Selection of the storage facility is only part of the larger problem of how to select books for storage and in what form to store them. (NH)

The four basic criteria for the selection of library materials--quality, library relevancy, aesthetic and technical aspects, and cost--remain the same in the electronic era of information. What they mean and how they are used has changed. But even quality and cost, the two most controversial criteria, carry great importance for the responsible…

Describes the development, operation, and services of a special unit at the Chicago Public Library that provides reference and research services to professional librarians. Specific reference materials, online databases, and current awareness services are covered. The selection and acquisition of library materials is discussed in some detail. (21…

Reviews and discusses various methods for evaluating library collections, and how they relate to more commonly used selection methods. (JB)

Shows how a philosophical analysis of the moral value of information can help librarians rethink some aspects of their professional values, especially their commitment to neutrality. Discusses the historical background of allowing fiction into library collections; the impact of technology; the moral character of information; and information,…

The efforts of the Consortium of University Film Centers to develop consumer standards for film buyers are discussed. (MBR)

Considers the impact that the computer revolution has had on college and university libraries. Discusses the historical background of changes that resulted from the invention of the printing press; the development of national languages; knowledge acquisition; the historical role of religion; content control of libraries; and changes in students.…

Discusses the impact that network technology, electronic publishing, and Internet communication are having on collection development policies in research libraries. Highlights include changes in the research library environment, including financial difficulties; scholarly communication; workstations for material selection; and materials in…

Discusses the philosophy of the rehabilitation services department at McLean Hospital on patient education for the mentally ill, noting patient library collection and recommended resources on marital problems, sex education, drug manuals, and diagnostic and research findings. A list of magazines subscribed to, color code classification, and 23…

Criteria, with examples, for good science materials for elementary school libraries. (LS)

Addresses importance of online databases as part of library reference collection and focuses on bibliographic databases (ready reference, print versus online migration, bibliographic utilities); selection/evaluation of online databases (vendor selection, individual databases); full-text databases; numeric databases; end-user searching; and use of…

History and analysis of library services to adults--educational, informational, and recreational. (LS)

Discusses ethical considerations and possible censorship that can accompany technological advances in the transmission of information among scholars. Topics addressed include academic ethics and academic library ethics; peer review and scholarly communication; controversies and the selection of library materials; academic whistle blowers; and…

This discussion of collection development considers (1) special problems as they relate to specific types of institutions--nursing, long term residential, psychiatric and developmental; (2) acquisition; (3) organization--classification, cataloging, and physical arrangement; (4) use--circulation, special methods, and the role of librarians; and (5)…