Provides an overview of traditional allocation methods for academic library materials budgets and describes a study conducted at the University of Tennessee Libraries that analyzed the MARC records of highly circulated titles to discover patterns of commonality that could be used in future selection work. (Contains 10 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the use of library management data, particularly circulation data, in making selection decisions for library collection development based on experiences at Louisiana State University. Development of a collection based on actual use rather than perceived research needs is considered, and the decision-making process for serials…

Describes measures of cost effectiveness that are useful for academic library collections, based on experiences at the Louisiana State University libraries. Highlights include circulation analysis of newly cataloged books; current periodical use compared to cost; faculty ranking of journals; and circulation patterns (i.e., use versus cost and…

Discusses policy, law, and administrative issues that must be resolved by a national commission to study public lending right, which was proposed in a 1985 bill. Examples from the United Kingdom and other countries are used. (EM)

Discusses problems in scholarly communication, particularly pricing strategies for scientific and technical journals and their impact on academic libraries' collection development. Highlights include the growth rate in scholarly titles; serials expenditures; research and development expenditures; expenditures at Louisiana State University; shared…

In comparing methods of allocating service transaction costs among member libraries of interlibrary systems, questions of how costs are to be estimated, and what cost elements are to be included are critical. Different approaches of estimation yield varying results. Actual distribution of units accounts for greatest variance in allocations. (CDD)

Traces the events that led to the passage of Colorado's Confidentiality of Library Records Law. The growing national trend to protect patron records is also discussed, and practical suggestions for librarians to use in dealing with privacy laws are provided. (EM)