A Cost Effectiveness Model for Comparing
Various Circulation Systems (p.75-86)
THOMAS K. BURGESS
Two models for circulation systems costing are presented. Both the automated and the manual models are based on experience gained in the analysis of circulation at Washington State University library. Validation tests for the model assumptions are devised and explained. Use of the models for cost effectiveness comparison and for cost prediction are discussed and examples are given showing their application.
On-Line and Back at S.F.U. (p.87-102)
M. SANDERSON
Simon Fraser University library began operation with an automated circulation system. After deliberation, it mounted the first phase of a two-phase on-line circulation system. A radically revised loan policy caused the system design and assumptions to be called into question. A cheaper, simpler, and more effective off-line system eventually replaced the on-line system. The systems, fiscal, and administrative implications of this decision are reviewed.
Catalog Records Retrieved by Personal
Author Using Derived Search Keys (p.103-108)
ALAN L. LANDGRAF AND FREDERICK G. KILGOUR
This investigation shows that search keys derived from personal author names possess a sufficient degree of distinctness to be employed in an efficient computerized interactive index to a file of MARC II catalog records having 167,745 personal author entries.
Statistical Behavior of Search Keys (p.109-116)
ABRAHAM BOOKSTEIN
In discussion about search keys, concern has been expressed as to how
the number of items retrieved by a single value relates to collection size.
This paper creates a statistical model that attempts to give some insight
into this behavior. It is concluded that, in general, the observed behavior
can be explained as being intrinsically statistical in nature rather than
being a property of specific search keys. An attempt is made to relate this
model to other research, and to indicate how this model may be made to yield
more accurate predictions.