Discussion of laser videodiscs for library collections covers selection, finding reviews, suppliers, cost, preservation, and security. Sidebars define laserdisc terms and list several recommended titles. (MES)

Discusses DVD (digital video disc) technology and considers its future possibilities. Highlights include laserdiscs, DVDs in academic-library collections, public-library experiences with DVDs, and problems with changes in video formats and technological obsolescence. (LRW)

Explains DVD (Digital Video Disk) technology and why it is useful in library collections. Topics include similarities to CDs and regular videocassettes; advantages of DVD for public, school, and academic libraries, including quality and durability; and DVD myths. (LRW)

Discusses the workability of federal depository libraries in dealing with information in electronic format (i.e., optical discs, compact discs, and databases available through mainframe computer access), and presents results of two surveys designed to assess the attitudes and practices of depository libraries toward electronic information. Copies…

Discusses the impact of electronic resources on collection development; selection of CD-ROMs, (platform, speed, video and sound, networking capability, installation and maintenance); selection of laser disks; and Internet evaluation (accuracy of content, authority, objectivity, currency, technical characteristics). Lists Web sites for evaluating…

Discusses the vendor's role in the library collection evaluation process. Vendor services are described, including catalogs, bibliographies, periodicals, and announcement services; the process required to produce a vendor publication is explained; and new online and CD-ROM collection assessment tools are described. (LRW)

Examines issues that librarians must address when purchasing databases on CD-ROM for networking. Highlights include network licenses; costs; restrictions on network rights; ownership of CD-ROMs; hardware requirements; fees for upgrading software; CD-ROM servers; pricing options; training materials; and disk drives. (LRW)

Describes the Collection Analysis CD (CACD) developed by Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and the Amigos Bibliographic Council to help libraries, especially academic libraries, analyze their book collections. Use of the CACD for pointing out gaps in the collection and areas of overlaps with other libraries is described, and sample reports and…

Examines preservation literature from 1992 that focused on the integration of preservation strategies within the organization. Highlights include foreign preservation programs; collection development and preservation; government programs; deacidification; paper requirements; disaster recovery techniques; mutilation; microform issues; nonbook…

Examines the history of abridged audio publishing 10 years after the formation of the Audio Publishers Association. Topics include abridged versus unabridged versions for bookstores and libraries; vendors and publishers; future possibilities for CDs and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc); and audio leasing for libraries. (LRW)

Describes the use of the CACD (Collection Analysis CD-ROM), a microcomputer-based evaluation tool introduced by OCLC and supported by AMIGOS, by a consortium of SUNY (State University of New York) libraries. Topics include analyzing monographic collections, cooperative collection development, and resource sharing. (LRW)

Describes a prototype automated collection analysis system developed at OCLC that allows a library to compare its collection with both predefined and evaluator defined peer groups. Eight library applications for such comparisons are listed, and the system design goals and areas needing further development are discussed. (five references)…

Describes the role of automation in library acquisitions and serials departments in support of collection development. Highlights include workstations and expert systems; links to external databases; vendor services, including serials services and online review and selection of approval books; and automated access to collection development…

Discusses the acquisition of CD-ROM products for local area networks based on experiences at the Ohio State University libraries. Topics addressed include the historical development of CD-ROM acquisitions; database selection, including pricing and subscription options; the ordering process; and network licensing issues. (six references) (LRW)

An investigation of books reviewed (1989-95) in Choice Reviews, the CD-ROM version of Choice, determined all titles mentioned (n44,950) were received or purchased by California State University Dominguez Hills and other academic libraries in the Online Union Catalog (OLUC). Findings were further tested to see how they could be incorporated into an…