Discussion of videocassettes in our culture and the function of video collections in libraries focuses on the creation and demise of a unit sponsored by the American Library Association, the ALA Video and Special Projects. The unit's role is discussed and funding decisions that led to its demise are explained. (LRW)

Presentations on NCIP (North American Collections Inventory Project) program developments and future program directions are combined with business meeting minutes in this report from the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). The text of remarks presented as part of a panel discussion on the program theme includes: (1) "Development and Use…

This report presents and explains new standards developed for Alabama public libraries in response to a need for a clearly articulated, easily used, and broadly based public library planning and development tool. Intended to provide an overview of the new standards, the introduction discusses why the standards were developed; their purposes; how…

Papers on rare books and precious documents which were presented at the 1985 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference include: (1) "The Planned Census of Incunabula in Libraries in the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany): A Contribution to Retrospective Bibliographic Control" (Franz Georg Kaltwasser, West…

Describes why and how the North American Collections Inventory Project (NCIP) involving three Indiana research libraries was implemented; how cooperative decisions and planning are proceeding as a result of the project; and benefits and drawbacks of the project. Comments on future are offered as NCIP begins Phase Three. (6 references) (EJS)

Two articles describe National Shelflist Count project organized 13 years ago under auspices of American Library Association's Resources and Technical Services Division to collect and publish comparative data about strengths and growth of major North American research collections. History, limitations, usefulness, and recommendations of 1983 task…

Examination of the challenges for serials management posed by rapid changes in technology places particular emphasis on issues relating to the bibliographic control of and access to serial publications. Problem areas are identified as organization for serials work, staffing, and the multiplication and specialization of serial publications.…

Describes problems facing academic libraries today concerning the amount of literature and information available, costs, copyright issues affecting ownership, and technological changes. Strategies for dealing with diminishing funds and increasing information resources are suggested, and activities at the Association of Research Libraries (ARL)…

Discussion of the development of the discourse of diversity highlights a report from the Librarian's Association of the University of California that addressed cultural diversity in academic libraries. Topics discussed include developing culturally diverse collections; access; reference services; bibliographic instruction; and recruitment,…

Papers on library material acquisition, collection development, and exchange programs, which were presented at the 1985 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference, include: (1) "International Collaboration among Acquisition Librarians: Obstacles and Opportunities" (Charles Willett, University of Florida Libraries,…

This paper discusses the need for developing provincial/state, regional, and district partnerships to provide critical support for library media programs at the building level. It maintains that the experts who provide leadership at each level must be strong advocates for the integration of the library media program into all aspects of the…

These draft standards apply to two- or three-year academic institutions awarding associate degrees or certificates. They are intended to assist in evaluation and in developing learning resources programs. Areas addressed include objectives, organization and administration, staff, budget, user services, collections, and facilities. (Contains nine…

This paper discusses problems related to library collection of science materials from developing regions, including price increases leading to cancellation of peripheral titles. The importance of access and preservation of such materials is noted. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Science Research…