Discusses the potential value that library science collections hold for the profession. Methods of describing and identifying collections are discussed along with their locations, uses, and functions. (RAA)

Discussion of way in which books have functioned within framework of American librarianship highlights acquisition of books (libraries attempting to fill needs of everyone in geographical area, libraries devoted to filling needs of self-selected part of society, libraries devoted to collecting particular subject), and role of private collector of…

Describes some of the confusing aspects of the Bibliography Section (Z Class) of the Library of Congress Classification system and recounts the preparation of a key showing a comparison of the A through P classes with their corresponding Z numbers. The comparative classification key is appended. (JL)

Suggests that fundamental questions with broad policy implications and a perspective that approaches academic library from patron's point of view remain to be asked about library costs, collections and their use, library users, and both the academic setting itself and the people who work within it. Seventeen references are cited. (EJS)

Relates author's impressions of Hungarian libraries and library schools gained during visit sponsored by Association of Hungarian Librarians and Kent State University. The Library of the Hungarian Parliament, Szechenyi National Library, Ervin Szabo Municipal Library, Hungarian Technical Information Centre, City/County Library, Teachers' Training…

Fuzzy set theory, a mathematical modeling technique that allows for the consideration of such factors as "professional expertise" in decision making, is discussed as a tool for use in libraries--specifically in collection management. The fundamentals of fuzzy set theory are introduced and a reference list is included. (JL)

Sketches a scenario describing the possible future of primary records in libraries. Describes the demands that scholars might place on librarians as the demand for access to information stored in varied formats accelerates. Provides survey results regarding the importance of primary records to humanists. (HB)

This column assesses the state of library and information studies (LIS) research. Researchers and practitioners in various LIS fields address questions related to the research front and agenda for collection development; what the field needs to advance further; whether it needs a more sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework; operational…

Examines commercial, educational, and existing library sources to establish a practical perspective for librarians seeking to establish collections of popular culture materials, with emphasis on sound recordings, nonstandard materials, and concerns of bibliographic control and professional education. Seven references are listed. (RAA)

Describes the research resources of two information science collections: (1) the Columbia University School of Library Service, including materials on library science, the history of printing and publishing, and the history of children's literature; and (2) the headquarters library of the American Library Association (ALA), which contains both ALA…

Reviews meaning and theory of library collections and structure and enumerates ways that data on collections can be organized to reveal underlying global structure (links and connections between collections, parts of collections, and users of collections). Definitions of terms applying to eight models described in text are appended. (53…

Presents overview of teaching of popular culture in schools of library and information science assembled from course information and syllabi from 10 schools. Common components in courses offered and descriptions of three specific courses (University of Pittsburgh, University of Illinois, University of North Carolina) are provided. Twelve…

Reviews historical development, organization, and current concerns of health sciences librarians who serve in mental health institutions, agencies, and organizations. The mental health field, mental health libraries, education and training, professional status and standards, professional organizations, the library collection, and library…

A literary scholar interacts with various other speakers at the Fleur Cowles "Fleur" Symposium 2000 (Austin, TX) and makes his own case for the necessity of physical materials that are always yielding new insights. He rues the apparent denigration of paper materials and the reduction of books even in research libraries and suggests that research…

Discusses six broad categories of activities in the context of planning for future organizational changes in academic libraries: facilities, budget, organizational structure, staff, service, and information resources. (EM)