Thesis (A.M.L.S.)--University of Michigan, 1948.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of Alabama, 1991. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-83).

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Boston University

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston University

M. Inf. / Corporate library and information services were typically created in order to further the operational objectives of a parent organisation. The continued existence of corporate libraries was seen to be subject to management perceptions of value of its services. This study investigated strategies to measure the value of information services in the specialised environment of the South African incorporated law firm. Methodologies were developed to arrive at the unit cost of information and of the information services in an organisation at a particular period. A cost per practitioner value was calculated in order to correlate data relating to the information spending at seven South African law firms. Attempts were made to relate the unit cost of the information services at one law firm to the use that was made of the services. The potential for cost recovery and determination of return on capital employed were also investigated. These strategies were seen to have value as management tools for the information services but they failed to demonstrate the value of the investment. The study thereafter approached the problem of evaluation from the perspective of accountability. Certain accepted business practices were investigated with regard to their relevance to corporate support services. An information services audit was proposed in accordance with a recognised management process.

"This writer in considering types of special libraries in the United States discovered that a large new movement was taking place--one that in the last ten years had resulted in the organization of thousands of new libraries. Curiosity resulting from this discovery has led to the preparation of this paper. In it is given, first, a cursory background summary of the movement which indicates that the church library movement is not a new one, but had its beginnings in colonial times; and, second, an analysis of how the movement of date has been reflected in the program of the churches of the writer's home community"--Introduction. / Typescript. / "August, 1952." / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts." / Advisor: Robert G. Clapp, Professor Directing Paper. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 46-49).

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Masters of Arts in Library and Information Science from the Department of Information Studies at the University of Zululand, 1997. / Since the establishment of the first libraries paradigm shifts occured, especially during times of political, social and cultural upheavals and change. It was the public library, more than any other library system, which had to continually adapt its services as its clientele changed from the privileged few who could read and write, to the masses who looked upon the library as an instrument for mass education. Although the Western public library service did not fulfil a formal educational role, it aimed to support informal and life¬long education . On the African continent public libraries were perceived as tools for mass education for a population thirsting for knowledge. Whereas in developed countries public libraries could still function by providing a relatively passive, buildings-based service, this was not possible in developing countries. What was needed to be relevant to the needs of the public, was a pro-active service, based on each specific community's needs. The ills of the public library system transplanted to Africa prevented such pro¬active and innovative services, thus leaving in its wake a disillusioned public as well as governments. Alternative approaches to rendering the services needed have been attempted, but with little sustained effort and success. At face value the South African public library system has seemed to be a well-organised and well-developed service. Unfortunately the country's political past hampered the provision of equal services to all race groups. This resulted in a service based on the needs of just one race group, excluding the majority of the population from gaining equal access to information. This situation is currently under revision, and serious efforts are being made to rectify the situation. As is the case with the rest of Africa, it would seem that far reaching adaptations to the existing service structure need to be made to enable the whole society to benefit from the services provided by libraries. Some pro-active and innovative library professionals have already started implementing alternative services to communities previously excluded from using library services provided for developed communities. These vanguard services, known as community libraries and resource centres have found innovative ways and means of serving their respective communities. The characteristics of community libraries were analysed in order to determine the functioning of this innovative system. The Pinetown community libraries aim to bring an information service to their disadvantaged communities. The research has shown that these community libraries are providing a service which has moved a considerable distance along the road of becoming a pro-active community service. Although there are still many shortcomings, the process of transformation is well under way.

A Mini-Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of Zululand in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of B.BIBL. Hons in the Department of Library and Information Science, South Africa, 1992. / The purpose of the study is to determine whether Kangwane and Kwa-Ndebele college libraries reach standards set for college libraries. To compare college libraries in Kangwane and Kwa-Ndebele and to identify areas which need to be addressed to improve these libraries, and to alert administrators and managers of college libraries of both National states (Kangwane and Kwa-Ndebele) to the real needs of these libraries and to motivate them to be more involved in their improvement.

No description available.

Though there are approximately 400 women’s libraries or information centres internationally they are not generally the focus of research within either library studies or feminist research. This thesis addressed this gap in relation to women’s libraries in the British Isles, focusing particularly on Wales where there is currently no physical women’s library. The research analysed the nature of current women’s libraries; examined their place within librarianship and feminist research and investigated whether there is potential for a women’s library in Wales. Interviews were held with staff at nine women’s libraries or archive projects: Archif Menywod Cymru/Women’s Archive of Wales, Feminist Archive (South), Feminist Library, Glasgow Women’s Library, Swansea Multicultural Women’s Resource and Training Centre, Women’s History Project, Women in Jazz, Women’s Library, and the Women’s Resource Centre. The findings reveal three models of women’s libraries: research-orientated institutions; community-based women’s resource centres and online databases of material pertaining to women. A fourth model is developing in Wales: that of distributed donations of material in local record offices. On the positive side, all the physical women’s libraries have extensive and important collections, and they provide spaces for women’s learning. Conversely, they are constrained by limited financial and human resources. They are not closely engaged with librarianship or with feminism; and librarianship and feminist research do not appear to be closely linked to them. Given the resource implications of creating and maintaining a physical women’s library in Wales, possible future developments include a mapping exercise of women’s archives in Wales; raising awareness of the value of women’s archives; and developing the work of Swansea Women’s Centre to meet contemporary information needs of women. Whilst these organisations contribute to the field of librarianship and archives there does not appear to be the potential to create a physical women’s library in Wales along traditional lines.