Traces the evolution of the Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication (CIP) program and discusses its value to libraries, including its use for cataloging, acquisitions, and collection development. Perspectives from participating publishers are given, future possibilities are discussed, and a sidebar describes problems with CIP. (LRW)

Argues that recent decisions to outsource library collection development are not isolated incidents but attempts to privatize whole core services and even management of libraries. Examines three misconceptions about the private sector: that it can do it better and cheaper, that accountability to the marketplace is more effective than government,…

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 how collections in the digital library, instead of traditional cataloging, call for metadata, structured information about information. Describes three categories of metadata information about digital resources: descriptive, structural, and administrative. Examines emerging standards for digital-library classification. (AEF)

Discusses the need for Spanish language materials in public libraries, and describes support systems that aid in the selection of materials. A directory of 50 vendors of Spanish language books, with brief information about the scope of materials and services they make available, is provided. (CLB)