JEAN TAGUE and ISOLA AJIFERUKE
Two dynamic models of library circulation, the Markov model originally proposed by Morse and the mixed Poisson model proposed by Burrell and Cane, are applied to a large…
Abstract
Two dynamic models of library circulation, the Markov model originally proposed by Morse and the mixed Poisson model proposed by Burrell and Cane, are applied to a large eleven‐year university circulation data set. Goodness of fit tests indicate that neither model fits the data. In both cases, the set of non‐circulating items is larger than that predicted by the model.
Jean Tague, Carolyn Walters and Michael Shepherd
The concept of community information or social information is defined and related to other forms of information. The sources of information for residents of a specific community…
Abstract
The concept of community information or social information is defined and related to other forms of information. The sources of information for residents of a specific community are determined. A ‘computer assistant’ (CACTIS) for a local community information centre is described. Different types of information networks are presented and related to regional characteristics. A networking study for community information centres, resource centres, and constituency offices in southwestern Ontario, with CACTIS as its focus, is described.
A study of the reasons why public libraries in the Province of Ontario, Canada, participate in interlending reveals two philosophies. Some librarians and writers believe that…
Abstract
A study of the reasons why public libraries in the Province of Ontario, Canada, participate in interlending reveals two philosophies. Some librarians and writers believe that interlending is a part of the library community's obligation for universal availability of publications. Others see it as elitist, spending an undue share of resources on a small user group, and as inequitable, putting an unfair burden on large libraries. Clear formulations of the rationale and financial basis for interlending are needed.
Distributions of index terms have been used in modelling information retrieval systems and databases. Most previous models used some form of the Zipf distribution. This work uses…
Abstract
Distributions of index terms have been used in modelling information retrieval systems and databases. Most previous models used some form of the Zipf distribution. This work uses a probability model of the occurrence of index terms to derive discrete distributions which are mixtures of Poisson and negative binomial distributions. These distributions, the generalised inverse Gaussian‐Poisson and the Generalised Waring give better fits than the simpler Zipf distribution, particularly in the tails of the distribution where the high frequency terms are found. They have the advantage of being more explanatory and can incorporate a time parameter if necessary.
Aims to review Fairthorne's classic article “Empirical hyperbolic distributions (Bradford‐Zipf‐Mandelbrot) for bibliometric description and prediction” (Journal of Documentation…
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to review Fairthorne's classic article “Empirical hyperbolic distributions (Bradford‐Zipf‐Mandelbrot) for bibliometric description and prediction” (Journal of Documentation, Vol. 25, pp. 319‐343, 1969), as part of a series marking the Journal of Documentation's 60th anniversary.
Design/methodology/approach
Analysis of article content, qualitative evaluation of its subsequent impact, citation analysis, and diffusion analysis.
Findings
The content, further developments and influence on the field of informetrics of this landmark paper are explained.
Originality/value
A review is given of the contents of Fairthorne's original article and its influence on the field of informetrics. Its transdisciplinary reception is measured through a diffusion analysis.
Details
Keywords
Michael Buckland and Christian Plaunt
This article examines the structure and components of information storage and retrieval systems and information filtering systems. Analysis of the tasks performed in such…
Abstract
This article examines the structure and components of information storage and retrieval systems and information filtering systems. Analysis of the tasks performed in such selection systems leads to the identification of 13 components. Eight are necessarily present in all such systems, mechanized or not; the others may, but need not be, present. The authors argue that all selection systems can be represented in terms of combinations of these components. The components are of only two types: representations of data objects and functions that operate on them. Further, the functional components, or rules, reduce to two basic types: 1) transformation, making or modifying the members of a set of representations, and 2) sorting or partitioning. The representational transformations may be in the form of copies, excerpts, descriptions, abstractions, or mere identifying references. By partitioning, we mean dividing a set of objects by using matching, sorting, ranking, selecting, and other logically equivalent operations. The typical multiplicity of knowledge sources and of system vocabularies is noted. Some of the implications for the study, use, and design of information storage and retrieval systems are discussed.
The purpose of this paper is to outline increased use of evidence‐based research strategies in the applied social sciences.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline increased use of evidence‐based research strategies in the applied social sciences.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper documents an ideal procedure for researchers to follow. It also provides resources from which to find evidence.
Findings
Evidence‐based practice is emerging as an influential field within academic and professional applied social science fields; as such, reference librarians across various library types should become familiar with the search strategies and tools their users need in order to be successful evidence‐based practice researchers
Originality/value
The Campbell Collaboration's motto, “What helps? What harms? Based on what evidence?” neatly sums up the field of evidence‐based practice research
Details
Keywords
“Public librarians are not interested in collection development issues.”
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