Discusses results of a survey of gender factors in library resource use at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria (Africa). Highlights include reasons for library use, how library materials are located, materials consulted, relevance of library materials to information needs, frequency of use, and factors inhibiting effective use of the library.…

Discusses the process that University of the Pacific Library developed to assess the impact of classroom and online bibliographic instruction on first-year students' information skills and self-confidence. Describes the planning process, selection of different types of assessment devices, and the results of their implementation. (LRW)

Describes the development and application of a structural equation model, which allows librarians to qualitatively measure library users' perceived quality, satisfaction, and loyalty with a library and the degree to which elements of library services, collections and environments contribute to perceptions. Reports results of a survey of users at…

Examines the short-term effects of online availability on the use of print chemistry journals based on a study at Duke University Chemistry Library. Discusses results that showed a diminished use of the print collection and considers implications for collection management in scientific and technical libraries. (Author/LRW)

Presents four challenges faced by libraries and proposes research designs to address each of them. The challenges involve: invisible infrastructure; content and collections; preservation and access; and institutional boundaries. Proposes a mixture of research methods that includes surveys, case studies, documentary analyses, and policy analyses.…

Describes a computer use survey that investigated users' search behavior in an academic library, specifically how they approached their research needs using online resources. Discusses the variety of sources accessed, requests for assistance, and satisfaction with results; concludes that searches are not always effective; and considers how to…

Discussion of the activities of academic libraries focuses on a survey of 27 English-speaking West African university libraries. The effects of technology are discussed, activities in West African university libraries are compared with activities in other African countries, and implications for West African librarians are suggested. (12…

Discussion of methods for gathering journal use information in academic libraries (for retention decisions) highlights an 8.4-year time-series of weekly library journal pickup data. Use of the autocorrelation function, spectral analysis, and intervention analysis is described.(LRW)

Describes the development of a gravity model based upon principles of spatial interaction to predict the circulation of libraries in the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (Indiana). The model effectively predicted past circulation figures and was tested by predicting future library circulation, particularly for a new branch library.…

Discusses Auburn University's Library Research Committee which supports library research, writing, and other scholarly activities by providing advice on and review of research proposals; editorial guidance; sponsorship of research seminars and symposia; identification and purchase of computer resources; and dissemination of information about…

Identifies and documents the economic costs of faculty status for academic librarians. Costs include travel expenses for conferences, resources for writing papers and sending surveys, and other research. Encourages campus and library managers to employ economic principles as a methodology by which to analyze their institutions. (Author/AEF)

Reports results of a study that used an online survey, focus groups, and logs of telnet connections to examine Internet use when accessed through the University of Toronto Library (Canada). Discusses needs of Internet users and reveals patterns of Internet use. An appendix contains the online survey. (JMV)

Discusses library use studies that examined library catalog search failures and demonstrates types of online catalog access that can reduce the failures caused by card catalog flaws or by user search errors by half. The use of single keyword, implied Boolean, or derived truncated key retrieval is suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

This bibliography lists 474 items published worldwide under 13 major headings: Bibliographies; Research; General Items (Universal and Individual Regions and Countries); Comparative Studies; Library and Information Science Schools and Departments; Professional Qualifications; Career Development; Continuing Education; Training; Role of Associations…

Seven articles discuss aspects of transaction log analysis, including introduction and definitions; history and development; components of an ideal logging facility; research methodologies; applications to a variety of library functions; practical and logical limits of the methodology; and future developments needed to enhance successful use of…