Describes why and how the North American Collections Inventory Project (NCIP) involving three Indiana research libraries was implemented; how cooperative decisions and planning are proceeding as a result of the project; and benefits and drawbacks of the project. Comments on future are offered as NCIP begins Phase Three. (6 references) (EJS)

Two articles describe National Shelflist Count project organized 13 years ago under auspices of American Library Association's Resources and Technical Services Division to collect and publish comparative data about strengths and growth of major North American research collections. History, limitations, usefulness, and recommendations of 1983 task…

This paper examines specific issues in the administration of serials (publications issued in successive parts and intended to be continued indefinitely) as they have been addressed by a small academic library with budget constraints and limited personnel. Highlights include collection development, bibliographic control, acquisition, automation,…

This examination of collection development and bibliographic control in the small public library (small staff and modest resources) is concerned with three categories of library materials that can be identified as serials: (1) magazines; (2) reference books; (3) books in series that can circulate separately. (10 references) (EJS)

Three articles on preservation present a theoretical framework for making preservation selection decisions by Atkinson, comments on Atkinson's concepts and possible mechanisms for identifying collections for top priority in microfilming by Child, and results of a Research Libraries Group study of the costs of preservation microfilming by McClung .…

Delineates the types of decisions involved in the preservation of library collections and suggests decision-making structures and criteria for each type of decision. The information gaps which limit the ability to make intelligent preservation decisions are also discussed. (Author/JL)

Statement goals for formal collection development policies should include improved library services development. While such statements should be dynamic, and help define the total objectives of the institution, they should provide the necessary rationale for selection rather than serving as a substitute for book selection. (Author/MBR)

This review of the literature published from 1981 to 1985 on research in acquisitions defines acquisitions as ordering, claiming, and receipt of library materials. Topics covered include approval plan vendors, the place of serials acquisitions in the library organization, computerized standards, and library education. Major conference proceedings…

Emphasizes the use of research that is related to library technical services and notes need for research in four general areas--surveys of predominant practice, library operation case studies, development research, and environment status reports. The impact of library research on decision making is also discussed. Two references are listed. (EJS)

Reviews the influences of organizational evolution and intentional change, library posture toward collection development, personnel management, and human perspectives on the establishment of an administrative framework for achieving collection development goals. (Author/EM)

Discusses transition of the small library into twenty-first century, highlighting evaluation of collection development plans and procedures, examination of catalog in terms of collection control, building of machine databases for future online catalogs to improve access to collections, and involvement in research to improve bibliographic control…

Extracts five conclusions from a survey of library material use studies: (1) recorded use in many libraries is low; (2) use within the library parallels circulation; (3) past use predicts future use; (4) recent materials are used more frequently; and (5) Americans use few foreign language materials. (FM)

Holds that Anglo-American Cataloging Rules 2 provisions concerning headings for authors who use more than one name threaten standardization and impede interlibrary cooperation. (FM)

Discusses both the serials manager's external relationships with subscription agents and journal publishers and his/her obligation to be an equal and respected participant in acquiring information for users. Methods of gaining equality are considered, including education, communication with colleagues and vendors' representatives, and informed…

This discussion of fund allocation for library collection development is based on interviews with administrative officers of the Brooklyn and Tompkins County, New York, public libraries. It is concluded that no materials budget can be used effectively without quality service at the level where librarians bring materials and patrons together.…