"ARL Statistics 1997-98" is part of a series of annual publications that describe collections, staffing, expenditures, and service activities for the 122 member libraries of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). The first section of the report includes several illustrative charts and discusses service trends (1991-1998); the…

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit and Flyer reports results of a survey that examined how ARL (Association of Research Libraries) member libraries have organized the licensing of electronic products and how they approach the associated problems. Forty-four of the 122 ARL member libraries responded to the survey. Results are…

Phase one of the Effective College Library research project, conducted between July 1995 and March 1996, entailed a review of evidence about library support for teaching and learning in further education. The results are detailed in this report. Questionnaires focusing on innovative practices were distributed to all 453 Further Education (FE)…

Includes articles on the use of online databases for historical research, machine readable data sources for historical research, the librarian-historian interface in reference service, and a sampler of databases for searches in history as well as a selected list of guides to history databases and data archives. (JL)

Recounts the history of the Research Libraries Group (RLG) and Stanford University's involvement in it, with an account of the problems that developed with the system, particularly several computer failures which almost spelled the end of the network. The comments of key figures in the RLG story are included. (JL)

Considers several systems automating local departmental-based data facilities. Describes design and implementation of a simple system. Concludes by reflecting on changes needed in the system. (Author/CK)

Compares interlibrary loan data from a 1995 survey of Greater Midwest Research Library Consortium and Association of Research Libraries members with a 1989 survey. Shows an increase in transaction to staff ratio and a negative correlation between transaction to staff ratio and lending fill rate. Relates factors affecting productivity, such as…

Compares the results of an interlibrary loan (ILL) user satisfaction survey conducted among the Greater Midwest Research Library Consortium members with institution-specific data from Iowa State University and University of Arkansas. Discusses contrasts in policies in light of results that show significant differences in supplier charges per…

Shared knowledge, while not a new concept, is receiving new emphasis in a global society. National and other research libraries can fruitfully collaborate to maximize the public value of their materials. The partnership of the British Library with the Harry Ransom Center (University of Texas at Austin) is one example of this. (Author)

Most of 814 academic libraries surveyed allow onsite access to unaffiliated users, and many give borrowing privileges to certain categories of users. Use of library computers to access library resources and other computer applications is commonly allowed although authentication on library computers is increasing. Five tables show statistics.…

Presents data on number of volumes, volumes added in 1995-96, current serials, permanent staff, and total expenditures of university and non-university research libraries in the United States and Canada. Also charts operating expenditure percentages for salaries, books and monographs, serials, and other materials and expenses. (MSE)

Offers advice for ways in which librarians can help library patrons when online catalogs are down. Suggests using WorldCat, calling on other libraries, and employing various reference sources, such as Balay's Guide to Reference Books and the telephone. (Contains 6 references.) (NB)

Describes the establishment of a small, full-service branch library at a Palomar College (California) library branch. Addresses some of the problems encountered and offers general advice on establishing a successful academic branch library, including maintaining relations with the "mother library." (Contains 6 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Describes JSTOR, a non-profit organization that creates, maintains, and provides online access to important scholarly journals. States that the JSTOR archive contains the complete back-runs of 169 journals and is available at more than 1,100 libraries across the world. (NB)

Describes the process of space programming at Yavapai College's (Arizona) new library, focusing on the number of public access computers that would be needed. Discusses results from an assessment survey of 23 community colleges, which provided Yavapai with a benchmark ratio of full-time equivalent (FTE) students to library computers (94:1). (NB)