This discussion of experimental information retrieval focuses on the mathematical and statistical skills needed by students in librarianship and information studies. Theoretical approaches to document representation, query representation, database searching, and evaluation are reviewed, and changes in library schools' curriculum are suggested.…

Summarizes findings of library research according to specific areas of library skill and, where appropriate, school level investigated (elementary, secondary, or post-secondary). Implications of studies for present practice and future research are discussed from perspective of school districts, building-level library media specialists, and library…

This submission presents twelve issues of Fast Facts from the Library Research Service covering various aspects of Colorado libraries. Each issue focuses on statistics related to academic, public, and/or school libraries. Titles include: Colorado Public Libraries and the 2004 November Elections; Pricing Trends for Public Library Print Materials;…

Survey data for the 1996 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Academic Libraries report are organized in tables according to sector (public or private) and by governing board. In addition to statistics for each library, summary figures for boards and sectors are included. FTE (full-time equivalency) Student Enrollment and…

A thorough understanding of the uses and applications of statistical techniques is integral in gaining support for library funding or new initiatives. This resource is designed to help practitioners develop and manipulate descriptive statistical information in evaluating library services, tracking and controlling limited resources, and analyzing…

Develops Glaser and Strauss' (1967) suggestion that fieldwork techniques may be successfully adapted for content analysis research. Discusses relative advantages of literature and traditional fieldwork sites, and initial stages of doing fieldwork at literature sites; demonstrates method used through an evaluation of the hypothesis that prejudice…

Examines the role of school libraries in Sierra Leone's (Africa) educational system and the problems affecting their development. Discusses the need for materials to support teaching activities; sociological factors; teachers' and students' information needs; current trends and changes; rural areas with no school libraries; and lack of standards,…

Discussion of library cooperation focuses on a survey that investigated cooperation among university libraries in Ghana. Library cooperation in the United Kingdom, United States, and Nigeria is described; areas of cooperation in Ghana are discussed, including interlibrary loans, cataloging, and acquisitions; and recommendations for library…

Presents longitudinal case studies of four students in high school and after completion of college to compare their perceptions of the information search process in libraries. Library user studies are discussed, a model of the search process is described, and implications for the design of information systems are suggested. (36 references) (LRW)

Presents information on state school library association activities and concerns, including state conferences, sometimes with joint sponsorship; a continued emphasis on the "Information Power" guidelines; teleconferences; whole language; multiculturalism; literacy; professional development; lobbying efforts; networking; publications;…

Discusses the use of quantitative collection development and use studies as research tools to evaluate the quality of children's library collections. Four studies, conducted in school and public libraries, that involve analyzing data with statistical tests are reviewed to show how data already being collected can be developed into research…

Includes seven articles that discuss research on libraries; numbers of libraries in the United States and Canada; library acquisition expenditures; price indexes for academic and school libraries; expenditures in school library media centers; state rankings of public library data; and library building construction. (LRW)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 36 books of interest to school library media specialists in the categories of cataloging and technical services, issues and perspectives, management, resources, teaching role, and technology. Selection criteria included timeliness, perceived interest in the topic, and a 1992 or 1993 publication date. (KRN)

Provides a summary of the competencies needed by librarians and suggested curriculum components which were indicated in the literature about librarianship, 1988-94. Highlights include graduate programs, core curricula, elective curricula for specialist education, school library media specialists, public libraries, catalogers, various special…

The Lancaster County (Pennsylvania) public library, which receives many school districts' interlibrary loan requests, experienced a 100% increase in periodical article requests. Working cooperatively, school and public librarians developed a LSCA Title II grant to study magazine usage to make cost-effective decisions about improving timely access…