The first phase of an ongoing library automation project at Stanford University is described. Project BALLOTS (Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations Using a Time-Sharing System) seeks to automate the acquisition and cataloging functions of a large library using an on-line time-sharing computer. The main objectives are to control…

A design for a nationwide system of library statistics is provided along with specific recommendations for its structure and development. The proposed system depends upon a much more active role of the states and upon the input of research, interaction of advisory groups, inservice training, and relatively small amounts of money at strategic…

Problems in indexing library and information science literature occur because of the speed of introduction of new terms, the nature of class headings, and the uncertain terminology of the field. Vocabulary control requires control over the concepts selected (the depth of indexing), the form of expression of concepts and the syndetic apparatus of…

This study examines the actual and the desired performance of school librarians in areas of planning, accessing networks, instructional and curriculum development, and production of learning resources. A questionnaire based on the 1976 certification requirements for Texas learning resources specialists was constructed as the survey instrument.…

Describes the use of library surveys as a tool for library planning in the United States from the late 19th century to the present. Different eras of library planning in the United States are identified, and the weaknesses and strengths of the survey method are discussed. (CLB)

Describes a study undertaken by San Jose State University of business-related ready reference searches done at that library. The results suggest that within certain restrictions of patron questions, librarian training, search cost, and the database, ready reference online searches can be the most cost effective approach to providing business…

Reports on a national study of the cooperative efforts undertaken by community college learning resource centers with other area libraries and non-library agencies. Focuses on kinds and extent of cooperative activities, and types of cooperating organizations. Explores relationships between selected institutional characteristics and cooperative…

Standard collection evaluation techniques appear to receive varying amounts of emphasis from one type of library to another. Differences in choice of technique arise from differing evaluation objectives, and choice of questions to be answered is determined by purpose(s) of library and additional factors (i.e., governance, clientele, size). (97…

Organizational change and technological developments have impacted community college library staffing. Every job description at every level requires some degree of computer expertise. Many libraries have developed new computer-related positions, while other libraries have incorporated these responsibilities into existing staff positions.…

Suggests that the continued effectiveness of microformat library tools depends upon quality standards in the design of micropublications, the facilities in which they are used, and the reading/printing equipment they are used on. The "ideal" features of microform tools are described and a 131-entry reference list is included. (Author/JL)

Examines the basic components of research as they apply to the school library media field. Problems involved in conducting research, synthesizing and evaluating research efforts, and disseminating research results are discussed. A checklist and bibliography of research reviews in the school library field and a 42-item reference list are included.…

Evaluates the validity of using circulation data as the index to the total utilization of a library collection and tests the hypothesis that the proposed mixture of Poisson distributions can describe and predict various use distribution. Seven statistical analysis listings, six algorithms, 20 tables, and 43 references are provided. (Author/RBF)

The challenges to education for librarianship and information science are numerous and great: technology, research, expanding curricula to address problems of special constituencies, and recruiting committed individuals. Changes are occurring rapidly, and practitioners and educators must work together to ensure the challenges are met. Thirteen…

The average age of students at Governors State University (GSU) in Illinois is 36. A study of 50 nontraditional graduate students at GSU examined their perceptions of their library research skills. This article reports on the survey findings, discusses older students and library automation, and makes recommendations for future nontraditional…

Discusses Web site management, rather than design, as it relates to academic libraries. Reviews library literature as well as literature from other fields and presents results from four case studies that investigated staffing, professional rivalries, governing structure, usability studies, staff tool versus public resource, maintenance, and…