This paper addresses the library collection development of spatial information in cartographic format. Highlights include: the impermanent nature of maps; changes in spatial information creation, storage, processing, and management resulting from developments in computer-based information technology; steps required to download the digital version…

Looks at collection development for print materials in school libraries serving children in grades K-8. The policy statement and the processes of evaluation, selection, acquisition, and weeding are examined, emphasizing the place of curriculum objectives and the role of the librarian. Twenty-two references and a bibliography of 15 selection tools…

This discussion of the librarian's perspective on collection development cites professional "blind spots" in areas of responses to and misinterpretation of information, censorship, identifying and satisfying reader demand, and confusion over the role of the librarian. A 15-item bibliography is provided. (EJS)

Describes the role of the information specialist in a corporate information center and discusses the three areas that define this role--collection, access, and service. Advantages and disadvantages of being a corporate information specialist are considered. (one reference) (MES)

Argues that school libraries should maintain a commitment to encourage reading and have concern for the enrichment of the individual's imaginative and creative life. Describes a variety of ways the school libraries in the United Kingdom promote reading. (RS)

Reviews common technical services policies relating to circulation, cataloging, and collection development that routinely prevent full access to public library resources for children and adolescents. It is argued that technical services librarians can work closely with those in youth services to ensure intellectual freedom for children and youth.…

Reviews the general climate of demands for censorship of library materials, and argues that librarians must follow the Code of Ethics and accept the responsibility for resisting censorship pressures. Suggestions for the promotion of a positive climate for intellectual freedom by librarians in public libraries are offered. (23 references) (CLB)

Discusses problems in the U.S. depository library system and offers suggestions for improvement, including cutting the List of Classes so libraries have more control over material selection; adding more public libraries as depositories; and restructuring regional depository library responsibilities so they do not have to keep all publications.…

Libraries serve our nation and its citizens in two primary ways: by preserving our common culture, and by nurturing and sustaining democracy itself. A particular democratic function of libraries is fostering reading. As noted in two reports recently issued by the U.S. Department of Education, "What Works" and "First Lessons," it is imperative to…

This examination of the issue of intellectual freedom in academic libraries provides examples of recent controversies, and argues that the library's response to such controversies provides an opportunity to emphasize its educational role. It is noted that academic libraries are full of controversial materials, and that this is necessary if the…

The role of the research library and issues in access to increasing quantities of information are discussed, including the problems of cataloging and classifying information and the barriers to access often created by librarians. (MSE)

Explores the role of the academic rare book library in terms of its financial justification and concludes that the primary justification lies in its utility as a research library. It is also concluded that institutions unable to support a proper rare book collection might be advised to develop appropriate special collections instead. (19…

Defines and describes three roles of library collections: archival, dispensing, and bibliographic. It is argued that the rise of remotely accessible materials makes possession less important relative to access, has implications for all three roles, and indicates a shift in emphasis away from collection development and conventional catalogs and…

Discussion of the acquisition and dissemination of revisionist history materials by public libraries focuses on revisionism related to the Jewish Holocaust. Intellectual freedom is addressed, the role of the public library is considered, handling holocaust-denial literature is described, and an example from the Edmonton Public Library is…

Reviews and describes the current crisis in science literacy and formulates an information-based definition of the term. Library issues and concerns are discussed, including the role of librarians in defining the information-seeking behavior of science-literate users, describing users' characteristics, and evaluating and applying appropriate…