Proposes and investigates feasibility of using three new variables in addition to simple activity counts in measuring reference services: (1) user questioning regardless of where activity occurs; (2) treating individual user and question as unit of analysis; and (3) examination of questioning in context of other library use. (11 references) (EJS)

This essay suggests several criteria by which academic libraries' standards and processes might be judged: appraisal of interinstitutional cooperation, acceptance of new technologies, preservation of materials, role of library in total educational process, involvement of librarians in general unversity governance, and role of faculty users in…

Five performance measures suggested for use in public libraries are discussed in relation to corporate information centers: corporate awareness of library services; clients as percentage of jurisdiction population; reference transactions per capita; reference fill rate; timeliness of information delivery. Planning and survey questionnaires for…

Profiles of medium-sized technical libraries serving the power industry highlight user groups and staffing; library size, holdings, and facilities; library services; use of modern and innovative methods, and outside resources; correlation between number of users and selected other characteristics; correlation of library characteristics with…

Presents overview of developments that have taken place in academic libraries in Iraq and their potential for fulfilling academic community needs. Highlights include educational system, library education, library systems, staff and their status, library services and orientation, library council, library cooperation, professional associations, and…

Forecasts of the future of the public library highlight measures of success (quick information provision); service to remote users; an information infrastructure which includes smaller branch libraries; levels of service based on staff time required; fee-based, interactive research services; a new job title of "information specialist"; and book…

Provides list of 281 English language works (journal articles, chapters of books, pamphlets, monographs, reference tools, dissertations, conference papers and proceedings) produced from the mid-1970s to mid-1980s on the provision of library services to groups that have been traditionally underserved or not served at all. An author index is…

Use of online bibliographic databases as ready-reference sources was evaluated in five-month study at three reference areas in University of Arizona Library. Equipment and training requirements were analyzed, and statistics were collected on databases searched, costs per search, question type, and patron and staff reactions. Ready-reference…

Describes some of the most active school library programs for introducing elementary and secondary school students to online searching. Highlights include searches performed by librarians and students; skills acquired by students (search strategy, choosing appropriate databases, accessing information online); frequently searched databases; and…

Presents results of survey of 64 Illinois academic institutions which was conducted to determine library use of nonprofessionals at the reference/information desk. Characteristics of nonprofessionals, use patterns and desk hours staffed by nonprofessionals, referral and training, and trends for desk staffing are discussed. (Eight references are…

Offers a definition of visual literacy and outlines ideas for library activities that could help adults or students develop visual skills, highlighting materials, hardware, software, and programs. An annotated list of 59 print and nonprint resources (films, kits, books, teacher resources) is included. (EJS)

A study undertaken to determine extent and range of resources available to libraries of Nigerian Federal Government research institutes in the field of applied sciences reveals that these libraries do not have sufficient resources to function effectively since their buildings, collections, and staffing levels are all inadequate. (8 references)…

This fourth installment in five-lesson tutorial on library evaluation focuses on evaluation of library programs (short-lived activities designed to meet specific needs). Highlights include seven steps in planning cycle and sample programs (reducing library noise, long-term effects of library-use instruction). Five required and suggested readings…

This history of the Library of the Deutsches Museum (Munich, Germany) covers the library's situation at end of the nineteenth century, library collections and buildings, use of the library for research, the rare book collection, and service statistics. Library director, collection and staff size, and main subjects collected are included. (EJS)

Consists of an analysis of the data obtained in a recent survey of the libraries of 26 less known museums which emphasize some aspect of science and technology. Data discussed include staff size, collection size, subject specialties, interlibrary loan participation, online search activity, and memberships in consortia or networks. (Author/EJS)