This is the fifth booklet in the U.S. Department of Commerce Consumer Information Series. Paper, its composition, types, and preservation are discussed, as well as enemies of books, i.e., heat, humidity, light, air pollutants, and insects. Instructions are given for minor repairs on books and paper, and suggestions for the care of photographic…

The Association of Research Libraries distributed a survey to its 119 member libraries to assess the use of state-of-the-art digital technologies as a preservation method. Libraries were asked to report detailed data on all projects designed specifically to: (1) enhance images of faded or brittle originals, (2) provide access to digital images…

This report studied the alternative method of using book duplicates as replacement copies for worn or missing stack items. The simple operational procedure which is proposed and evaluated could be adapted to virtually any library setting. When tested in Brigham Young University's Lee Library, it was found that such a procedure cost an estimated…

The result of a study which compared the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2d edition (AACR2), with current cataloging practices at the University of Cincinnati libraries, this report contains chapter-by-chapter commentary on the following areas: the cataloging philosophy of AACR2; general rules for description; books, pamphlets, and printed…

Presents the results of a study to identify and assess the general characteristics of state documents and the specific characteristics of individual document selection sources as they affect patterns of acquisition. (FM)

Describes an outsourcing project at the University of Florida library in which their supplier of domestic serial standing orders supplied a large percentage of the standing orders with complete physical processing. Discusses cost effectiveness, low error rate, and the resulting improvement in workflow efficiency that made the project a success.…

This paper identifies the nature and extent of backlogs in OhioLINK libraries, how these backlogs are controlled and managed, and who has knowledge of what is contained in these backlogs. Using survey methodology, data were collected from the heads of cataloging and collection development departments of the OhioLINK libraries through…

In 1977 the Public Library Commission, in conjunction with the State Library of Pennsylvania, received a Library Services and Construction Act, Title III Grant to conduct a feasibility study of technical service operations in various types of libraries within Beaver County. Its objectives were to: (1) analyze existing library materials purchasing…

Report on a survey of 462 public librarians highlights existing bibliographic practices in managing nonbook media in library collections; attitudes about nonbook media as information sources (cost, informational value, storage and use); and attitudes about bibliographic access to nonbook media (integrated catalogs, classification schemes). Eleven…

Discussion of rush library processing (rapid provision of books that are urgently needed) highlights speed versus cost, previous studies, and a study conducted at Clemson University Library to determine rush book turnaround time. Seven guidelines applicable primarily to academic libraries are suggested as aids to improve rush processing. (9…

Describes results of a 1990 survey that provides statistical data on the serials holdings of 57 university libraries in Canada. Topics discussed include serials budgets; integrated serials departments; serials automation; selection of new serials titles; ordering and acquisitions; claiming; cataloging and related functions; binding; and transfer…

The emphasis of the revised Tulsa (Oklahoma) City-County Library System selection policy is on meeting needs of the community rather than balancing the collection in any one library. The policy includes the "Library Bill of Rights" and covers objectives, responsibilities, maintenance of the collection, controversial materials, gifts,…

Describes a survey of academic libraries that investigated the cataloging backlog of music materials. Pertinent literature is reviewed; reasons for backlogs are discussed, including large acquisitions and gifts without a corresponding increase in staff to process them; a lack of knowledgeable staff; and the impact of other library automation…

Presents a report on a study of the organization of oral data in libraries and archives in the United States and Canada. The management, collection, processing, and dissemination of materials in 10 documentation centers was investigated. (Author/JKP)

A selection of academic libraries was studied to examine ownership of best-sellers from 1940 to 1990. The trend is to keep a higher percentage of older best-sellers in fiction than newer ones. Nonfiction appears to be more sporadic but still follows this trend. Findings indicate new collection development policies may be needed to protect…