In order to collect information on online bibliographic searching activities in smaller academic libraries, a survey was conducted in December 1982 of 252 college and university libraries located in public and private institutions with enrollments of between 1,000 and 5,000 students. An 88.5% response rate was achieved. It was found that 65% of the respondents offered online search services; fewer than half of the librarians in each institution were involved in online searching; 73% of the libraries providing online services charged or planned to charge faculty and students for these services; DIALOG was by far the most frequently used vendor; the average direct cost per search varied widely; and the connect time for most libraries (74%) averaged less than 15 minutes. This publication briefly outlines the survey methodology and findings; a sample questionnaire with responses noted is provided. Also presented are copies of online searching policy statements, promotional items, search request forms, transaction log forms, billing forms, evaluation forms, and statistical report forms from over 50 institutions. (Author/ESR)

This text presents sample policies and procedure statements, forms, public relations documents and instructional handouts for libraries offering online searching, CD-ROM and other computer-based services. Survey results from 179 American college libraries are reported and analysed.

This bestselling text introduces social science research methods through interesting examples drawn from formal social science investigations and everyday experiences. The many updates to the Seventh Edition include new examples from the academic literature and news media, new ethics guidance, and current statistical data incorporated throughout including from the 2022 General Social Survey. This edition is also available on the Sage Vantage learning platform.