Addresses issues related to library acquisition of microform collections. Cooperation in the acquisition process between libraries and scholars is urged. The value of microforms and the importance of providing finding aids are also discussed. (nine references) (MES)

Discusses the complex role of government documents on microform in library reference services using an examination of recent Ghanaian news broadcasts as an illustration. (14 references) (MES)

Argues that the quality of information provided to scholars by microform sets of manuscript collections, as compared to original manuscripts and critical editions, does not justify the expansion of research libraries' collection boundaries and fiscal responsibilities to include such materials. (CLB)

Argues that the growing use of technology is beginning to erode the free library ethic by blurring distinctions between commercial and not-for-profit information suppliers and fostering competition between and among various suppliers. It is suggested that libraries need to implement new entrepreneurially oriented management structures to cope with…

Fremont Rider's 1944 book, "The Scholar and the Future of the Research Library", had a major impact on research library thinking. The issues raised by Rider, such as research library economics, collection, acquisition and management policies, and library cooperation still resonate today, although his technology solutions have long since been…

Discusses role of Library of Congress (LC) in cooperative preservation microfilming activities in United States, noting relationship of LC to library community, sharing of technical expertise and procedural experience, the actual filming, and adequate bibliographic control for preservation microforms. Aspects of three-year Optical Disk Pilot…

Describes government information available in machine-readable data files--primarily on computer tapes--in relation to other formats and examines requirements for their acquisition, preservation, and utilization in retrieval and reference services. Skill and knowledge adjustments on the part of librarians are also discussed, and a system in use at…