The primary objective of this guide is to help librarians select adult services reference tools which cover many different topics, with special emphasis on recent social and technological changes. Arrangement is topical, with particular attention given to the following topics: AIDS, abortion, the environment, economic problems, the crisis in…

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 guide discusses the essentials of live virtual reference, preparing for virtual reference, and implementing and incorporating virtual reference. Chapter 1, "Understanding Live Virtual Reference," lays out what virtual reference is and how it compares to other forms of reference. Chapter 2, "Offering Live Virtual Reference," presents ten…

Discusses some of the factors that librarians should consider when planning to automate their libraries. These factors include vendor and systems selection; equipment; support; additional costs; and time. Seven tips to avoid common automation pitfalls are also given. (MAB)

Reports on three companies that offer "on approval" books to school libraries; i.e., companies send books to be reviewed, simplify paperwork, and offer low prices and free shipping. Sales procedures, company addresses, and telephone numbers of Garrett Book Company, National Library Service, and Ollis Book Corporation are noted. (EJS)

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…

Discussion of formulating a collection development policy for audiovisual materials in academic libraries highlights reasons for collecting media, audiovisual equipment, audiovisual forms collected, films, video, computer software. "Undergraduate Libraries Newsletter" statistics reporting audiovisual holdings (audiocassettes, films, video,…

Intended as a guide and resource for staff and volunteers in small public libraries in Alaska, this manual is divided into the following chapters: (1) "Establishing a Library," which covers the establishment by ordinance or by organization of a non-profit corporation, information on drafting bylaws, and the role and responsibilities of…

Intended for use by the head of reference and subject-area bibliographers at Penfield Library, this document provides guidelines for the selection and evaluation of titles for the 25,000 volume reference collection at this primarily undergraduate institution. The reference collection also supports the general information needs of both the college…

A 1977 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) survey gathered information and documentation on remote storage for selected library materials, including type and size of facilities, selection processes for transferring materials, operating procedures, and record-changing activities. A summary of the survey results included in this kit reports…

The materials selection policy of the public services division of the Maine State Library analyzes the statutory language under which the library operates, and incorporates the requirements of that language into a broader framework of demand, collection quality, and long term value. Collection development is discussed by Dewey class, followed by…

Describes the Pacific Northwest Conspectus Database, a regional resource assessment tool which includes information about library collections in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Use of the database by academic, public, and special librarians to better manage their collections and to coordinate planning and purchasing with other…

This sixth article in a series discusses planning for the installation and implementation of automated systems in the library, workstation design and location, scheduling of software implementation, security, data input, staff and reader training, job design, impact of automation on library procedures, evaluation of system performance, and future…

This guide is built on librarianship training literature and customer service research from a variety of professions. It tells library managers how to identify and describe service ideals, to translate these ideals into realistic goals, and to lead new and experienced staff in fulfilling these service ideals. They are encouraged to focus the…

Nine articles in this issue cover topics currently being discussed in serials librarianship: historical development, impact of technology, relationship of librarians and publishers of serials, collection development, management of serials automation, serials conversion, automated serials control, MARC format for holdings and locations, a union…