An important part of reference services is the quality of print and electronic resources; information needs and behaviors of humanists must be considered as tools are designed for the humanities. Reviews studies of the research habits of humanists; discusses work habits, library use, design of access and indexing systems, and electronic resources.…

This summary synthesizes the findings of 11 doctoral dissertations into the following statement: "Regional educational media centers can improve quality of instruction but many teachers are unaware of the resources and services available to them." Comments on the findings are included as well as citations for the dissertations. (11 references)…

Reports on a survey on use of content-free software (i.e., word processing, desktop publishing, database management, spreadsheets, statistics, and computer-aided design) by secondary school teachers in South Wales. Data are presented on computer resources, staff training, level of awareness, and utilization by grade and subject taught. (seven…

Discussion of allocation of library acquisitions budgets, especially for monographs, focuses on the proportional use statistic (i.e., a value that compares circulation and holdings in a subject area). Topics addressed include economics; benefits that libraries provide; use of the collection by patrons; computers as aids to resource allocation;…

Explores the dynamics of information system use to understand the requirements of intelligent information systems. Highlights include the novice/expert distinction and the development of skills from novice to expert; methods for understanding dynamics; and a study of elementary school children's use of an online public access catalog in grades…

This study analyzed CD-ROM searches in five science and engineering databases in an academic library. Results indicated that users were usually able to obtain results and print records but that few used more sophisticated techniques to refine their searches. It was concluded that instruction in CD-ROM database searching should be a high priority.…

Reports results of 1990 study that examined user satisfaction with OPACs (online public access catalogs) at 5 Ontario universities through interviews with 2,916 students and faculty members. Data on OPAC and computer experience, learning methods, and the effects of several variables on satisfaction are analyzed for the entire sample and for each…

Survey of science faculty at Arizona State University and Washington State University on interlibrary loan (ILL) usage revealed a need for journals unavailable in the university library but a tendency to bypass ILL to obtain them. More efficient document delivery services are needed if subscriptions are canceled. (21 references) (LAE)

Describes a survey of CD-ROM users at the Pennsylvania State University library that was conducted to determine who the users were, which systems were most popular, how patrons perceived help available to them, and what types of instruction they wanted. Suggestions for improvements in service were also requested. (15 references) (LRW)

Describes a study of 13 techniques used to collect data from media centers in 11 schools on the school library media specialist's involvement in instructional consulting; student use of media programs; percentage of students that come to the center. Seven survey forms are reproduced and data collected from participating schools are given. (14…

Compares public library use surveys conducted in 1948 by the American Library Association and in 1991 by the National Center for Education Statistics. Results indicate that public library use by both adults and children has risen dramatically, but library use by minorities and low income adults has changed very little. (KRN)

Analysis of data from the management systems of San Francisco and Santa Clara counties (California) reveals ethnic differences among 26,708 public mental health service users. Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans used less emergency and inpatient, but more outpatient, care than whites. Blacks used more emergency and less outpatient care. (SLD)

Offers a model for choosing among CD-ROM, end user access, mediated online searching, or locally mounted files as alternatives for extending online catalogs and replacing printed indexes. Estimates of demand and comparisons of costs made at Trinity and Clemson Universities provide a quantitative framework for selection. (Contains four references.)…

Describes an evaluation of a CD-ROM wide-area network at the University of Pittsburgh libraries. Reference staff were interviewed on their use of and satisfaction with the network; student assistants were asked about the type and amount of user assistance they provide; and users were surveyed. Suggestions for future enhancements are offered.…

Describes study conducted at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto that investigated graduate education students' use of audio conferencing (AC) in distance education. Evaluation results of student questionnaires are discussed, including effects of absence of visual cues; student attitudes; and role of…