Reports on third annual mini-survey on religious books in 30 public libraries across nation covering seven areas: regularity of purchase of religious materials; percentage of book budget used; percentage of circulation; collection policies; gifts; patron demand; attempt to "balance" book collection on certain issues; pressure from…

The 56 papers in this proceedings are divided into three groups--theme, alternative format, and contributed papers. Myths and realities are explored in the first group as they relate to university, college, community, and junior college libraries, and to private sector information utilities. The conference wrap-up session is included in this…

Describes the Pica Library Automation Network (originally the Project for Integrated Catalogue Automation), which is based on a centralized bibliographic database. Highlights include the Pica conception of library automation, online shared cataloging system, circulation control system, acquisition system, and online Dutch union catalog with…

This discussion of the difficulties Poland faces in acquiring materials for its libraries' collections centers on four aspects: (1) historical background, (2) publishing output versus acquisition of collections, (3) decentralization of acquisition as the basis for distribution of collection in Poland, and (4) centralization of information about…

The development of the Humanities Research Center (housing one of the largest collections of twentieth century literature) at the University of Texas at Austin is described. The efforts of Harry Huntt Ransom in building the special collections, the financing of purchases, and present challenges the center must meet are explained. (BH)

Identifies six trends in collection development in fine arts library, noting selection tools and methods. Results of a study of cost and coverage statistics for fine arts titles treated on approval plans by Richard Abel Company and Blackwell North America between 1971/72 and 1981/82 are presented. Thirteen references are listed. (EJS)

A study has found that scholarly journal subscriptions have risen over 18 percent in 1986-87, with a few publishers accounting for most of the increase. Some feel publishers are charging as much as the market can bear. Libraries are beginning to share subscriptions and collections more. (MSE)

Explores past, present, and future trends of romance novels by discussing publication styles; romance appeal; ethnic romances; attitudes toward romance novels in libraries; and the acquisition, cataloging, processing, and shelving of romance novels in libraries. Sidebars list librarian romance novelists, 1994 award winning romance writers of…

Technical services librarians can use the Internet for acquisitions--search online databases for title information; listservs--discuss professional issues; cataloging--telnet to other university catalogs; serials--perform online claiming and/or subscribe to electronic journals; bibliographic utilities--search OCLC and RLIN. A related concern is…

Discusses information needed to effectively select books on African American themes. In addition, criteria are given for evaluating the authors of textbooks and tradebooks, the publisher, the treatment of the black experience, historical background, culture and custom, characterization, language and terminology and illustrations. (SA)

Shares thoughts and concerns of library distributor executives about current trends in the academic library marketplace, changes in vendor services, and the impact of shrinking library budgets. Reports that vendors expect increases in electronic interactions with libraries, use of standards, and vendor supplied technical services and materials…

Explores the question of availability of children's books through interviews with publishers on current stocking policies and trends in backlisting and reissuing. Identifies sources of encouragement of trend to identify and reissue "old favorites." (SD)