Presents a 1992 study which discovered and investigated collection development bias in academic and public libraries in California. The investigation was carried out in five stages: (1) selected a controversial topic; (2) identified representative works; (3) ranked works by qualified judges; (4) measured holdings via library online computer…

This essay on library book selection critiques Nora Rawlinson's article on practices at the Baltimore County Public Library which appeared in Library Journal, November 15, 1981, p. 2188, and discusses library circulation statistics in relation to book selection. (EJS)

This essay addressing problems of library collection weeding suggests that as countermeasure to damage already done, every public library should establish a substantial American Heritage collection of classic Anglo-American authors up to 1900. Inexperienced librarians, rare books and historic preservation, patron complaints, interlibrary loan, and…

Examines growing literature of paranormal phenomena and other areas of investigation that are in conflict with mainstream science, and considers reasons for this growth and similarities which link these areas together within realm of pseudoscience. The dilemma librarians face in dealing with pseudoscientific materials is considered. Forty-nine…

This essay addresses concerns surrounding the censorship of library materials and responds to comments received on a previous article by the same author ("Top of the News," Winter 1984). Discussion covers the American Civil Liberties Union, vulgar language and inadequate vocabulary, library collections, library material selection, and…

Argues that book selection is more properly and adequately done by faculty members than librarians. A model for faculty selection of library materials that formally incorporates accountability for selectors is proposed.

While videotapes and videodiscs have the potential for revolutionizing our ways of creatively exploring information, they are not yet financially or practically realizable for libraries. Librarians should ensure that high standards for the quality of media collections are not compromised by commercial media promotions. (RAA)

This essay reviews the library material selection process and explores the differences between selection and censorship. Removal of library materials, selection of materials for special interests, opinions of censorious groups, the balanced collection, and the librarian's responsibility are discussed. (EJS)

Describes the Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America at Radcliffe College and discusses the impact of women's studies on its collection policies. (Author/FM)

Discusses the selection of materials for adults with low reading skills: adult basic education (ABE) materials within the public library setting, kinds of materials available, types of collections, acquiring ABE materials (including evaluation and problems), and using ABE materials to teach other skills. (JD)

Discusses general findings reported in the literature of use and citation studies on the use of citation counts as found in "Journal Citation Reports" for identification of periodical titles for cancellation in a university library. Principal reasons for retention of little-cited journals are noted. Twenty-one references are cited. (EJS)

The challenge to children's librarians of recognizing, analyzing, and selecting picture books for the not-so-young is discussed. Characteristics of sophisticated picture books, views of Elaine Moss (well-known British librarian), and efforts of children's librarians at Ottawa Public Library to establish picture books collection are highlighted.…

The most significant reference sources of 1993, including 30 books and 7 CD-ROMs, are presented in this annotated bibliography. A sidebar entitled "The Reference Medium of Choice: Print or Electronic" (Pat Ensor) is also included. (SLW)

Discussion of media in public libraries focuses on independent films and alternative video. Topics addressed include commercial films; film adaptations of novels; instructional films; material selection; cataloging; video technology; and a project in Indiana that tried to encourage public librarians to collect alternative videos. (LRW)

An examination of how well the Canadian public library is meeting the needs of the serious reader interested in self education, as compared to new and secondhand book stores and academic libraries, found that the public library is the most important and effective agency in providing materials for this group. (CLB)