This article discusses a project undertaken to assess the journals in a Big Deal package by applying a weighted value algorithm measuring quality, utility, and value of individual titles. Carried out by a national library consortium in Canada, the project confirmed the value of the Big Deal package while providing a quantitative approach for…

Introduction: Our aim is to compare the advantages and problems of e-book acquisition identified in research literature to those experienced by two Swedish university libraries. Method: A literature review was used to identify the main issues related to acquisition of e-books by academic libraries. The data for comparison were collected through…

The cultural heritage of library collections and individual items is of importance and interest outside the profession of librarianship. This paper gives an introduction to the concept of "movable heritage" from the heritage professional's perspective and provides suggestions as to how this concept can be applied to libraries.…

There is a general perception that as librarians, we know what constitutes and defines a rare book, that our heritage book collections are well-documented and their future survival is planned for and secure. This discussion paper asks whether our definitions of heritage material might be too narrow and whether they reflect the reality across all…

This 30th volume of American Reference Books Annual (ARBA) covers 1,578 books and CD-ROMs published in 1998 (with some from 1997 that were not included in the previous volume). The basic purpose of ARBA is to provide comprehensive coverage of English-language reference books published or distributed in the United States or Canada during a single…

Provides a case study of the acquisitions processes that were necessary when Cardiff University's School of Engineering made a decision to subscribe to electronic-only versions of journals where such subscriptions were less expensive than the print equivalent. In doing so, addresses issues of electronic subscriptions management in UK academic…

One's commitment to intellectual freedom is manifested not just in the creation of a strong and clear selection policy or the celebration of Banned Books Week but by his or her willingness to examine his or her practices openly with others. In this article, the author proposes four questions to explore in one's teaching and in professional…

Using the London Room of the London Public Library in London, Ontario, Canada, as an example, this article will examine the nature of local collections, the sources and methods of acquiring genealogical and local history materials and the constraints related to such acquisitions. This article will also present a brief history of the London Room…

The bibliography contains 133 references and is one of a series designed to provide a guide to the publications of the Agency for International Development (AID) and other agencies working in the field of development assistance. While AID reports and documents are the primary focus of this bibliography, other materials covering the work of…

Based mainly on the experiences of seven Dutch public libraries during a 5-year study, this report discusses issues related to the integration of audiovisual materials and equipment into existing library collections. Following a brief introduction, its contents are divided into chapters: (1) Collection Building; (2) Processing; (3) Cataloguing;…

Reports results of survey of purchasing patterns of school libraries in Ontario, Canada, for five periodicals--"OWL,""Chickadee,""Hibou,""Ranger Rick," and "World." Reasons for purchasing magazines, magazine use, personnel background, materials budget, and a discussion of those libraries not…

This guide provides a listing and description of publishers and distributors of large print books (in 12 point type or larger) available in 15 countries. The listings are arranged alphabetically by country and an abstract for each country includes specific information. Designed to be used by librarians and reference persons in their respective…

This bibliography, similar to others on Asia and Africa, contains over 2000 titles relevant to the study of East Asia. Book, journal, and a few government citations -- the majority of which have been published within the last twenty years -- emphasize the humanities and social studies. Intended as a book selection guide, entries are graded as to…

This bibliography, one of a series, represents an effort to develop a graded subject list of over 1500 titles relevant to the study of South Asia (the majority of which have been published in the last twenty years) which are appropriate for undergraduate libraries. Its emphasis is upon social studies and the humanities. Selections were made from…

Southeast Asian library resources primarily for the humanities and social sciences are listed in this bibliography that is one of a series. The volume furnishes a basic and balanced bibliography on all the countries of Southeast Asia, of manageable size for the undergraduate library. Selections include: 1) few works in languages other than…