Demonstrates the need for objective, quantitative measurements of children's services in the public library, lists objectives for these services, and describes the mode of research best suited to the task. Library schools are urged to work with practitioners in the field to build a body of research for the future. (JVP)

The Molesworth Institute conducted a year long experiment on the shelving practices of two academic libraries of comparable size, with similar user populations. Results show that the practice of leaving the middle two shelves empty for future expansion cannot be recommended. Measurements include accumulation of dirt; usage; and incidents of…

A brief account of an experimental workshop for students at Glasgow College of Technology on the use of Biological Literature is presented, together with an assessment of participants' reactions. The most novel feature of the workshop was its emphasis on self-teaching. (Author/MA)

The literature of bibliometrics suggests that the results of bibliometric studies can be of practical use in libraries by providing a scientific basis for collection management decisions. Reports on the application of these studies are virtually nonexistent and a number of reasons for this are suggested. (EM)

Based on data from two experiments, this article attempts to assess degree to which people differ in interpretations of questions referring to library services and the implications for interpreting survey results. Sources of error in questionnaire research--sampling, response (question interpretation, response decision, category choices)--are…

Discusses three major motivations for in-house library research--planning, problem solving, and staff development--in terms of the functions and responsibilities of library management. Ten stages in a research project are identified and management contribution to each is described. It is concluded that the role of management is critical.…

Barriers to research in library schools are identified; and some alternative means of eliminating or lessening the barriers are considered. (Author)

A report of several comparisons designed to measure the retrieval effectiveness of machined-aided indexing and manual indexing. (Author)

Eleven issues of "Fast Facts" from the Library Research Service cover information from libraries across Colorado. These issues focus on topics from the public, academic, and school sectors. These topics include patron use of AskColorado (a statewide virtual reference service) and the rising use of online services. The "Fast…

Statistics that pertain to article use and individual user satisfaction should be weighed in determining library journal holdings. Separate article use/user satisfaction relationships must be developed for each discipline and library population. (NH)

The main concern is with identifying exemplar user need studies and discussing the possible value of their methodology for a broader range of library services. (Author/MF)

Business education students need courses to teach them how to effectively use the business library.

Seventy-two libraries participated in the development of a cost model for library catalogs, considered alternate forms of catalogs (including various combinations of card, computer output microfilm, and online), and prepared input data for computer runs to arrive at costs. Card catalogs appeared to be the least costly. (FM)

This simulated interaction between a human and a microcomputer is presented as an example of one way in which a computer could be used to report data and results from research studies on particular topics in school librarianship. A brief discussion of the example is included. (JL)

Discusses the nature of locally based research, demonstrates its relevance to the concerns of school library media specialists, and outlines the phases and steps involved in conducting locally based research. Resources for, and benefits of, locally based research are also discussed. A 15-item reference list is included. (JL)