To search out areas for library cost reduction, a cost-effectiveness study of an overdue pickup operation was conducted. Labor and vehicle mileage costs and costs of planning the weekly pickup route were tabulated, and compared against the value returns from fines and the avoided cost of replacing lost items. Labor and mileage was determined at…

This guide discusses how collections budgets are planned, built, defended, and implemented. Each topic is illustrated with sample budgets and allocations typical of academic and public libraries serving their respective communities. Step-by-step guidance is offered to administrators and boards for meeting patrons' needs while addressing today's…

Budgeting and accounting control of serials are examined based on a survey of 100 academic and public libraries. The questionnaire used in the survey stressed classification and encumbering of serials but was open-ended to encourage commentary. The lack of consensus among respondents regarding the budgetary control of serials precluded the…