Discusses the use of evaluative techniques to measure outcomes that show the value and worth of librarians and library services. Highlights include quality improvement; evaluating quality; measuring concepts as opposed to concrete variables; meeting users' information needs; measuring intangibles; and measures from total quality management. (LRW)

Describes a study that examined the effects of life satisfaction and job satisfaction on reference librarians in public libraries. Results showed a moderate positive relationship between life satisfaction and job satisfaction, and practical implications for library directors, educators in the field of library and information science, and…

Provides a review of the existing research literature on youth services librarianship which encompasses all library services to children and young adults, ages zero to eighteen in school and public librarian settings, and suggests a research agenda for future scholars. (Contains 144 references.) (LRW)

Describes the development of the ResIDe Electronic Library at the University of the West of England, Bristol. Analyzes potential of the system to increase economy, efficiency and effectiveness in library services and relates it to how the needs of sponsors and students can be met. (Author/LRW)

Presents highlights of a survey conducted for the National Library of Canada to identify information needs of teacher- librarians. Questions included use of National Library services, information sought outside the school library, type of information school libraries were unable to locate, use of interlibrary loan, use and potential use of…

Describes a study that examined the use of electronic mail reference service in three library units at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Highlights include patron demographics, question classification, and use patterns; and recommendations for further research. (Author/LRW)

Examines library automation product introductions and conversions to new operating systems. Compares user satisfaction ratings of the following library software packages: DOS/Windows, UNIX, Macintosh, and DEC VAX/VMS. Software is rated according to documentation, service/support, training, product reliability, product capabilities, ease of use,…

Provides a framework of topics that should be covered by a policy manual on cooperative reference services. It is organized into sections on mission statement, administration, delivery of services, and evaluation of services, and is intended for use in conjunction with existing RASD (Reference and Adult Services Division) documents. (Author)

Discussion of equipment problems in libraries resulting from new technology, budget cuts, and loss of staff focuses on experiences at Alfred University (New York) where a team approach was developed to improve patron service, keep appropriate records, include student assistants, and improve organization. (LRW)

Explains conjoint analysis and its use in marketing research and describes an evaluation of reference services in academic libraries that used conjoint analysis to determine user preference regarding the importance of definitiveness of answer, waiting time, service time, number of items found, hours of available service, and cost. (Contains 13…

Discusses the use of the OCLC Authority File for answering reference questions. Contents of the authority file are described, including personal, corporate, conference, and geographic names, uniform titles, and subject headings; accessing the authority file is explained; searching strategies are discussed; and examples of authority records are…

Examines marketing literature for profit-oriented organizations and discusses how those principles can be applied to public library services for children. Topics addressed include children as a source of revenue; market research; product development; promotion; retailing; and implications for public libraries, including population trends and…

Reviews the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the library guides project, a customer service project at the New Canaan Library (Connecticut). Volunteers answered basic, single-component reference questions, allowing library professionals to give greater time and effort to more complex questions. (JMV)

Presents a summary of results from a study which developed a taxonomy for studying value-in-use of library and information services in corporations; 218 users from 10 corporations were interviewed after using a service from the special library. Provides suggestions for application of the taxonomy. (Author/AEF)

Examines economic and social indicators of our multiracial and multiethnic society to provide an information base for decision-making about effective library services. The statistical profile describes the demography, economic well-being, and educational attainment of principal racial and Hispanic origin groups. Data show progress has occurred,…