This article discusses best practices for evaluating open source software for use in library projects, based on the authors' experience evaluating electronic publishing solutions. First, it presents a brief review of the literature, emphasizing the need to evaluate open source solutions carefully in order to minimize Total Cost of Ownership. Next,…

This hands-on practical guide contains all the information the network novice needs to plan, fund, create, and maintain a local area network (LAN) in the school library media center. Step-by-step nontechnical instructions and advice for creating an information network are presented in understandable format. The network novice is taken from dream…

Describes library reorganization at the University of Arizona resulting from fiscal challenges and the need for current technology. Highlights include: the restructuring process and customer focus; team functioning and the learning organization, including training issues, communication, empowerment, and evaluation/assessment; current challenges,…

Discusses the vendor's role in the library collection evaluation process. Vendor services are described, including catalogs, bibliographies, periodicals, and announcement services; the process required to produce a vendor publication is explained; and new online and CD-ROM collection assessment tools are described. (LRW)

This proceedings contains the following papers presented at the 1993 conference of the Arizona State Library Association and Arizona Educational Media Association College and University Libraries Division: (1) "Building a Collection Development Team in an Academic Library" (Bee Gallegos and John Spencer); (2) "Danger, Death and…

Describes a method of analyzing serials collections in special libraries that combines evaluative criteria with database management technology. Choice of computer software is discussed, qualitative information used to evaluate subject coverage is examined, and quantitative and descriptive data that can be used for collection management are…

Describes a survey of academic libraries that explored serials collection assessment. Highlights include serials budget allocations; serials cancellation projects; changes in ratio of allocation by subject area; use of computers for serials collection assessment; use of vendors, especially for statistics; and future plans for collection…

Four articles address issues of collecting, compiling, reporting, and interpreting statistics generated by automated library systems for administrative decision making. Topics include using a management information system to forecast growth and assess areas for downsizing; statistics for collection development and analysis; and online system…

Selectively surveys the literature of collection development in 1990. Topics covered include library materials budgets and finances; serials and the economics of scholarly publication; collection evaluation and analysis; cooperative arrangements; selection, deselection, housing, and preservation of library materials; staffing and organization; and…

Describes the OCLC/AMIGOS Collection Analysis CD (CACD), a microcomputer-based tool for the evaluation and development of library collections. CACD applications are discussed, including preparation of statistical reports, accreditation and grant support, budget preparation, verification of collection development policy goals, and cooperative…

Discusses collection management in academic libraries in light of computer-mediated access to remote electronic databases and online resources. Topics include the library collection, ownership of versus access to information, the selection process, collection evaluation, collection development policies, materials budget, serials, and user liaison.…

Four articles address human factors in libraries, including (1) working with staff and users during library automation; (2) the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism when assessing reference staff and collections; (3) a mentoring program for librarians undergoing tenure review; and (4) patron privacy and the accountability of the reference…

The Vermont General Assembly mandated an evaluation of the regional library program of the Vermont State Department of Libraries. To carry out this charge, the department initiated a 14-month review of the program with three components: an internal review of library service, use, and costs; public library input derived from a detailed survey and…