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…

A case study based on theories of loose coupling and loosely coupled systems focuses on the relationship between librarians and faculty who share collection development responsibilities. Data indicates that areas of collaboration at a public comprehensive university library center more on procedures of collection development than on substantive…

Discusses the link between adequately developed, current school library collections and better student achievement and highlights the importance of having students become successful critical readers. Offers suggestions for encouraging reading, including knowing the materials in the collection, knowing the students to meet their needs, building on…

One public library's policy for the selection of adult and children's library materials is described. The library's collection interests are outlined and guidelines are given covering selection personnel, selection criteria, and selection sources for print and non-print materials. Problems involved in collection maintenance and the evaluation of…

A Braille Reader Survey Analysis was prepared for the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress in 1974 in order to determine what kinds of books and magazines current braille readers like to read, and to obtain information about braille readers. The survey mailing list was gleaned from subscription lists of four…

Describes the history, scope, and intent of this project at the University of Toronto, which will develop and publish a selective annotated bibliography for use as a resource by librarians in the selection and cataloging of nonprint materials. (JVP)

Describes the intentions of mass-market children's book publishers, reviews the nature of mass-market children's books, discusses the interests of librarians in relation to recent developments in mass-market children's publishing, and considers the value of mass-market books to young readers. (JL)

Describes selection procedures, including policies and practices, used at El Paso Public Library for the acquisition of English and Spanish materials. (EJS)

Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) is a state mental institution whose Children's Unit provides residential care and treatment, as well as educational and recreational programs for approximately 120 children suffering from severe emotional disorders. In January, 1974, a project was initiated to improve the library service being provided to these…

"Bunko" are local mini-libraries for children in Japan, operated voluntarily by individuals or groups of parents, intended to nurture children's reading interest by offering them an inviting reading environment. In 1993, there were an estimated 4,000 bunko in Japan, with approximately 32,000 adult bunko members (90% female). Bunko…

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.…

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)

Describes the criteria and methods used in the review and selection of both print and nonprint materials for inclusion in a public school system resource center in British Columbia. (JVP)

Results of a 1969 survey by Carol Nemeyer of scholarly reprint activity in United States are reviewed in light of subsequent trends. Although replication of survey is not recommended, certain aspects that merit continued study are discussed with emphasis on the role of academic librarians in scholarly reprint selection. (36 references) (EJS)