This examination of the issue of intellectual freedom in academic libraries provides examples of recent controversies, and argues that the library's response to such controversies provides an opportunity to emphasize its educational role. It is noted that academic libraries are full of controversial materials, and that this is necessary if the…

The role of the research library and issues in access to increasing quantities of information are discussed, including the problems of cataloging and classifying information and the barriers to access often created by librarians. (MSE)

Explores the role of the academic rare book library in terms of its financial justification and concludes that the primary justification lies in its utility as a research library. It is also concluded that institutions unable to support a proper rare book collection might be advised to develop appropriate special collections instead. (19…

A survey of academic libraries which were members of the Association of Research Libraries in 1983-84 studies the organizational patterns that exist for collection development. Findings reveal that, although a variety of patterns exist, the one outstanding development has been the upgrading of the unit responsible for collection development.…

Argues that collection development systems need to exert greater control over scholarly and educational information if the systems are to adapt to changing technical and economic conditions. Steps toward increased control should include categorization of sources and access by function, ongoing definition of a title-specific core, and the…

Description of services and functions of special collections as found in the academic library covers criteria for acquisition of materials, categorization of formats, role of special collections in promoting university scholarship and research, archival and repository functions, and administration and policy. A 12-item bibliography is included.…

Discussion of development in academic libraries in light of budget restrictions presents two approaches to this situation: short-term coping strategies, and a change in the role of libraries from repositories of resources to access services. Unanswered questions raised by the second approach are discussed, and reactions by six librarians are…

This manual was developed to assist the members of the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries in the library collection assessment that is now required by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education as a component of any proposal that an institution submits for new program review and approval. This assessment component considers the ability of the…

Examines the economic behavior of academic research libraries, arguing that academic research libraries seek to maximize universities' utility by expanding library collections. Findings are consistent with those from a previous study using a different ranking system and sample data and reconfirm that library collections contribute significantly to…

Considers issues facing academic libraries in liberal arts colleges. Topics discussed include the need for faculty support; needs of faculty researchers; collection development, including faculty demands; resource sharing; the impact of information technology; the role of the library; and current awareness services, such as selective dissemination…

Describes the role of and services offered by the Institute of Diplomatic Studies Library in Saudi Arabia. Topics covered include the objectives of the institute and the library facilities, collections, acquisitions programs, cataloging procedures, administrative policies, and future plans. (seven references) (CLB)

Describes a collection development project to assess the African American materials in the Georgia State University library from an interdisciplinary point of view that grew into a continuing strategy of collaboration. Highlights include bibliography checking; individual and group initiatives; local library cooperation; and budgetary support.…

Discusses women's studies as a discipline and describes methods of collection development of women's studies materials for academic libraries. An example is given of a women's studies collection at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, including development models, budget, personnel, role of the librarian, types of materials, and appropriate…

This issue of the biannual "Syracuse University Library Associate Courier" is devoted to covering the world famous collections of adult and continuing education materials held by the Syracuse University Library. It contains five articles: "Laubach in India: 1935-1970" (S. Y. Shah) describes missionary and founder of Laubach…

This proceedings of the 1986 conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries contains 60 papers--44 position papers, 7 research reports, and 9 idea briefs--dealing with the issue of transitions facing librarians and ways to respond to these transitions through both formal and informal means. Papers are organized under eight broad…