The role of public services librarians in collection development is examined in light of changes being brought to libraries by finances, cooperation, and information access. Highlights include situation in academic and special libraries, attributes of successful reference librarians and choices affecting collection developing, collection…

Describes the Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America at Radcliffe College and discusses the impact of women's studies on its collection policies. (Author/FM)

A survey of heads of academic library reference services gathered information on reference collection development. Findings included: (1) selection and weeding frequently are not guided by written policies; (2) empirical studies of use are almost nonexistent; and (3) online availability of sources is an important factor in selection. (20…

This article suggests sources of vertical file material and the limitations and potentialities of such files, and the importance of sleuthing and pressing for acquisitions. (MF)

Presents guidelines intended to assist those beginning local history collections, identifies factors that need to be resolved before the institution is committed to action, and assists those interested in creating local history programs. (Author)

A workable system for collection development in this library is a weekly review of standard selection tools, catalogs, and publishers' notices by the book selection committee (library director and the department heads of adult, children's, bookmobile, and technical services). (JAB)

This discussion of collection management techniques emphasizes planning, collection strategies, and active selection. It is argued that policies and methodologies for applying collection management principles to reference collections are needed, and briefly describes the recently created Collection Development and Evaluation Section of the…

Discusses how to develop library collections for Spanish-speaking users based on a presentation at the 1994 ALA (American Library Association) annual convention in Miami Beach (Florida). Highlights include selection and acquisition tools, reviewing media, vendors, keeping collections current, distributors and booksellers, administrative and…

Reports on a survey of 21 academic libraries in 11 states which examined the management of state publication collections. Results are discussed under the following headings: acquisitions; selection; storage and accessibility; and reference service and bibliographic tools. Recommendations directed at the University of Arkansas Library and…

Describes results of a survey of members of the Association of Research Libraries that was conducted to determine what procedures are followed to obtain current reference books in foreign languages and to assess the libraries' satisfaction with those procedures. Standing order plans are discussed, and proposals to improve reviewing sources are…

Guideposts for the librarian are established on how to guard against buying information which is duplicated too heavily to do the collection any good. (MF)

A brief introduction for librarians discussing current types and possible sources of technical reports. (MF)

Discusses primary-source legal materials (laws, regulations, court decisions) useful for public libraries. Highlights include a discussion of federal and state branches of government and corresponding publications; tools needed for legal research (digests, annotated codes, "pocket parts"); four levels of legal service; and primary…

Discusses the planning process for the selection and use of CD-ROMs in academic libraries. Selection criteria, the location of workstations, and the impact on staff and users are considered, as well as cost considerations and funding options. (75 references) (EA)

This paper is directed toward the librarian from a library with a small state document collection. It discusses some possible places to begin a state document collection. (MF)