This paper attempts to analyze the problem of congestion, using a mathematical model shown to be of value in other similar applications. Three criteria of congestion are considered, and it is found that the conclusion one can draw is sensitive to which of these criteria is paramount. (8 references) (Author/NH)

The service that librarians provide to their library patrons is focused upon in the proceedings of this meeting. Daniel Melcher discusses acquisitions as they relate to user service, and then answers questions. The text of a skit depicting interaction between users, librarians and the card catalog is presented. Also included are the questions and…

As a means of studying the present public catalogs and possible catalog format alternatives at the Iowa State University library, a 6-week queuing study was conducted. Objectives of the study were (1) to determine the correlation between other library statistics (e.g., door counts and circulation records) and use of the public catalogs; (2) to…

Reports on microcatalog use studies conducted at the University of Oregon which demonstrated that users encounter difficulties with multiple-file microfiche catalogs. Retrospective conversion strategies and the costs of converting records into machine-readable form are considered. Thirty-five references are listed. (FM)

This discussion of the major issues concerning online public access library catalogs highlights types of systems, user behavior, structure of systems and user-friendly information retrieval methods (menus, fuzzy matches, prompters), and additional search strategy features (limits, browsing, truncation). Three references are listed. (EJS)

Reviews results of microform user studies to reveal which computer output microfilm (COM) products are accepted and which ones are not. Impediments to use are discussed, and a list of further readings on COM is included. (SW)

Describes a user study by library students to assess user attitudes toward the format and information contained in a microfiche catalog. While indicating general user approval, the survey did not discriminate between views of the catalog as a basic finding tool and as a continuation of traditional card catalog information content. (RAA)

Reviews the major publications and developments related to descriptive cataloging for 1981, with specific discussions devoted to the continued controversy over the implementation of Anglo American Cataloging Rules 2nd Edition (AACR2), new cataloging tools, technological developments, use studies, and the current state of cataloging. A 63-item…

A study of patron use of the University of Illinois online circulation system (LCS) found that 56 percent of original known item searches and 86 percent of location searches were successful, and that graduate students use the system very differently from the way undergraduates use it. (FM)

Describes a transaction log analysis of the New York Public Library research libraries' OPAC (online public access catalog). Much of the remote searching occurred when the libraries were closed and was more evenly distributed than internal searching, demonstrating that remote searching could expand access and reduce peak system loads. (Contains…

As a continuation of research into online public access catalog systems (OPAC's), this study focused on the actual use of OPAC's and on refinement of the methodologies used in carrying out transaction analysis studies. Current patron use patterns were obtained via machine-readable catalogs from four online public catalog systems: The Library of…

This paper is a review and analysis of published research in the field of shelf classification in libraries, as well as an assessment of future prospects. Past, present, and proposed rationales for shelving books are described; results of investigations, surveys, and user studies are summarized; and suggestions for further research are presented.…

A survey was administered to users of the New York State Library's microfiche catalog to determine their success and satisfaction in using the catalog and to examine characteristics of successful and satisfied microfiche catalog users. Usable questionnaires were obtained from 280 catalog users. Responses to selected items were weighted and summed…

Utilization of the card catalog in the main library (Sterling Memorial Library) of Yale University was studied over a period of more than a year. Traffic flow in the catalog was observed, and was used as the basis for scheduling interviews with a representative sample of catalog users at the moment of catalog use. More than 2000 interviews were…

Review of research on online public access catalogs sponsored by Council on Library Resources notes the scope and method (questionnaires administered to catalog users and nonusers in 29 participating institutions) and findings and applications (including organizational setting and computer system, catalog use and satisfaction, and implications).…