Study of library holdings on OCLC compared with book reviews listed in "Book Review Index" showed a positive correlation between the number of reviews a book received and the number of libraries holding it. Positive and negative reviews were not differentiated, and the correlation was strongest with general and science fiction, weakest…

Shows how a philosophical analysis of the moral value of information can help librarians rethink some aspects of their professional values, especially their commitment to neutrality. Discusses the historical background of allowing fiction into library collections; the impact of technology; the moral character of information; and information,…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 136 works of fiction, published in English, which feature deaf characters. Included are novels for adult readers, short stories, fiction for young adults and older children, and books for young children. Each item's status in print is indicated. (three references) (LRW)

Describes a study that used the OCLC Online Union Catalog to identify those adult fiction books owned by the largest number of public libraries to determine whether a core collection of titles could be identified for use in evaluating adult fiction collections. Future research is recommended and a list of the top 99 titles is appended. (Author/LRW)

Discusses feature-length film or video documentaries, including cinema verite and direct cinema techniques, the use of documentaries for nationalistic purposes, censorship, and fiction versus nonfiction. An annotated bibliography of 20 video documentaries suitable for library collections is provided. (LRW)

A selection of academic libraries was studied to examine ownership of best-sellers from 1940 to 1990. The trend is to keep a higher percentage of older best-sellers in fiction than newer ones. Nonfiction appears to be more sporadic but still follows this trend. Findings indicate new collection development policies may be needed to protect…

Describes a high school library "stress collection" of 125 fiction and nonfiction titles dealing with issues teens may experience and provides brief annotations for a number of these resources. Topics covered include academic and other anxieties, crises, dropouts, drugs and alcohol, families, health, illness and death, pregnancy, sexual…

Telling stories can be an effective way of introducing science concepts. This article provides an annotated bibliography of fiction and nonfiction books for K-12 students and adults on static electricity, surface tension, bubbles, chromatography, slugs and other creatures, plants, physical and chemical change, strength of shapes, collections of…

The best CD-ROMs for young people about space and flight exploit the promise of hypermedia to create informative simulations. This article provides an annotated bibliography of CD-ROMs on astronomy and flight for K-12 students; suggests book and Internet connections; and highlights poetry for astronomers, science fiction, a biography of Charles…

A Library Journal survey of 2000 public libraries investigated adult book expenditures and circulation. This article presents statistics on purchasing power and circulation, sources used for purchasing decisions, where books are purchased, top circulating genres, topics of increased patron and librarian interest, topics being weeded and replaced,…

Discusses policies and attitudes prevalent in public libraries that encourage female users and discourage male users. The lack of technical books that may appeal more to men is examined, the lack of appropriate reviews is described, subconscious classism is suggested, and differences in fiction preferences are discussed. (two references) (LRW)

Describes a project in which a library's circulation figures were used as a basis for weeding out inactive items. The findings of the project are used to provide guidelines for purchasing library materials and making recommendations on rebound books, security systems, and promotion of classics and core titles. (CLB)

Traces the evolution of the science fiction genre and its representation at the Library of Congress, including original paperbacks, hardcovers, television, film, and sound recordings. Highlights include science fiction "classics", the Library of Congress collection development policy, library programs, and preservation activities…

Includes seven articles that discuss censorship and intellectual freedom in junior and senior high schools. Highlights include access to appropriate information; library material selection; dealing with complaints; a list of potentially controversial titles and topics; a history of book burning; the censorship of fiction; weeding versus…

Examines questions of censorship based on a study of the novel "American Psycho" and a survey of Canadian public libraries that investigated selection policies and the circulation of controversial titles. Highlights include previous research, Canadian laws regarding freedom of information, role of the chief librarian, and the role of…