Availability and Mutilation of U.S. Geological Survey Publications: |
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| Abstract: | A study was undertaken at Montana State University Libraries to determine if missing and mutilation rates differed between monographs in the general collection and U.S. Geological Survev publications. Prior to this investigation, it was assumed that there might be a higher rate of items missing from the collection of U.S. Geological Survey publications than from the general collection and that there would take a greater incidence of mutilation among the U.S.G.S. materials. Items were chosen according to a random sample and the resulting data analyzed using a Chi-square test for significance at the .05 level. Contrary to the investigator's initial assumptions, it was found that U.S.G.S. Bulletins and Professional Papers were not mutilated more often than monographs in the general collection, and that there is no statistically significant difference in rates of availabilily. Additional evidence encountered in the course of the study suggests that the U.S.G.S. publications may be used much less frequently than other library materials. Recommendations are made for further research concerning use and accessibility. The methodology used in this investigation is potentially applicable to many other types of collection studies. |
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