Lists criteria for not discarding books from a public library. (PF)

Describes the special collection of the Saint Paul (Minnesota) Public Library, named in honor of former library director, Perrie Jones, which contains over 1,700 books that illustrate significant stages in the history of printing from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. (Author)

Recommends that public libraries be aware of the need to develop basic preservation policies in order to safeguard local treasures and to extend the life of the collection as a whole. The importance of cooperation is asserted in the light of limited budgets. A selected bibliography is included. (FM)

Describes the history of the Robbins Library in Arlington, Massachusetts, which grew from a couple of wheelbarrow loads of books in l835 to a collection of 130,000 volumes in l985. (EL)

Reports on a study assessing the impact of the June 1973 and subsequent U.S. Supreme Court obscenity decisions on public and school libraries and trade bookstores. (Author/PF)

The Boston Public Library's program includes comprehensive collection of current children's literature, selective development of a retrospective collection, and ongoing service to children. (PF)

Presents histories and descriptions of two major public library collections of Afro-Americana and Africana: the Vivian G. Harsh Collection of Afro-American History and Literature (Chicago Public Library); and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (New York Public Library). Fifteen references are listed. (Author/MES)

Examines the first libraries established for children in the United States between 1876 and 1900 and discusses various definitions of "children" and "library" as used by early writers. Specific examples of different configurations for children's libraries are described, from book collections without buildings, to separate rooms with professional…

Describes the various purposes of special collections of children's literature including their value to historians, sociologists, psychologists, artists and authors, their reference purposes, and their value in preserving regional artistic and literary heritages. A bibliography of journal articles, pamphlets, and brochures listed by state is…

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)

Identifies and describes trends in public libraries for 24 selected variables, including library collections, services, operating income and expenditures, and staffing. Data are from the National Center for Education Statistics Public Libraries Survey. (Author/SLD)

Describes the organization and coordination of a public library's move from an old Carnegie building to a new facility. The planning process, publicity and communication, team concept, color-coding scheme, and use of software and volunteer help are covered. (EM)

Description of the production of a "Software Directory Wall Chart" at the North-Pulaski Branch of Chicago Public Library focuses on three major steps: organization of the software collection, use of a database management system to input desired data, and construction of the chart. Storage of diskettes is also discussed. (EJS)

Discussion of popularity of romance fiction at a small public library notes origins of the paperback collection, donations by patrons and publishers, categories and representative titles (Harlequins, romantic suspense, historical novels), cataloging and preparation of paperbacks for the shelves, reader preferences, and the place of romantic novels…

Addresses the public library's problems in cataloging foreign language materials and assuring the patron's access to them. Eleven references are cited. (FM)