This paper provides background on The National Library of Estonia (NLE), discusses a fellowship project for developing the National Library, and presents the impressions of the author, an Estonian American, who traveled to Estonia. The NLE looks to the West for automation, information, and institutional modeling. The NLE is Estonia's equivalent of…

San Jacinto College's Central Campus developed a 4-year plan to bring the library's technology, college, and facilities to a level equal to libraries of other Texas Community Colleges. The first major goal for the library is to select and deliver information that students and faculty need at the time of need, thereby redefining library resources…

This report summarizes the activities of the South Carolina State Library. Sections include: (1) the library governance and mission statement; (2) a brief library history; (3) details about the organization and operations of the library, including a list of the responsibilities and personnel assigned to each of six departments, as well as charts…

A study was undertaken to document the impact of reductions in state appropriations on the libraries of Texas public institutions of higher education from Fiscal Year 1986 through Fiscal Year 1990 and to make recommendations for improving these libraries. Data were collected through a letter requesting information from each of the public general…

This report summarizes the activities of the South Carolina State Library for 1995-1996. Sections include: (1) library governance and mission statement; (2) brief library history; (3) details about the organization and operations of the library, including a description of each of six departments with a list of employees and their duties, an…

This examination of collection development and bibliographic control in the small public library (small staff and modest resources) is concerned with three categories of library materials that can be identified as serials: (1) magazines; (2) reference books; (3) books in series that can circulate separately. (10 references) (EJS)

Analysis of serial acquisition problems in developing nations cites specific references from University of Zambia Library. Discussion covers underdeveloped economic circumstances of Third World nations, overdependence on serials of foreign origin, geographical locations of Third World countries, ill-defined acquisition policies, staffing for…

Describes a study of 10 academic libraries in Nigeria that investigated collection size and devices employed in collection-building, particularly gifts and exchanges. Concludes that gifts and exchanges are only palliatives, not a panacea for the paucity of academic library collections. (Author/LRW)

Several specialists in rare books and manuscripts discuss new developments in the commodification of manuscripts and archival material and the implications these have for acquisition, preservation, and broad utilization. (Author)

Provides an approach to dealing with donations and special collections for public libraries serving all sizes of communities with varying levels of funding. Highlights include guidelines for when to accept special collections, how to identify areas of need in the library's collection, and a special collection proposal form. (EM)

Describes a major deaccessioning (weeding) project begun in 1985 at the library of the Nebraska State Historical Society, including a brief history of the Society and the events leading to the decision to weed. Public controversy over the handling of the project, benefits of the weeding, and new acquisitions policies are also discussed. (MES)

Describes a formula that nonspecialists can use for evaluating rare books. Concurrent consideration of the scarcity, significance (importance), beauty, and demand for a given book will determine its value or rarity. (JKP)

A comparison of subject- and publisher-based book approval plans for academic libraries found publisher-based plans to be more successful for purchasing domestic publications, and subject-based plans for international ones. Library collections, organization, and vagaries of the publishing industry form the basis for selecting the plan which is…

Studies characteristics of a multilateral cooperative selection program for small rare book collections and describes success of such a program at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Highlights include five guidelines as prerequisites to formal agreement and a cooperative collection development…

This paper examines specific issues in the administration of serials (publications issued in successive parts and intended to be continued indefinitely) as they have been addressed by a small academic library with budget constraints and limited personnel. Highlights include collection development, bibliographic control, acquisition, automation,…