Describes ways in which collection development at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries has been affected by the libraries' position within a museum context. The discussion covers the adoption by the libraries of a nomenclature that applies to management of museum objects collections and their capitalization on allied interests in such areas as…

Explores the role of the academic rare book library in terms of its financial justification and concludes that the primary justification lies in its utility as a research library. It is also concluded that institutions unable to support a proper rare book collection might be advised to develop appropriate special collections instead. (19…

Reviews and describes the current crisis in science literacy and formulates an information-based definition of the term. Library issues and concerns are discussed, including the role of librarians in defining the information-seeking behavior of science-literate users, describing users' characteristics, and evaluating and applying appropriate…

Argues that collection development systems need to exert greater control over scholarly and educational information if the systems are to adapt to changing technical and economic conditions. Steps toward increased control should include categorization of sources and access by function, ongoing definition of a title-specific core, and the…

Considers issues facing academic libraries in liberal arts colleges. Topics discussed include the need for faculty support; needs of faculty researchers; collection development, including faculty demands; resource sharing; the impact of information technology; the role of the library; and current awareness services, such as selective dissemination…

Explores issues associated with the imposition of fees on information obtained from sources made available by today's technology. Highlights include the commodification of information, economics of access to information, library costs and user fees, cost benefits of automation, financial support for automation, and implications for collection…

Examines the question of whether faculty or librarians should have primary responsibility for collection development in academic libraries. The findings of recent collection evaluations are presented, and the need for cost effective collection policies that combine the expertise of faculty and librarians is discussed. (16 references) (CLB)

This essay suggests that conversation, crucial for human life in society and intrinsic to nature of libraries, may be the appropriate model for providing guidance, means, and context for change in academic librarianship. The business model, missions and goals, collection development, bibliographic instruction, and organizational considerations are…