This column assesses the state of library and information studies (LIS) research. Researchers and practitioners in various LIS fields address questions related to the research front and agenda for collection development; what the field needs to advance further; whether it needs a more sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework; operational…

Describes a method of cost-per-use analysis for individual journal articles to facilitate journal selection, deselection, and retention decisions. Conducted in a biotechnology library, the study was based on 491 users who requested more than 48,000 article photocopies over 3 years. Information on user behavior and journal use patterns is provided.…

Traces historical development of the John M. Wing foundation on the History of Printing beginning with its benefactor, John M. Wing, through the contributions of its custodians: Pierce Butler, 1920-31; Ernst F. Detterer, 1931-47; and James M. Wells, 1951-84. Focus is on the formulation and application of the collecting policy. (75 references)…

Describes a study that examined the citation patterns of 579 randomly selected citations from 167 French and German monographs published in 1984, and compared the findings with those of earlier studies of American and British humanities monographic and journal literatures. The implications for library collection development are discussed. (24…