Review—Feature

Book Reviews are in this Articles.
Studies in Agrarian Social Structure. By André Béteille     

Bounds on minimum mean squared error in ridge regression

The minimum MSE (mean squared error) of ridge regression coefficient estimates (for a given set of eigenvalues and variance) is a function of the transformed coefficient vector. In this paper, the authors prove that the minimum MSE is bounded, for a given coefficient vector length, by the two cases corresponding to the signal completely contained in the component associated with the smallest or largest eigenvalue. The implication for evaluating proposed estimators of the ridge regression biasing parameter is discussed.     

The Value Profile: A Factor Analytic Study of Value Statements*

The Value Profile is a general purpose inventory of values developed for use in research on interpersonal relations. Eight hundred and seventy-two value statements were collected from tests of values, personality tests, theoretical treatments of values, and statements made by subjects in group discussions. A factor analysis of 143 items representing all value positions yielded four orthogonal factors: I, Acceptance of Authority; II, Need-determined Expression vs. Value-determined Restraint; III, Equalitarianism; and IV, Individualism. The underlying factor space seems to be congruent with that obtained by Morris, and others, and provides a means of relating existing theoretical classifications of value positions to each other.     

Testing residual normality in the ANOVA model

The use of single group skewness and kurtosis critical values for the assessment of residual normality in the ANOVA model is examined. Using single group critical values gives a conservative test of residual normality in multiple group designs. As the sample size per group increases, the empirical Type I error rates for the skewness and kurtosis tests of residual normality approach a. These results supplement previous work which has focused on testing residual normality in the linear regression model.     

Developing a Crystal Clear Future for the Serials Unit in an Electronic Environment: Results of a Workflow Analysis

Institutional growth at Old Dominion University and changes within its libraries over the past several years have left the Serials Unit feeling anything but crystal clear. In moving from a print to an electronic focus, the Serials Unit conducted a workflow analysis project. The analysis resulted in a report containing recommendations for reallocating responsibilities and documenting changes in staff skills and positions. This article, which grew out of a presentation at the 15th North Carolina Serials Conference “Crystal Clear? Today's Libraries, Tomorrow's Library Users,” describes the workflow analysis process and expands on how its recommendations have benefited the Serials Unit.     

Some effects of computerized literature search systems

This paper addresses the role of computerized literature search systems (CLS) in the transfer of scientific and technical information (STI). We consider how information acquired through computerized search differs in characteristics and usage from information acquired from other sources. Data was gathered from over 300 engineers and scientists working in five major US corporations involved in R & R work. We found differences between the timing, task use and characteristics of information whose source is a CLS and information whose source is not a CLS. These differences have a variety of implications. We also considered the demographic differences between users and non-users of CLS.