Using a set of scenarios derived from actual evaluation studies, this simulation study examines the reported influence of evaluation information on decision makers' potential actions. Each scenario described a context where one of three types of evaluation information (large-scale study data, case study data, or anecdotal accounts) is presented…

The main concern is with identifying exemplar user need studies and discussing the possible value of their methodology for a broader range of library services. (Author/MF)

The relationships between factors of knowledge utilization and implementation of treatment innovations in mental health agencies following consultation are discussed. Agencies adopting the procedures report values and philosophies similar to those embodied in the innovation; more accurate information about the new procedures; stronger need for…

The first of two reports in this document details the use of a trial teletext service in residential Washington, D.C. during the second half of 1981. It is emphasized that caution must be exercised in interpreting the results since the trial was designed as a pilot with a sample of only 40 households. In addition, there were significant technical…

Business students have little skill in using the academic library. The importance of information in today's business world make it imperitive that this handicap be overcome. In a recent survey 77 percent of post graduates polled favored a formal course in library use. (4 references) (Author/DH)

Data from this empirical study support belief that managers of high users of information give more encouragement for information use. Most important forms of influence are encouragement of interpersonal contacts outside organization, and personal interest in specific pieces of information (as shown in routings, personal example, and assignments).…

Explores the implications of articulating the bridges that are built, usually implicitly, between metatheory and method, and between these and their ultimate interests, the doing of research; the purpose is to articulate the uses of methodology. Suggests that there is lacking a vocabulary for talking about methodology which attends to the…

This review takes a critical approach in summarizing and evaluating the methodology and scope of catalog use studies, with emphasis on the subject approach to card catalog searching. Subject access is defined in this report; however, the process of subject searching, described repeatedly in library literature, has been based upon common sense…

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.…

This report presents the results of a survey of Digital Library Federation members that examined the kinds of assessments they were conducting, what they did with the results, and what worked well or not so well. The first section of the report is an introduction that describes the report structure and summarizes challenges in assessment. The…

Reports study of communication patterns of students and faculty in Psychology department at Georgia State University. Topics covered include pertinence of Garvey's model of information dissemination, methods of information exchange, practicing clinicians and research, research requirements for students, library use among graduate students, and…

The study was undertaken to identify the kinds of information that the Oklahoma public wants about vocational education. Two data collection methodologies were used, the Delphi Technique and task force procedure. Participants were 240 volunteers from a statewide master list of 653 persons selected as representative. After four meetings the task…

Fifty women enrolled in an urban Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program were interviewed about their use of the mass media and the public library for useful information, preferences in the use of mass media, and their attitudes about source credibility. A 23-item interview guide is appended. (25 references) (EJS)

Results of survey studying information gathering habits of forestry research scientists in Nigeria indicate that: most consult two or more information sources; organizational libraries and literature are major sources of scientific information; and accessibility, convenience, reliability, ease of use, and language are key factors in choosing…

Describes results of a field study where 74 people were interviewed about their experience with using either an electronic or a printed version of a brief project description. The popular belief that electronic information systems are more efficient was not confirmed. Methodological problems of comparative media studies are discussed. (Author/LRW))