A low cost approach to measuring materials availability in small- or medium-sized libraries using an interview questionnaire is described in detail, along with an application of this approach. A rationale for using this method is provided, as well as guidelines for conducting such a survey. Facts of the study are discussed, including objectives,…

Arguing that complaints are inevitable and that complaint handling should be an integral part of the library's public service program, this paper identifies and discusses the components of such a program. Concerns discussed are those that should be of general interest to all types of libraries, and the primary focus is on external complaints,…

Explores ethical issues for online searchers that are exacerbated by the searcher's gatekeeper function--searcher competence, searcher bias, inaccurate search results, misuse of search results by client, and privacy and confidentiality. A model for ethical decision making is presented and a list of guidelines for ethical conduct is suggested. (EJS)

Presents W. Edwards Deming's Total Quality Management method and advocates its adoption in libraries. The 14 points that form the basis of Deming's philosophy are discussed in the context of the library setting. A flow chart of the reference process and user survey questions are included. (MES)

Noting that the availability of quality records online and keyword search capabilities of online catalogs are reshaping the debate on whether or not to catalog federal publications, this article reviews previous arguments, discusses conditions redefining them, and proposes partial guidelines for reevaluating current U.S. depository cataloging…

Describes the implementation of an electronic mail system at the University of Calgary Libraries, and reports the results of a survey that examined user satisfaction with the system and usage patterns by library staff. Suggestions for the successful implementation of electronic mail systems are offered. (CLB)

Three problems in online searching in women's studies are type of indexing, database quality, and adequacy of coverage. Results of a recent study show there is significant end-user satisfaction and the searches done are described in order to promote greater and more effective use of online retrieval in women's studies. (Author/EM)

The ABCs of financing church and synagogue libraries are presented in this guide as Acquiring Funds, Budgeting, and Cash Accounting. Acquiring funds and the basic means needed to start a library are described, including resources such as books, shelves, office supplies, and financial resources; ideas and methods are presented for soliciting both…

Describes the role of computer record keeping in collection management and development of centralized film libraries serving school districts and demonstrates the ability of computers to gather and manipulate collection data that enable film managers to replace, expand, and duplicate materials according to user needs. (CDD)

In mid-1985, researchers contacted librarians at 23 United States and Canadian universities to determine what end-user activities were taking place with the involvement and cooperation of the library. Although most of those contacted were members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), a few non-ARL libraries known to have active end-user…

This study provides a model for assessing the library instructional needs of students in a selected scientific discipline, developing a program to meet those needs, and evaluating the results. Library research study units, which were integrated into an undergraduate course in the wildlife division, were presented in four 1-hour class sessions.…