Science libraries buy many unneeded books in the effort to provide all needed books. Since books are the least-used source of information for physicists and other scientists, highly selective, objective criteria need to be developed and applied to book selection so as to limit acquisitions to items really needed. (Author)

Current disenchantment with the undergraduate library concept is attributed to (1) changes in curriculum and teaching methods, (2) tighter library budgets, and (3) the realization that a separate facility works to deprive the undergraduate of a learning experience that only a large research library can offer. (Author/AWP)

Allocative formulas are preferred alternatives for distributing the book budget among departmental funds. Economic efficiency via cost-effectiveness analysis is suggested as potentially useful for within fund acquisition of library-resource units. (Author)

A survey of state purchasing agencies, libraries, and book wholesalers has revealed that any small savings in purchasing books by state-wide contract on the basis of high-discount is more than offset by the extra time and money spent in coping with inadequate service and large back-order files. (LS)

A model is presented in which the division of library resources among competing interests is based upon considerations of economic efficiency. It is argued that allocation decisions should depend upon the prospective usage rate of materials, explicit value judgments about how much such use contributes to the university's goals, and costs. (Author)

Library governing boards are faced with many administrative questions affecting services offered. This paper describes the operational research approach to the problem of allocation of funds to different departments of a university for purchase of materials. A linear programing model is suggested for solving the allocation problem. (5 references)…

Describes results of a survey that was conducted to compile statistical data on collection growth and library expenditures in academic libraries. Data from liberal arts college libraries are compared with data from members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), library statistics are discussed, and significant trends are described. (32…

Discusses the nature and extent of discriminatory pricing by journal publishers, and reports on a survey of academic libraries that was conducted to assess the effectiveness of strategies used by libraries to mitigate the effects of high journal prices and price discrimination, i.e., higher prices for both institutions and foreign subscribers.…

The characteristics of paper or microform library materials, electronic publications, and online databases are compared in terms of equipment needs, cost effectiveness, budgeting, and satisfaction of users' needs. Suggestions for the effective integration of these materials are offered. (13 references) (CLB)

Describes a study of the current usage and status of CD-ROM products. Results of a survey of academic and research libraries that covered products owned or subscribed to, how they are paid for, numbers of workstations, usage, and cost are reported. The years 1984-85 and 1989-90 are compared. Cancellation of print sources is also addressed.…