Many research libraries are looking for new ways to demonstrate value for their parent institutions. Metrics, assessment, and promotion of research continue to grow in importance, but they have not always fallen into the scope of services for the research library. Montana State University (MSU) Library recognized a need and interest to quantify…

This issue of "Research Library Issues" ("RLI") highlights the value of professional failure. The idea to explore this theme emerged from conversations with the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Innovation Lab Advisory Group earlier this year. It is the hope this issue highlights the value of failure--both its necessary…

"Research Library Issues" ("RLI") focuses on current and emerging topics that are strategically important to research libraries. The articles explore issues, share information, pose critical questions, and provide examples. This issue includes the following articles: (1) Special at the Core: Aligning, Integrating, and…

The reference collection traditionally rewards serendipity by presenting key resources in a compact group. At the University of Manitoba Libraries, reference collection space is at a premium and, increasingly, electronic versions of reference materials are selected for purchase. However, our space saving comes at a cost: Our patrons can't browse…

Questionnaires and in-person visits to large academic libraries in 1971 form the basis of this report which reveals the low priority given to nonprint materials by the majority of these libraries. (Author)

Describes a systematic, disciplinary approach to setting preservation priorities at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library. Topics covered include guiding principles; development of a national preservation plan for agricultural literature; selecting for preservation in agriculture and biology; and digital technology and preservation. A…

In order to develop collections when given book budgets approaching the million dollar figure, libraries must consider the merits of approval plans. These merits and the importance of getting faculty support before engaging in approval plans are argued. (Author/NH)

The sources used by subject specialists for title-by-title selection of materials in a large research library are analyzed. (PF)

Regression techniques are used to define a method determining when and to what extent technical reports should be collected by college or university libraries. A questionnaire sent to ninety-four libraries and published sources were analyzed and used to predict the number of technical reports a library should have. (4 references) (Author/DH)

A survey of preservation activities in large academic libraries revealed widespread problems of deterioration of library materials. Some countermeasures are described. (Author/PF)

A university library can and should be a center for individual access to all forms of research information media, both print and non-print. The author presents a summary account of an effort to determine existing needs at the University of Connecticut for non-print information resources and services under the following headings: the University of…

No single library can hope to acquire and organize for use more than a fraction of the primary sources of popular culture. Interinstitutional cooperation in identifying and preserving these fragile records of American culture is underway, but many unsolved problems remain for librarians and scholars. (8 references) (Author)

A table ranking research libraries (both university and non-university libraries) that compares volumes in library, volumes added in 1987-88, current serials, total staff, and total expenditures is presented. (MLW)

The objective of this study was to determine how large research libraries perform the function of collection development. The paper describes collection development theory within the formal organizational structure of the library, identifies the actual decision points involved in selection of materials, and examines the staff and facilities…