This handbook assists students in understanding statistics and the types of decisions that the selection of a test entails. At the same time the volume will assist a broad audience by reviewing the research process; by presenting fundamental statistical concepts and methods; by identifying writings on library management using statistical analyses; by discussing statistical applications to library management, decision making and problem solving; and by familiarizing library managers with statistical tables and analysis and graphics software. The purpose of this volume is to supplement statistical textbooks and to inform library managers and library school students about the application of selected statistical tests and the interpretation of statistical findings. This volume presents basic statistical and research concepts clearly. It is not intended as a textbook that identifies numerous statistical tests and merely details their computations. Rather, the book complements the pool of existing textbooks by placing selected statistical applications in the context of the research process and library decision.

This supplement to Microcomputers and libraries; a bibliographic sourcebook (1987) surveys the literature of library microcomputing from 1986 through 1989. Some 5,300 entries cover microcomputer selection, implementation, applications, management, software, and hardware for libraries. Many new topic

Evaluation, which is a critical component of the planning process, assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of library programs and services in the context of stated goals and objectives. This book views evaluation as a type of research study in which evaluators collect either research or management data. Chapters discuss steps of the evaluation process and provide practical examples of the application of these steps to specific library problems. The overall objectives of the volume are to introduce readers to the relationship between planning and evaluation; to discuss the components of an evaluation study in clear prose so that readers can easily understand the different steps; to foster an attitude that recognizes the importance of evaluation for the development of library programs and services; to offer examples of each component of the evaluation process; to identify writings on evaluation in libraries and information centers; and to encourage organizational change and underscore the importance of evaluation to library decision making.

Once again the wide-ranging and rapid developments in microcomputer technology of the last few years have meant that a detailed revision of The librarian's guide to microcomputers for information management was required, if it was to fulfil its objectives of providing a single source of information on the process of automating with a microcomputer. For this new edition, we have taken into account not only the developments in hardware, but also the growing sophistication and power of software, and the growing sophistication of library and information service managers. The latter are more and more familiar with the use, or at least the principles, of microcomputers, and it no longer seems necessary to spell out certain details. We have, where relevant, indicated sources of more detailed information, particularly of practical applications, and so we hope that the changes we have made will ensure that this book remains of value to practitioner and student alike. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We remain, as always, grateful to those who have written or spoken about their experiences with microcomputers and have described applications. We would also like to thank the referees who commented of the book, and provided useful suggestions and on a first draft amendments. Mandy and Lindesay once again patiently accepted our absence during the writing of this edition.

Combines theory and practical advice to address public library policies, procedures, resources, and human relations in a clear manner. "Expect future editions of this eminently readable, yet well-documented text." —LIBRARY JOURNAL