office of Libraries and Learning Resources (OLLR) of the Office of Education…

Discusses the discrepancies in results from library utilization studies which preclude comparison of data, and recommends the standardization of definitions and methodology to enable valuable comparisons across libraries. (JVP)

Briefly discusses studies drawn from four areas--the structure of information, user behavior, policy decisions, and performance measures--to illustrate how they may stimulate further library research. The article's main theme is the importance to librarianship of having research carried out which replicates, challenges, or otherwise builds on…

This study is an examination of the various uses of and attitudes toward public, school and academic libraries by children and young adults. The information on which the analysis is based was derived from 300 questionnaires completed by patrons of libraries in five cities. The questionnaire used and the raw data received are included in the…

The data-gathering instruments and accompanying materials included in this document were designed, pretested, and evaluated during Phase I of a project to determine the library resource requirements for elementary and secondary students in Philadelphia, and to analyze the contributing part school systems and the public library system might play in…

The areas of strength and the areas of weakness in the general patterns of library user service policies in Indiana are identified. The study also presents information which will have an impact on planning and provision of future library services in the state. The current pattern of library service policies in Indiana are compared with the optimal…

Explores the potential impact of imposed query, a new model of information-seeking behavior, on current approaches to library service and system evaluation. Discusses reference service evaluation, user studies, output measures, and relevance as an evaluation tool. Argues that imposed query broadens understanding of the user and of the role that…

Statistical sampling techniques for the measurement of book readership within libraries are described. The procedures, developed and initially implemented at Rider College, rely upon interviews of book readers inside the library rather than upon such indirect usage measures as which volumes are lift on tables for reshelving, or analyses of user…

The effectiveness of current subject cataloging practices for assigning geographical headings to local historical records in meeting the requirements of an escalating number of genealogist-patrons was examined. The findings indicated that catalogers use two general approaches in determining subject headings for local historical collections in the…

Objectives of this study were to assess public library history, current status, trends, and problems and to suggest approaches to improvement. Trends indicate a new era of library and information services, making it necessary for librarians to decide whether the public library will be an active or passive institution for public enlightenment and…

A thorough understanding of the uses and applications of statistical techniques is integral in gaining support for library funding or new initiatives. This resource is designed to help practitioners develop and manipulate descriptive statistical information in evaluating library services, tracking and controlling limited resources, and analyzing…

Materials which relate to the activities of the Philadelphia Student Library Resources Project for the period July 1, 1972-June 30, 1973 are presented. The Project, which began with research into student library needs, use patterns, attitudes and resources has now moved to the stage of interagency planning, operation, and evaluation of programs…

The application of technology to libraries, possible library systems of the future, and problems of effecting a transition between the present and the future are examined. The report identifies a series of recognized or assumed service and operations requirements, surveys major technologies applicable to libraries, and reviews current and planned…

A study on information technology and public policy examined relationships among information providers and their clients in order to determine the economic, institutional, and technological factors that are key in deciding how people get the information they need. The research project was conducted to help the National Commission on Libraries and…

Brief summaries are provided of 17 library projects being conducted in Illinois during 1974. These deal with the following matters: 1) the development of the Illinois State Library; 2) library manpower training; 3) library research; 4) the Illinois State Library Materials Processing Center; 5) the professional development of library personnel; 6)…