Presents sources of United Nations information that may serve as a collection development guide for librarians. The distinction between United Nations publications and documents is discussed, and publications are listed in the categories of basic information sources, indexes, treaty sources, and statistical sources. (LRW)

Compares 48 features of four versions of the ERIC database, two commercial (SilverPlatter, FirstSearch) and two free (AskERIC.org, SeachERIC.org), to determine whether features of the commercial versions were worth the cost to academic libraries. Reports results of a survey that investigated user preferences, and concludes that value added…

Virginia Commonwealth University reduced its ready reference collection by integrating the majority into the general reference collection. The project was a success and advantages for staff included more time and focus on users; expanded knowledge of collection; and reduced stress. (JMV)

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 theme issue contains nine articles that address the AIDS epidemic and examine information resources available to libraries. Highlights include a personal narrative by a person with AIDS; an updated bibliography of materials published since 1987; periodical indexes; information in Sweden and the Netherlands; ethical and legal issues;…