Availability analysis was used to evaluate an online catalog in a small university library. Problems found likely to interfere with patron success with the catalog included: (1) incomplete location information; (2) incomplete holdings information; (3) misinterpretation by the search program of special characters; and (4) inadequate access points…

Defines mechanical and expert selection of library materials and investigates the usefulness of mechanical selection in three test cases involving popular novels, German literature, and contemporary poetry. The cost of mechanical selection is examined and more quantification in selection practice is recommended. Data are presented in eight tables,…

Review of the 1991 literature on serials discusses publishing and scholarly communication; subject bibliographies; acquisitions; pricing; evaluation and use studies; electronic serials; cataloging, classification, and shelf arrangement; indexing and content analysis; automated serials control; preservation; professional issues; union catalogs; and…