Reports results of a survey of library patrons which investigated: (1) reasons patrons choose the public library for popular nonprint materials; (2) whether patrons using the library for nonprint materials tend to use print materials during their visits; and (3) how use of nonprint materials affects patrons' perceptions of their libraries. (MES)

Describes a survey made in 1976 among the users of 35 patent libraries in the member countries of the European Community. Findings present sources of users, frequency of visits, types of users, and specific comments from users, including their willingness to pay for services. (Author/JD)

A survey was conducted of adult patrons leaving 70 Illinois public libraries on 1 day in April 1983 to determine patrons' success in using the library that day, their level of library usage in the past year, and what changes, if any, they would like to see in their local libraries. Responses were received from 62 (89%) of the libraries in the…

A patron questionnaire was used to collect data on why materials were not found. Reasons cited included inadequacy of user catalog skills, reluctance to ask for help, not always receiving help upon requesting it, and needed materials were frequently checked out. Programs to correct the problems are suggested. (JAB)

Observations on the causes of user frustration at Sears Library, Case Western Reserve University were done in 1972 and 1974. A method of analysis was developed that allows for the calculation of four independent probabilities indicating measures of performance of acquisitions policy, circulation policy, library operations and users. (Author/AP)

A survey was conducted in the undergraduate library at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to determine the availability rate of library materials. The results indicated that 53.8 percent of the titles searched were located on the shelves. Reasons for failure, recommendations for improvement, the questionnaire used, and data tables are…

Argues that, although research measuring library effectiveness has tended to equate effectiveness with user satisfaction, this approach is faulty for several reasons and calls for more in-depth user needs assessment studies. (LLS)

An investigation was made into the levels of user demands made upon the four libraries of the City of London Polytechnic, the degree of user satisfaction, and the kinds of services provided. An overall measure of library effectiveness was derived, and a series of 30 detailed observations covered: 1) basic statistics on the usage of the various…

A user survey was conducted at the Elmer Holmes Bobst Library and Study Center of New York University to collect specific data for resource planning after two and a half years of operation. A questionnaire given to a sample of students and faculty in each school provided data on library usage (how much and for what purpose), user satisfaction with…

Summarizes a 1984 survey of four presidential libraries which identified patterns of behavior within groups of researchers. Data were collected on user's academic, professional, or private affiliation; topics of study; advance preparation; and previous archival research. Findings show users of presidential libraries place high value on personal…

Describes suggestion box system used to elicit student feedback concerning the school library at Willets Road School, Roslyn Heights, New York. Sample suggestions and responses are noted. (EJS)

A survey designed to ascertain user expectations and satisfaction with interlibrary loan service was conducted in 1992 of a 20% sample of interlibrary loan users at Middleton Library of Louisiana State University. Findings indicated a high level of user satisfaction. (Author/JKP)

Describes use of the contingent valuation method, a survey technique, to estimate the economic value that patrons attached to reference-desk service in the Virginia Commonwealth University library. Argues that the appropriate measure of patron benefit from reference service includes use value and option value. (Author/LRW)

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,…

A project team was commissioned to gather information which could be used by the Reference Standards Committee of the American Library Association in their development of standards for library reference services. The metropolitan Atlanta area was selected because it includes in an accessible geographical area the entire range of types of…