Claiming that movies are used increasingly as teaching aids in sociology classes on the high school and college levels, this article evaluates their potential and their limitations. Suggestions are offered on how to avoid sociological distortion while viewing films. Also discussed are ways in which film can be seen as a source of cultural…

Discusses the discrepancies in results from library utilization studies which preclude comparison of data, and recommends the standardization of definitions and methodology to enable valuable comparisons across libraries. (JVP)

Presents an historical overview of the use of the science of geography for practical purposes. Topics discussed include British schools of geography during the 19th century, contributions of many of the founders of applied geography, forms in which geographical work can be used for practical purposes, and the status of applied geography in various…

Examines the needs of media users and the perceived helpfulness of the media in gratifying these needs. Describes the relationship between the media-related needs and the use of the media and also the relationship of media use to perceived helpfulness. (JMF)

A survey of 110 Seattle, Washington, newspaper readers revealed that they read twice as many newspaper headlines as units of text, that they "read" more photographs than cutlines, and that they read scarcely any tables. (GT)

Briefly discusses studies drawn from four areas--the structure of information, user behavior, policy decisions, and performance measures--to illustrate how they may stimulate further library research. The article's main theme is the importance to librarianship of having research carried out which replicates, challenges, or otherwise builds on…

A study was undertaken to determine whether PLATO would be used by the medical students at Mercer University and whether attitudes toward this type of computer-assisted instruction would prove generally positive; results indicated that students did utilize the system and that this use generated an overall favorable attitude. References are listed.…

Presents the results of a survey conducted in June 1980 to determine the use and effectiveness of English language encyclopedias in 75 Canadian public libraries. (CHC)

Explains the value of Sanborn maps in urban land use studies, particularly because of their detailed portrayal of street patterns lot lines, and the placement, size, shape, and use of buildings. Shows how a Sanborn map can reconstruct a "geography of the past" of Boston's waterfront. (Author/DB)

Reasons for the general lack of active planning for a programmatic approach to this new technology are presented, gaps in current microcomputer use are identified, and data collected from public school districts in Florida are analyzed. (Author/MER)

Based on one question regarding library use from a national life-style study of a random sample of the American population, the major characteristics of library users and nonusers were determined. Fifteen activities having positive correlations and fifteen having negative correlations with male and female nonusers, moderate, and heavy users are…

A theoretical foundation is provided for a method of identifying those books in a library's stack that determine any given percentage of the current circulation. Basic components and requirements of the technique are described, and the theory is applied in an example that manipulates data from a university library. (Author/MBR)

User charges can effectively raise additional money and may be a substitute for tuition increases. With a price determined, a service can be expanded or contracted to its proper size, allowing dollars to be spent elsewhere. (Author)

Conflict management theory is illustrated in a series of hypothetical scenarios, typical of library situations. Each scenario is discussed in terms of a specific management theory and the theories are transposed into useful management tools by plotting each situation along relevant axes. (Author/AEF)

Suggests why conceptual design is so often neglected by development teams. Presents a five-step process for developing a sound conceptual model for a software application. Describes how technical communicators can reinforce and support conceptual design in their projects. (SR)