This study is concerned with the importance of historical method in library and information science research. The research conducted in this study specifically examined library and information science doctoral dissertations written between 1984-1999. The study of the "Digital Dissertations" database found that only eight to seventeen percent of…

As a substitute for the conventional term papers, this project was designed to help freshmen learn to pick and analyze a specific topic within a given subject field, to develop the ability to find printed source material and knowledgeable people in the subject, and to evaluate their source material objectively. (Author/SN)

Article describes the easy acquisition of books and information through the use of a computerized library system at Ohio State University. (Author/RK)

In professional training of librarians, mathematical modeling can be useful in relatively sophisticated library management games if the models simulate the provision and use of library services. (33 references) (MM)

Education majors are shown how to utilize library resources. (MF)

A sample of library-output statistics measuring circulation, reference, and in-library use was collected from 76 libraries and tested for redundancy, correlation, and variation using time-series analysis to test the Relative Fidelity of Measurement Model (RFM). The 275 sample statistics correlated in an unpredicted pattern. Twenty-three sources…

Presents the results of a study on data collection instruments, specifically questionnaires, used by libraries in evaluating resource use and institutional effectiveness. A number of causes for inconsistent survey results are identified and problems with imprecision in survey question terminology are discussed. (JL)

Describes a method for estimating the number of cathode ray tube terminals needed for public use of an online library catalog. Authors claim method could also be used to estimate needed numbers of microform readers for a computer output microform (COM) catalog. Formulae are included. (Author/JD)

This in-depth report discusses findings from a survey of academic, public, and special libraries to determine the effects of budgetary curtailments on acquisition and retention policies for scholarly journals. Effects of budget reallocation, library efforts to alleviate economic pressures, and borrowing/lending activities are described. The…

Discusses what librarians have written about futures research and examines the application of various methods of such research in librarianship. An extensive bibliography is included. (CHC)

Explains use of the Citation Index in writing term papers by assigning an older publication as a starting point in a literature search. By reading the original research report and following its subsequent use by other researchers, the student discovers the impact of the original research. (CS)

A survey at the University at Albany (New York) on user satisfaction with reference services gathered information on behavioral characteristics of librarians: interest, confidence, friendliness, and enthusiasm, as well as on patron comfort and overall satisfaction. Analysis of the data (n=100) indicates that user satisfaction depends on more than…

Discusses results of a Web survey on the use of Spanish language subject headings in local academic library catalogs. Indicates that, while few libraries assign such headings locally, many retain and display them in the catalog when they are provided through copy cataloging records. (Author/LRW)

Describes the economic impacts and benefits received from public libraries in Florida, indicating that public libraries make a significant contribution to the economic development of the state. Discusses taxpayer funding, budget cuts, and determining economic impacts from taxpayer investments; and presents a framework for further studies.…