Defines collection development and discusses several issues related to this function in the academic library: (1) the importance of a collection development policy; (2) material selection; (3) faculty-library cooperation; (4) cooperation with other library departments; (5) weeding; and (6) effects of automation. Nine references are listed. (MES)

Explores the theme of self-censorship in libraries in relation to new technologies. Highlights include the results of investing in high-cost electronic resources at the expense of traditional, lower-status formats; the effect of information technologies on literacy and historical records; and market censorship, including centralization and…

Considers the impact that the computer revolution has had on college and university libraries. Discusses the historical background of changes that resulted from the invention of the printing press; the development of national languages; knowledge acquisition; the historical role of religion; content control of libraries; and changes in students.…

Discusses the results of a national survey of libraries, publishers, and subscription agents that was conducted by the American Library Association (ALA) to address concerns about serials prices. Highlights include library budget trends; resource sharing; selection decisions; library automation; pricing practices of publishers; publisher services;…

Provides guidelines for ordering the best computer books, geared to the library's size. Covers series, articles, subjects, and publishers most useful to a broad audience, as well as the best places to seek information on new titles and where to find reviews. Offers time savers for upgrading a computer book collection and discusses weeding…

Describes the development of an expert system to help in the selection of materials for academic libraries. A model of selection criteria is explained, computerization of the model is discussed, user-defined criteria are considered, and machine learning of rules through the use of algorithms is described. (18 references) (LRW)

Discusses why innovation is important for technical services and lists requirements: the ability to envision the future, the use of intuitive thinking and creativity, and well-managed implementation. Examines systems for verification and delivery of bibliographic records (OCLCs Passport for Windows and PromptCat), and outsourcing and…

The first of two articles describes changes in computer technologies and user needs which affect the role of bibliographic utilities and discusses the need for cooperation between libraries and computing professionals. The second article discusses underlying strategies of library collection management in terms of quantitative and intuitive…

This essay discussing effects of automation on library personnel and library services notes civil service structures; failures in personnel administration; rigidity in library service; access to information by "temporary" language; evaluative, judgmental analysis of the book, data, or journal; dangers of centralized decision-making and…

Discussion of electronic texts in the humanities highlights the major electronic editions of Shakespeare's work. Published versus unpublished texts are explained; other electronic texts currently available in English and American literature are described; and the effect of electronic texts on libraries is discussed. (17 references) (LRW)

Identifies trends and their implications in library-related developments such as conglomeration in publishing; growth of right-fundamentalist influence in radio, television, and book industries; technological developments; and increasing variety of media (e.g. videodiscs) to be managed by libraries. (SW)

Discussion of knowledge-based systems focuses on expert systems used by libraries for technical services and collection management. Highlights include knowledge acquisition; system development issues, including staff time and costs; cataloging; acquisitions and serials control; material selection; preservation; and examples of existing systems.…

Librarians at Harvard University have written the most comprehensive guide to selecting research collections for digitization. This article applies the Harvard Model to a digitization project at Indiana University in order to evaluate the appropriateness of the model for use at another institution and to adapt the model to local needs. (Contains 7…

Four studies summarized are concerned with teacher use of secondary school libraries, the evaluation of a school/community library, selection tools for juvenile books, and effects of study of Mexican culture on students' perceptions of Mexican Americans. Three ERIC documents are also reviewed. (CMV)

Describes compact disk technology in general and possible library applications, including cataloging, online bibliographic searching, and full text searching, and compares the purchase of optical disk packages to traditional online services. Guidelines are provided for evaluating optical disks which focus on the size of the database, updating…