Describes a project at the library of the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) at Johns Hopkins University that developed an expert system to conserve professional staff time and reduce processing costs by allowing gifts, or donations, to be processed by support staff. Decision-making factors are explained, and performance statistics are discussed.…

Libraries exist for the benefit of the mind, but they have practical problems coping with the acquisition, storage, and handling of the documents and records with which they deal. Any change in technology that would have a significant effect on the methods available for these procedures could have important consequences for library service. The…

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…

In response to serious concerns about the dramatic increases in college and university costs, the Department of Education solicited proposals in May 1987 for innovative projects to explore means of cost reduction or containment which promise significant cost savings, whether accrued in the short- or long-term. The solicitation for cost containment…

Discussion of the information crisis focuses on possible new forms of library collections. Topics discussed include the rising quantity and costs of publications; improvements in access through new technologies; vendors' plans using electronic text; information flow; economics factors, including user fees; and the role of the commercial sector.…

Three papers address the future of libraries and the role of OCLC. Highlights include changes in public libraries, including access to information and technological changes; electronic information systems and their integration with print systems; interlibrary loan; cooperative collection development; and service to the managerial and professional…

Discusses the impact of computerization on humanists and libraries. Highlights include a lack of relevant databases; a reliance on original text; vocabulary and language issues; lack of time pressure; research style; attitudes of humanists toward technology; trends in electronic publishing; hypertext; collection development; electronic mail;…

As a reference guide for library professionals, this volume helps librarians prepare for the future in the growing electronic environment by examining the historical and theoretical background of the National Electronic Library and assessing the role of libraries in the past, present, and future. The book is divided in two sections: "The…

Supporting documentation for the grant and use of Federal Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) funds in South Carolina is presented in this annual program. Under Title I, Library Services, the bulk of the grant money is planned for the following projects: (1) general administration (Project I-A); (2) library interpretation (Project I-B);…

Traditionally, libraries have had a role of providing equitable access for those who might not otherwise have access, and this role continues today in implementing access to electronic resources. However, there are special problems in applying this mission to prison libraries. A short history of automation in prison libraries is followed by a…

This collection development policy of California State University Library states clearly what the library is now doing and provides a structure and mechanism for making adjustments to policies and procedures on a continuous basis. Declining budgets and the loss of purchasing power are contributing to a general awareness of the needed changes in…

This bibliography lists articles from 11 journals of interest to school library media specialists. Topics include information service, including censorship, classification, collection development, and professional development; instructional consulting; literature; management, including automation and public relations; notable authors,…

Changes occurring in college libraries as a result of automation are described, along with financial issues in library management, personnel issues, and changing patterns of collection development and resource sharing. New developments include online public access catalogs, computer-generated bibliographies, online search systems, and computerized…

The 16 articles in this issue focus on planning for future trends in public library administration. Topics discussed include leadership qualities; administrator education; collective bargaining; funding and budgeting; governance; user fees; collection management; community involvement and support; special population groups; services to educational…

Discusses critical issues in school library media programs, including problems in the profession; building the collection to support the curriculum; resource-based education; literature-based reading programs; conceptual frameworks for new technologies, new kinds of textbooks, and differentiated staffing; professional leadership by administrators…