Describes a new analytical tool, data envelope analysis (DEA) model, which can provide better understanding of the efficiency of academic research libraries. Reports the results of a study using 1994-1995 Association of Research Libraries statistics together with expert judgments, in terms of constraints, to make the model more applicable to the…

Taking a post-modern approach, this paper addresses the relevance of measurement and evaluation of libraries and information services. The following topics are discussed: (1) past and present approaches to performance measurement, including origins of measurement and landmarks of the past; (2) a conceptual framework for evaluation, including a…

This paper reviews recommended guidelines for World Wide Web-based instruction and provides a framework for libraries worldwide in designing Web-based instructional programs. The first section describes Web-based training, including interactivity and the content and objectives of Web-based library tutorials. The second section discusses Web design…

In order to evaluate and utilize library data for the management process, a German project, sponsored by the German Research Council, uses the Balanced Scorecard as the concept for integrated quality management. Performance indicators across the following four perspectives are combined to produce a balanced evaluation of the library: (1) users,…

The 16 reports in this collection were presented at an open forum on research libraries and meetings of three more specialized sections: (1) "Nature and Purpose of the Division of General Research Libraries" (Ernst Kohl); (2) "Objectives and Goals of the Section of Parliamentary Libraries" (Ernst Kohl); (3) "The IFLA…

How can we as librarians bring children and books from a variety of cultures and backgrounds together to create a more internationally literate community? This workshop addresses that question with a discussion of what it means to be internationally literate as well as internationally-minded, followed by an outline of some evaluation criteria…

In public library program planning, emphasis should be placed on the linkage of measurement to evaluation. Three basic assumptions underlie program planning and evaluation: (1) a basic commitment must be made to develop goals and objectives, (2) measurement must be taken in regard to specific criteria, (3) a final evaluation must be implemented.…

This paper describes methodology used in compiling a list of candidate integrated library automation systems at a corporate technical library. Priorities for automation, identification of candidate systems, the filtering process, information for suppliers, software and hardware considerations, on-site evaluations, and final system selection are…

Discusses the adequacy of relevance as a criterion for evaluating information retrieval system effectiveness and describes an empirical study that investigated academic library users' assessments of retrieval system performance. Results are presented that indicate relevance is not an adequate criterion in light of other success factors mentioned…

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of information service provided in Swedish and Chinese medical libraries and to judge the information gap between China and Sweden. Two libraries of key Chinese medical universities and a Swedish medical library were selected for the study. Based on the number of databases, print journals,…

This paper presents the history, current status, and future development of eIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries Direct)--a large-scale project run by the Soros Foundations Network and the Open Society Institute. The project aims to provide libraries in developing countries with access to a menu of electronic information resources. In 1999,…

Despite increasing and widespread access to more information, finding published research, studies, and literature in the field of education and psychology has become more complex. This paper demonstrates how to access published literature in various formats, including books, journal articles, conference proceedings, lesson plans, media, Web sites,…

This report describes a project which evaluated five IBM and Macintosh bibliographic formatting software programs--ProCite, Sci-Mate, Reference Manager, Notebook II, and Bibliography--and which was conducted by the Health Sciences Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at the request of the campus microcomputer support center.…

Colleges with sizable teacher education programs must demonstrate the legitimacy and usefulness of all kinds of educational media and technology. Students and faculty in such colleges need readily available educational media selection centers, which may be considered expanded curriculum laboratories, to help them become familiar with the…

Because reference librarians at San Antonio College (Texas) often found themselves facing the difficult situation of assisting students who were struggling with ill-conceived, faculty-designed library assignments, they developed a 2-hour workshop for faculty on the construction of course-related assignments. This collection of workshop-related…