Findings from informetric research represent an important background resource to add to the mix of information useful for resolving difficult and ongoing problems in specific library environments or information service settings. This paper provides examples of informetric research that can be useful input to decision-making in the field of library…

The impacts of technology upon traditional library resources are sometimes unexpected. The library at California's University of the Pacific discovered that usage of print materials was dwindling, even though the addition of a 50-station "Information Commons" had bolstered overall library use. At first it was anticipated that the…

The MIT Libraries enthusiastically implemented real-time online reference service in September 2001. After 15 months, Ask Us!--Live was suspended due to ongoing software problems. This article describes the four-part assessment of the service with recommendations for the future. (Contains 6 figures and 21 notes.)

Describes the National Coordinated Cataloging Program, a formal system in which selected research libraries follow agreed-upon practices for creating national-level bibliographic records. The aims and assumptions of the program, initial considerations for implementation, and the pilot project scheduled to begin in 1988 are discussed. (MES)

Since Google announced its initiative to digitize all, or major portions, of the book collections in select research libraries, the author of this article has struggled to figure out what to think of it. This article briefly shares the authors' opinions and thoughts on Googles new initiative.

In 2005, the Library at UNSW began a comprehensive restructuring process that fundamentally changed the provision of services to its academic community. A primary aim of this process was to increase flexibility of service development and delivery and so to improve research support. The motivation for reformed services arose from considerations…

This study analyzed reference lists in a large number of master's and doctoral theses in a university library of psychology and education sciences. It compared citation counts to other indicators of the use of periodicals. The usefulness and limitations of these statistics are discussed in relation to decision-making in subscriptions' management.…

A 2007 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) survey indicates that research libraries are rapidly developing publishing services: 65 percent of 80 responding ARL member libraries currently deliver or are in processing of planning these services. Established journal titles dominate this emerging publishing sector and are the main drivers of…

Two science branch libraries at Penn State's University Park campus hosted film series centered on scientific documentary films. Although the reasons for starting the series differ, both have been successful in meeting their goals. Patron responses have been favorable, and the series have focused attention on the collections and services offered…

This article maps the Association of College and Research Libraries' Information Competency Standards for Higher Education to the cognitive development levels developed by William G. Perry and Patricia King and Karen Kitchener to suggest which competencies are appropriate for which level of cognitive development. (Contains 1 table.)

Introduction: This study investigated unmonitored referrals in a nationwide, collaborative chat reference service. Specifically, it examined the extent to which questions are referred, the types of questions that are more likely to be referred than others, and the level of user satisfaction with the referrals in the collaborative chat reference…

Four papers prepared under the Robert Vosper Fellowship Program of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and delivered at the 1992 annual meeting are presented. "International Cooperation in the Field of Name Authority Data: Observations and Recommendations" (Francoise Bourdon) presents an early…

This report describes a study to investigate the improved efficiency and effectiveness of prison library provision in England and Wales, through the development and validation of relevant performance indicators to be used as part of quality assurance programs. Prison libraries perform important educational, rehabilitative, and recreational…

This book provides current coverage of the present state of libraries and publishing in the United States and abroad. It has almost 1,000 entries and is divided into two sections. The first section is an alphabetical listing of countries from around the world. Each entry provides data about the political and economic condition of the country,…

This paper reports on a study conducted to assist the Wadsworth Public Library in future planning and refining of services to older adults especially in library outreach. A questionnaire was distributed to residents (n=350) of one nursing home, four apartment complexes for seniors, one assisted living complex, one senior center, and any patrons…