This document examines the impact of new information technologies on the various roles of national libraries. Seventy-two national libraries responded to a questionnaire designed to assist in determining how such institutions worldwide are responding to recent technological innovations. The first of six chapters identifies three basic…

Reports the results of a survey of Arizona libraries that gathered information on the collection development policies for state and local government publications. Problems that result from not having a depository system for state publications are discussed, cataloging and classification practices are examined, and use of bibliographic utilities…

Three articles on preservation present a theoretical framework for making preservation selection decisions by Atkinson, comments on Atkinson's concepts and possible mechanisms for identifying collections for top priority in microfilming by Child, and results of a Research Libraries Group study of the costs of preservation microfilming by McClung .…

This discussion of the difficulties involved in acquiring materials for academic libraries in Nigeria uses statistics at one university to demonstrate the drop in foreign exchange based orders. Alternatives to overseas purchasing, including local purchasing, gifts and exchanges, and resource sharing programs, are also discussed. (CLB)

Advocates providing automobile repair and service information in public libraries, and discusses collection development issues, reference services, and problems in making repair manuals available. Describes the collection and services for patrons in Tacoma Public Library and results of a survey of other public libraries holding automobile repair…

This study explores current trends and practices in functional integration based on site visits to six Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries selected on the basis of their responses to a Fall 1984 ARL questionnaire. The responses indicated that, for all six libraries, some integration of functions existed, staff reorganization…

Explores how public libraries have dealt with the AIDS epidemic, examines the publication of articles on AIDS in periodicals and books, and reports the results of a survey of public libraries that was conducted to determine when and how librarians have responded to information needs on the AIDS epidemic. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Based on a literature search, surveys of student library needs and library collections, and an evaluation of services available from participating educational institutions and local public and school libraries, it is concluded that library support for students enrolled in distance education programs offered through the Chinook Educational…

Seven articles on library reference services highlight reference obsolescence in academic libraries, major studies of unobtrusive reference tests, methods for evaluating reference desk performance, reference interview evaluation, problems of reference desk control, online searching by end users, and reference collection development in…

Examines questions of censorship based on a study of the novel "American Psycho" and a survey of Canadian public libraries that investigated selection policies and the circulation of controversial titles. Highlights include previous research, Canadian laws regarding freedom of information, role of the chief librarian, and the role of…

Reports the findings of a survey of school library media centers in eight large urban areas with large enrollments of Hispanic children that was conducted to determine the availability of Spanish language literature. Highlights include media specialists and support staff; holdings; budget; book selection process; and library events and activities.…