This paper examines specific issues in the administration of serials (publications issued in successive parts and intended to be continued indefinitely) as they have been addressed by a small academic library with budget constraints and limited personnel. Highlights include collection development, bibliographic control, acquisition, automation,…

This review of the 1986 literature on serials covers nine areas: (1) automation of processing; (2) cataloging; (3) union lists and network cooperation; (4) selection practices; (5) differential pricing; (6) serials work abroad; (7) subject collection; (8) service to patrons; and (9) serials librarianship as a professional specialization. (102…

Three articles on preservation present a theoretical framework for making preservation selection decisions by Atkinson, comments on Atkinson's concepts and possible mechanisms for identifying collections for top priority in microfilming by Child, and results of a Research Libraries Group study of the costs of preservation microfilming by McClung .…

A Public Library Association (PLA) survey compiled information on public libraries in bibliographic networks. Aspects identified and measured were perceptions of participation, reasons for non-participation, reactions to services, and suggestions for increasing participation. Recommendations are made for actions by PLA and the networks to ensure…

Discusses both the serials manager's external relationships with subscription agents and journal publishers and his/her obligation to be an equal and respected participant in acquiring information for users. Methods of gaining equality are considered, including education, communication with colleagues and vendors' representatives, and informed…

The 1986 literature on collection management is reviewed under six major headings: (1) general overview; (2) materials; (3) kinds of users and libraries; (4) evaluation and cooperation; (5) selection, acquisitions, and allocation; and (6) access, weeding, and preservation. A list of 251 references is provided. (MES)

Discusses the reasons and methods for retrospective conversion of library catalog data into machine-readable form. The need for standards is emphasized and suggestions are given for documenting local standards. Ideas are included for completing the conversion of a project done by a vendor, where some parts may have been overlooked. (Author/EM)

Northwestern University Library's 10 1/2 years of experience with computer support for technical services is used to provide a long-term view in this analysis of the impact of automation on staffing. Technical services staff allocations and reductions, the resulting improvements in services, and the savings in salaries are discussed. (Author/EM)

Describes the National Coordinated Cataloging Program, a formal system in which selected research libraries follow agreed-upon practices for creating national-level bibliographic records. The aims and assumptions of the program, initial considerations for implementation, and the pilot project scheduled to begin in 1988 are discussed. (MES)

Three articles review the literature on the new information technologies as they relate to library technical services in 1984 and 1985. Swora and Fischer review micrographics, optical disk technology, and the fair use debate; Pankake covers collection development and acquisitions; and Linken describes changes in serials management. (EM)

Account of process followed at large academic library in preparing for automation of acquisition and fund accounting functions highlights planning criteria, local goals, planning process elements (selecting participants, assigning tasks, devising timetable, providing foundations, evaluating systems, determining costs, formulating recommendations).…

Defines mechanical and expert selection of library materials and investigates the usefulness of mechanical selection in three test cases involving popular novels, German literature, and contemporary poetry. The cost of mechanical selection is examined and more quantification in selection practice is recommended. Data are presented in eight tables,…

Presents a plan for establishing an in-house repair unit to complement a library's overall preservation program. Issues and procedures for physical and personnel resources are delineated and a four-stage decision-making process for selecting material for treatment is recommended. (Author/EM)

Reviews history of Serials Cancellation Project conducted by Pittsburgh Regional Library Center with grant from Council on Library Resources and discusses technical details for implementing project via OCLC and the Pennsylvania Union List of Serials. Proposal development, description of project, advisory committee, standards, workshops, and…

Outlines a method for translating college and university curriculums into usable information for collection analysis. The method is designed to meet the teaching and research requirements of faculty and students through understanding the needs of users, as well as the content of the collection. There are eight references. (Author/RAA)