Core-reference collections are the small number of sources which meet the basic needs of all libraries, and the purpose of this guide is to assist libraries in the selection, acquisition, and use of these resources. Section I, structured like an annotated bibliography, focuses on the selection of those works which should constitute the main…

This expanded edition provides new information about successfully managing library acquisitions. Chapters include: "Acquisitions, the Organization, and the Future" (Carol Pitts Diedrichs and Karen A. Schmidt); "The Business of Book Publishing" (Patricia Glass Schuman and Charles Harmon); "The Business of Scholarly Journal Publishing" (Gary J.…

This collection development policy paper incorporates guidelines contributed by all university academic departments, as well as by members of the Library Learning Center professional staff. An alphabetical index provides access to major subject areas and subdivisions, which are assigned one of four level designators indicating the depth of…

This manual for the College of the Southwest (New Mexico) library delineates collection development policies and procedures for library and teaching faculty. The first section deals with collection development and maintenance responsibilities: knowledge of the collection; knowledge of college and course needs; library materials budget allocations;…

An overview of selection criteria and sources for the acquisition of gerontological materials is supplemented by a list of selection sources and a list of suppliers (non-federal and federal agencies) of free or low cost materials. Eight references are cited. (EJS)

Identifies resources to aid librarians in making material selections, including: discussion groups to review books; student and teacher recommendations; public library story hours and book review seminars; and professional association meetings. (CLB)

Describes possible sources of computer software, including hardware bundles, commercial suppliers, users groups, electronic bulletin boards, as payment for software review services, prototype contracts, and writing the software oneself. Advantages and disadvantages of each, especially in terms of technical support, are discussed. (CLB)

Reiterates the need for a "literature size" approach to book fund allocations and presents a case for using reviews from "Choice" magazine as a useful means for determining literature size. References are listed. (Author/RAA)

This collection development aid lists more than 10,000 titles of children's materials available in a variety of formats (in addition to print materials, the guide also includes sound recordings, video cassettes, microcomputer software programs, CD-ROM products, and videodiscs). This 20th anniversary edition contains several special features,…

This paper equates the variety of methods a social science bibliographer must use to build a useful and valuable research collection with the multiple approaches employed by detectives to solve crimes. Before presenting a sampling of strategies used by social science bibliographers, the paper defines the core disciplines of the social sciences…

This collection of acquisition materials from member libraries of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) contains: (1) acquisition policies from Brigham Young University, Iowa State University, and the University of Cincinnati; (2) book selection policies from the University of Nebraska Undergraduate Library and Georgetown University; (3) an…

This book serves as a manual for librarians and library students on the wide range of decisions and tasks related to bringing video material into the library collection. It outlines not only many of the milestones in the video industry from 1970 to 1994 but also many of the practices and trends in video marketing, pricing, and distribution. Advice…

Reports results of a survey of research university and community college faculty regarding perceived quality, estimated price, price-quality relationship, selection criteria, and publishers' policies for textbooks. Implications for librarians of the lack of faculty awareness of textbook prices is discussed. (Six references) (MES)

Noting that librarians have long debated whether specific library functions may, or should, be scientifically examined, or whether they constitute an art not susceptible to scientific study, this paper reviews and critiques attempts to develop models of library material selection using the theories and methods of scientific investigation. First,…

This collection development policy serves as a planning tool for William Paterson College library decision-makers by providing information necessary for the allocation of funds for library materials. As a communications tool it provides guidelines for establishing priorities for the selection of library materials and criteria for the withdrawal of…