Research studied the activities of four special units set up by four Federal agencies to handle the diffusion and utilization of their respective research products. Comparative functional profiles of each unit were first developed and revised to constitute a consensus self-portrait. Next, data on the research utilization networks of two of the…

Bridging the gap between the research resources and field personnel becomes an increasingly important problem. This study investigated the impact of the Research Utilization Project (RUP) on public elementary schools in the District of Columbia. In the 16 schools selected by a multistage stratified sampling method, the total number of information…

Libraries should resist the temptation to relinquish to computing centers the burden of looking after the university's digital data record resources for a growing volume of intellectually important material will arrive at the university on digital data tapes. If the user must arrange for access to this material outside the library, he will be…

Designed to obtain information useful in developing state information dissemination systems, this study sought to determine the information gathering practices and needs of vocational educators and administrators. Insight into these practices and needs was accomplished through a questionnaire survey completed by 3,229 vocational-technical…

A review of demographic characteristics of the Lewis and Clark region of North Dakota indicated several obstacles to improved library service, including a large number of rural residents, a wide variety of people, and expected large scale development. Review of current library resources in the region showed that outside of Bismarck and Mandan they…

Reports the rationale, design, implementation, and results of an examination of the impact of online subject catalogs on users by comparing their behaviors before and after catalog installation. Evaluation criteria included volume of use, types of searches, use of other catalogs, search time, user satisfaction, and need for assistance. (CLB)

Describes the methodology and findings of a survey of 196 faculty members at an academic research library. Focusing on use of subject searches in card and online catalogs, the study compared use by faculty from the humanities and social sciences with use by faculty from the natural sciences and engineering. (Author/CLB)

Reports measures of the gains in search time and likelihood of success in known-item searches with the Acorn automated catalog at Vanderbilt University. User time and search success are valued in dollar terms to make the measures meaningful for system design choices. (Author/CLB)

Based on findings of a questionnaire sent to small and large high schools (enrollments of under 500 and over 1,000) and on visits to small high schools in rural areas, this article offers five specific suggestions for improving the use of correspondence study for high school students. (JHZ)

Responses to a survey of high school students indicate male adolecents had greater total exposure to and more positive attitudes toward computers than females; there were fewer gender differences in enrollment in computer classes other than programing; and, when computer experience was controlled for, females showed similar levels of interest.…

Reports results of a survey sent to business school graduates from the classes of 1977 and 1983 on their use of libraries both currently and as students. Areas covered include: use of monographs versus journals and use of online services, public and corporate libraries, loose-leaf services, and popular current reading. (EM)

Presents a framework for measuring the value of information from three perspectives--the reader of information, the organization or funder, and society--which is based on use studies of the Energy Data Base by Department of Energy researchers. (CLB)

Presents results from an exhaustive survey of Hertfordshire (England) primary schools which provides detailed information on microcomputer provision, classroom use, and headteachers' and teachers' aims and attitudes. An analysis of factors that influence microcomputer use is included. (Author/MBR)

Summarizes findings of a survey of selected members of the Association for Media and Technology in Education (Canada) to identify which instructional development field techniques they utilize and the extent of their use; presents conclusions concerning instructional development's state of the art in Canada; and discusses implications for future of…

Review of the literature on computer assisted instruction covers advantages of use; varieties; effectiveness variables including student achievement, learning time, and student attitudes; factors influencing computer assisted instruction adoption including costs, teacher training, and distribution; and interactive video. (MBR)