Discussion of topics relating to microform sets of primary material covers value, users, the lack of reviews, difficulty of examination, institutional focus, and selection. Selection factors suggested include: content; reason for the set; sponsoring institution; past use of the collection; publishers' reputation; guides; editors; advertisements;…

Discusses the importance of microform reviews as a tool for library collection development and offers advice to microform reviewers. A formula for microform evaluation is presented which covers intellectual content, institutional need, price, bibliographic control, and technical quality and format. (five references) (CLB)

Examines criteria for the coordination of the administration of government document microform collections, including discussion of bibliographic access, physical access, and collection development. Limitations to the integration of these collections and problems of public access to these less than fully integrated collections are also addressed.…

Describes two use studies of the microforms collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one conducted in 1982 and the other in 1987. Collection profiles are presented, use study methodology is discussed, and results of the two studies are analyzed and compared. (Five references) (LRW)

Argues that the quality of information provided to scholars by microform sets of manuscript collections, as compared to original manuscripts and critical editions, does not justify the expansion of research libraries' collection boundaries and fiscal responsibilities to include such materials. (CLB)

Describes a project at the Georgia State University College of Law Library that improved access to microform materials by adding their bibliographic records to the online catalog. Growth of the collection is described, government documents on microfiche are considered, the use of OCLC is discussed, and problems are reviewed. (nine references) (LRW)

Focuses on significant developments of the recent past in acquisition and control of library microforms. Highlights include reference works essential to acquisition of microforms and microform equipment, microform utilization in libraries, bibliographic control, computer output microfilm (COM) and the Copyright Law, technological developments,…