Working conditions in library technical services departments can be a problem for catalogers in need of a quiet work environment. Based on a successful program for indexers at the National Agriculture Library, a proposal for an experimental telecommuting program for original cataloging at the Michigan State University Libraries was developed and…

This filing manual was developed to address certain problems unique to music catalog filing. Prior to development of the manual, a thorough study of the existing arrangement in the Northern Illinois University Music Library's catalog was undertaken and staff members were interviewed to determine the extent of "unwritten" rules, if any…

This essay discusses the relationship between academic library reference work and teaching and examines the reasons for considering technical services librarians to be teachers. The notion that teachers are an originating force, while college librarians are primarily a responding force, is discussed. Ten sources are given. (EJS)

Describes the framework in which the research library at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) reengineered its technical services operations. Focuses on the activities of the "Before Team" in evaluating, measuring, and redesigning the work processes that occur before the library receives an item. Discusses the results. (Author/AEF)

To address an abiding concern of technical services managers regarding the efficient use of staffing resources, a questionnaire was distributed to 200 heads of technical services in medium-sized libraries to ask about their operations, with 82 usable questionnaires returned from 40 public, 38 academic, and 4 state libraries. Respondents were asked…

Discusses the importance of public service for the users of serials collections in large libraries in light of the complexities of serial collection organization. A diagram of the decision points encountered by users dealing with serials collections and tables listing the types of serials records and error problems are included. (JL)

An experiment at the College of Charleston (South Carolina) library examined whether using Blackwell's Library of Congress Machine Readable Cataloging with books without the CIP upgrading would be worthwhile in terms of cataloging productivity and efficiency; it also looked at additional costs involved with the CIP upgrading. (AEF)

Noting difficulties experienced by small to medium sized colleges in acquiring integrated library computer systems, this position paper outlines issues related to the subject with the intention of increasing familiarity and interest in integrated library systems. The report includes: a brief review of technological advances as they relate to…

Six articles on pros and cons of minimal-level cataloging (MLC) highlight patron access and browsability, time and cost savings, network and bibliographic utility cooperation, standards, alternatives to MLC, levels of records, online catalogs, experimental cataloging program at University of Michigan, and experiences at Kent State University…

This discussion of America's outstanding rare book libraries notes the inception of collections, library facilities, technical difficulties, reference services, publicity efforts, and research. The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, Clark Library of the University of California, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.…

Discusses the results of two collection assessments conducted 13 years apart at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Both assessments focused on the central stacks collection, a repository collection serving the institution's 42 branch and departmental libraries. Findings provide insight into the results of deferred collections care and…

This kit on the integration of nonprint media into Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions contains a concise summary of a 1977 phone survey with ARL members, eight descriptions of programs and services, and five acquisition and processing policies. To collect data on practices regarding the acquisition, processing, and use of…

The 15 papers in this collection discuss various aspects of computer use in libraries and several other aspects of library service not directly related to computers. Following an introduction and a list of officers, the papers are: (1) "Criminal Justice and Related Databases" (Kate E. Adams); (2) "Software and Hard Thought:…

Reports on survey utilizing questionnaires, interviews, examination of relevant records, and personal observation to assess state of the art of college libraries in Kerala (smallest Indian state). Administrative set-up, organizational efficiency, finances, book selection and acquisition, technical processing, library collections, library services,…

Organizational changes in academic libraries are affecting the responsibilities of the library department head. This article examines the roles of traditional and reengineered department heads and describes the experience of the University of Illinois at Chicago in reengineering its library technical services operations. Includes a chart comparing…