Science libraries buy many unneeded books in the effort to provide all needed books. Since books are the least-used source of information for physicists and other scientists, highly selective, objective criteria need to be developed and applied to book selection so as to limit acquisitions to items really needed. (Author)

This article is intended for the librarian with little experience in map libraries. General basic materials which should be collected by all map libraries, from the general world atlases to local maps, are suggested. Sources for the acquisition and selection of maps, atlases, globes, aerial photographs, wall maps, and related materials are…

This article deals with the acquisition of standards and specifications and covers the selection of material, methods of acquisition, where to order standards and how to keep them up to date. (Author)

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)

The major objective of this research study was to gather information about factors which influence collection development and selection decision making in the Smithsonian Institution Libraries. The user's judgement of the extent to which the collections met his needs is the only parameter of assessment. Museum curators, the bulk of whose time is…

A project studied the need for a national library network which would deal with materials by and about blacks. A framework for such a network was developed. Existing black materials were surveyed, agencies holding collections of such materials were analyzed, and a combined agency network conceptualized. The concept was then reviewed by impartial…

Discusses the Special Collections at the State University of New York at Buffalo and the role of Charles Abbott in their development. His interest and a serendipitous lack of funds have created an unusual collection containing a Twentieth Century Poetry Collection, James Joyce holographs, and rare book collections. (CHC)

The St. Louis Public Library conducted a survey of 3 public, 12 academic, and 16 special libraries in the St. Louis area to identify existing subject depths in various collections as well as subject areas in which libraries intend to build in the next five years. The survey data are presented in 13 tables, and the results are summarized. Plans for…

A survey of 164 academic and special libraries reveals that accessibility of equivalent databases online has had a relatively small effect thus far on decisions to discontinue subscriptions to printed abstracting and indexing services. Tables display printed form and online databases used by the libraries, and seven references are listed. (RBF)

This paper is an introduction to the fundamentals of the art (including architecture) slide library, with some emphasis on basic procedures of the science slide library. Information in this paper is particularly relevant to the college, university, and museum slide library. Topics addressed include: (1) history of the slide library; (2) duties of…

Describes use of selective dissemination of information (SDI) feature on DIALOG at Sandia Technical Library to produce bulletin announcing library acquisitions of technical reports in microfiche. Microfiche acquisition, developing profile, assembling profile output, costs, and suggestions for improvement are highlighted. Examples of SDI profiles…

Papers presented at the annual conference of the Alaska Library Association (AkLA) focused on the Alaska Library Network with special emphasis on collection development and resource sharing through networking. Papers and reports from the conference, some of which have been updated, are presented in six chapters. The first provides an overview of…

Describes the Pacific Northwest Conspectus Database, a regional resource assessment tool which includes information about library collections in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Use of the database by academic, public, and special librarians to better manage their collections and to coordinate planning and purchasing with other…