The purpose of this project is to develop a set of computer programs to perform a variety of collection development analyses on the machine-readable cataloging (MARC) records that are produced as a byproduct of use of the online cataloging subsystem of the Ohio College Library System (OCLC), and made available through the OCLC Distribution Tape…

Discusses the results of a national survey of libraries, publishers, and subscription agents that was conducted by the American Library Association (ALA) to address concerns about serials prices. Highlights include library budget trends; resource sharing; selection decisions; library automation; pricing practices of publishers; publisher services;…

The objective of this study was to determine how large research libraries perform the function of collection development. The paper describes collection development theory within the formal organizational structure of the library, identifies the actual decision points involved in selection of materials, and examines the staff and facilities…

Describes the development of an expert system to help in the selection of materials for academic libraries. A model of selection criteria is explained, computerization of the model is discussed, user-defined criteria are considered, and machine learning of rules through the use of algorithms is described. (18 references) (LRW)

Librarians at Harvard University have written the most comprehensive guide to selecting research collections for digitization. This article applies the Harvard Model to a digitization project at Indiana University in order to evaluate the appropriateness of the model for use at another institution and to adapt the model to local needs. (Contains 7…

This SPEC kit is based on a June 1987 survey of approval plan use by 94 members of the Association of Research Libraries. It reports on the current practices of these libraries, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using approval plans, and the effect of increased library materials costs and library automation on such plans. It is noted…

Defines mechanical and expert selection of library materials and investigates the usefulness of mechanical selection in three test cases involving popular novels, German literature, and contemporary poetry. The cost of mechanical selection is examined and more quantification in selection practice is recommended. Data are presented in eight tables,…

A survey of the current practices in school library-media centers in the Southwest, Three Rivers, Pathfinder, and Arkansas Valley Regional Library Service Systems in Colorado was conducted in the fall of 1986. The survey covered reference materials; media selection; computer usage, including cataloging, online searching, and use of library…

The eight articles in this special section on microcomputer applications in libraries discuss selection of microcomputer courseware for school media collections, public and special libraries, information retrieval, and library education. References and an annotated bibliography are provided. (Request subscription information from W. Robert…

Responding to an informal survey, 96 media specialists named favorite software, CD-ROMs, and online sites. This article lists automation packages, electronic encyclopedias, CD-ROMs, electronic magazine indexes, CD-ROM and online database services, electronic sources of current events, laser disks for grades 6-12, word processing programs for…