Concerned with the nontechnical aspects of flow-charting library procedures, this article pays special attention to the communication process that takes place during such an analysis and suggests how flowcharts can describe, as accurately as possible, what takes place in a given library task. (Author/RAA)

This article draws on parallels between outsourcing in business and in libraries to examine the difficulties and implications of outsourcing the catalog department. Topics include outsourcing at Wright State University (Ohio), management concerns, vendor objectives, cataloging as a noncore activity; and selective versus total outsourcing. Contains…

Future emphasis in cataloging will be on the sharing of high quality bibliographic records through a national network. As original cataloging decreases, catalogers, rather than disappearing, will more likely be managers of the library's bibliographic control system. (Author/RAA)

This essay addresses the need to maintain authority control in machine-held catalogs as well as card catalogs. Highlights include retrospective conversion of library catalogs; the value of following Library of Congress (LC) cataloging practices; indifference to LC catalog conversion; and overcoming negative attitudes toward LC as an authority.…

Focuses on failure of libraries to study or publish comparative costs of cataloging before and after automation. Discussion covers current situation; coping with change; MARC and Anglo-American Cataloging Rules Revised solutions (Library of Congress (LC) revisionary practices, Dewey classification changes, LC subject headings); and question of…

Discusses the importance of public service for the users of serials collections in large libraries in light of the complexities of serial collection organization. A diagram of the decision points encountered by users dealing with serials collections and tables listing the types of serials records and error problems are included. (JL)

Examines three circumstances likely to alter the organization of acquisitions expertise in libraries: holistic understanding superseding specialized expertise; diverging futures for acquisitions expertise and acquisitions departments; and the role of acquisitions expertise outside the library. (AEF)

Quality in library technical services is explored in light of changes produced by automation. Highlights include a definition of quality; new opportunities and shifting priorities; cataloging (fullness of records, heading consistency, accountability, local standards, automated checking); need for new skills (management, staff); and boons of…

Describes reorganization of monographic processing at Iowa State University Library Technical Services for effective use of online cataloging system (OCLC). Combination of pre-order bibliographic searching with later copy cataloging, post-receipt examination of materials, hit rates and type of records used, productivity and processing speed, and…

A survey of 99 academic music librarians identifies current administrative practices regarding cataloging and attempts to determine how these practices affect user service and cataloger satisfaction. Highlights include the problem, administrative structure, physical facilities, location of cataloging tools, music catalogers' duties, support staff,…

Reports on a pilot project for collaborative collections management by the University of California and Stanford University Libraries to provide shared access to physical science translation journals; and suggests 12 steps for successful resource sharing with a focus on both human and technical systems. (Author/AEF)