The Molesworth Institute conducted a year long experiment on the shelving practices of two academic libraries of comparable size, with similar user populations. Results show that the practice of leaving the middle two shelves empty for future expansion cannot be recommended. Measurements include accumulation of dirt; usage; and incidents of…

Discusses the possible effects of library automation and networking on standards of catalog accuracy, catalog maintenance, circulation control, and other processes, and describes the mission of the Research Libraries Group (RLG), a consortium of 25 research libraries. (FM)

Encourages establishment of priorities and allocation of funds to support the preservation of library materials. Improper storage and handling practices are threatening the continued existence of much recorded information. Techniques, programs, and trained personnel are needed to arrest deterioration of library materials. (RAA)

Reports the application of a microcomputer for automating the circulation system of a small public library in Oregon. (RAA)

Libraries today operate on the assumption that they are a necessary and viable social institution with a long life expectancy. However, labor productivity, automation levels, and costs are not in line with todays economic requirements. Competing information services may replace libraries by the turn of the century. (DH)

Libraries face problems because of lack of discrimination between similar and same in dealing with circulation systems, shared systems, collection development and evaluation, classification systems, and in tailoring collections to meet user needs. (Author/SJ)

Describes the local, in-house designed, automated, on-line circulation system which has been in operation at the public library in Farmers Branch, Texas, since October 1, 1975. The relatively inexpensive system is linked to the IBM System 3 Model 10 in the city data processing department. (JVP)

The utility of the argument put forth in this paper relates to the planning for future information systems. Librarians must determine what sorts of epistomological or classification systems they can expect in the future and how they can be organized and serviced so they will interface with the past. (Author/NH)

Describes how the Main Library at the University of California at Davis uses both the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) and OCLC in its technical services operations, including retrospective conversion, cataloging, searching, and authority work. Two references are provided. (EJS)

Examines the problem of book theft in libraries, including why people steal; titles and subjects most frequently stolen; budget impacts; collection redevelopment; and a list of 31 suggested prevention measures, including policy issues; security measures; facility design; automated system tracking capabilities; collection strategy; and…

Discusses emerging theory that there are two different kinds of technical services, one for public and school libraries and another for academic/research and special libraries. Highlights include use of "The Anglo-American Cataloging Rules," library size versus type, classification, library automation, and results of survey of 13 library…

Examines the development of the microcomputer and focuses on its potential for library automation. The characteristics of microcomputers and minicomputers are contrasted and a selected annotated bibliography includes a list of specialty magazines on microcomputers. (RAA)

Recommends the establishment of a national bibliographic center for public libraries as an alternative source of cataloging. (PF)

A consideration of the various possibilities which are available for improving library operations and collection control makes it plain that the response of the library community ought to be towards greater cooperation among library centers and more extensive standardization. (31 references) (Author)

Describes the growth and linkage of computer and communication technologies in academic libraries, and suggests that librarians should assume a militant role in dealing with information issues, including: the library's role in relation to the individual scholar and the university's information environment; costs and budgets; and information as a…