This study examines the role of the user study as a management tool in academic libraries and proposes a task-oriented survey method to estimate the library clientele's need for documents. Research on work and task-oriented information studies is discussed and applied to the development of a survey instrument. A case study employing the…

A MONTH LONG EXPERIMENT USING TELEFACSIMILE EQUIPMENT OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP A SET OF PROCEDURES FOR THE USE OF EQUIPMENT IN LIBRARIES AND TO ANALYZE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, THE NATURE OF THE DEMAND FOR THE SYSTEM, AND THE SYSTEM COST. FINDING GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE DESIGN OF SUCH SYSTEMS FOR COOPERATING LIBRARIES, COMPARING…

Research studies on communication in the sciences, social sciences, and technology published from 1964 through 1973 are listed in this bibliography. The 1,288 serially-numbered bibliographic items are subdivided into five broad headings: General, Structures of Communication, Discipline Oriented Studies, Communication Barriers, and Communication…

A survey of local history collections in Nebraska public libraries was made in an attempt to determine whether public libraries in that state were building local history collections; what items were being collected; and how collections were acquired, used, and promoted. The survey also attempted to ascertain if there was a demonstrable…

In a study conducted to compare the results of two methods of instruction for the use of periodical, book, and newspaper indexes, the traditional lecture approach and self-study guide were investigated. Two library science classes were divided into two groups, and then divided further according to sex and class status. A self-study guide was…

To identify the essential core of statistical data needed to plan improvements in library and information services in the United States, one must examine some recent trends in public administration methods and their potential applicability to the library field. Public administrators increasingly regard planning as a cycle: perception of needs,…

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the kinds of research that would be most suitable for community college faculty members and to illustrate these, where possible, from actual examples of ongoing research efforts, or, alternatively, from hypothetical examples. Some of the benefits and potential benefits in the area of student development,…

In the spring of 1973, a study was conducted of the interlibrary lending (ILL) process at the California State University and Colleges (CSUC) libraries. Twelve of the 19 CSUC campuses were involved in the study--four in northern California and eight in southern California, the latter already experimenting with telefacsimile interlibrary loan…

The purpose of the investigation is to identify an operationally viable research methodology for assessing the value derived from selected library services at Cranfield Institute (England) and to evaluate and comment on the costs of providing such value. Four population groups are critical in the development of the expected value of library…

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…