Reports the methodology and conclusions of a study that examined the research skills of graduate students by analyzing the bibliographies of over 600 master's theses. Presented by academic department, the results include the type of formats used (books, periodicals, etc.), currentness of citations, and possible source of indexing for the journals.…

Defines mechanical and expert selection of library materials and investigates the usefulness of mechanical selection in three test cases involving popular novels, German literature, and contemporary poetry. The cost of mechanical selection is examined and more quantification in selection practice is recommended. Data are presented in eight tables,…

The first of a two-part series covers research published since 1970 that is directly relevant to interlibrary loan in the United States, with emphasis on studies of total volume, growth rate, nature of exchange relationships, characteristics of requests and types of material requested, users and uses, and financing. (47 references) (EJS)

This discussion of the measurement of performance criteria and desired or acceptable level of achievement focuses on the performance criteria used for the evaluation of interlibrary services (success rate, turnaround time, cost, and impact of service). Document delivery, communication, and interlibrary loan research are covered. Fifty references…

This review of the transition from library card catalogs to online public access catalogs (OPAC) (1981-1982) discusses methods employed by online catalog use studies (self-administered questionnaires, OPAC transaction logs, focused-group interviews, feature analysis, online search and retrieval experiments) and new directions for OPAC research…

This paper examines the elements of user studies and presents them as unified concepts within a model of information-seeking behavior. Definitions of information-seeking behavior, information needs, information gathering, information giving, and source preference are discussed. Thirty-two references are cited. (EJS)

Evaluating library collections by comparing them to bibliographies has a long history in research libraries. This evaluative study examined all 107 titles within the "Women in Botany" section of the Herbarium Library at The Ohio State University (OSU). The Herbarium is not part of the OSU Library system, but functions as a satellite to…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) Kit reports on eight Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members that were interviewed in July and August 1997 about how they have addressed the results of user surveys conducted between 1992 and 1995. Although libraries have recognized the importance of user surveys, sometimes the surveys get…

Describes a study undertaken to determine the effect of teacher-utilization of media center resources in teaching upon student use of media center materials. The methodology and findings of the study are reviewed, a set of conclusions is presented, and sources for further study of experimental research are provided. (JL)

Describes a program developed to expose college chemistry students to some of the more modern information retrieval tools, as computerized online databases. Following classroom lectures and discussions, students individually develop a search statement relevant to their own research needs and run it in the Chemical Abstracts files. (BT)

A study of five Texas academic libraries provided information on OPAC use by Korean college students to assist system managers select OPACs. The study determined that academic level and age influence preference for the type of OPAC system, that more specific search instructions are needed, and that system menus were the most commonly used source…

Analyzes the level of publishing productivity of faculty at 94 institutions with membership in the Association of Research Libraries using three citation indexes for 1991-93. Ranks members by number and per capita publications and finds no significant relationship between publishing measures and other variables: volumes, materials and total…

Analyzes the effects of human capital, institutional, and personal factors on earnings of library faculty with a master of library science degree employed by the University System of Georgia. Finds that earnings increase with experience, position, and higher academic rank; that gender discrimination is absent; and that intellectual contributions…

Compared research papers before and after implementation of an inquiry-based library instruction program at the University of New Mexico to asses the program's effectiveness and consider its future development. Discusses increased collaboration between the library and the English department and suggests more training for instructors and greater…

Presents eight articles that discuss research on libraries and librarianship; number of libraries in the U.S. and Canada; highlights of NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) surveys; library acquisition expenditures; budgets; price indexes; library buildings construction; and expenditures for school library media center resources. (LRW)