Profile of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress--which houses one of the world's greatest collections of rare books--includes a brief history, acquisitions, library services and users, processing and preservation of rare books, and the library's mission. (EJS)

Describes trends observable in the three areas of acquisitions, preservation, and dissemination and indicates their probable effects on librarians. (PF)

Recent formation of the Science Fiction Research Association indicates increasing academic and professional interest in science fiction. Few libraries adequately support research in this field. Problems include acquisitions, classification and preservation. Experiences and resources of private collectors will be instrumental in building science…

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)

Two articles summarize qualities of medium being used in production of microforms: silver halide film, diazo film, and vesicular film. Highlights include policy of Law Library Microform Consortium, a nonprofit library cooperative and major supplier of legal materials on microfiche; archival storage and preservation; and recent recommendations.…

Traces history of private library of German scholar, Leopold von Ranke, which was purchased by Syracuse University in 1888. Efforts of librarian Charles W. Bennett in 1870s and Professor James Powell beginning in late 1960s, and restoration and cataloging of collection are highlighted. Items from the collection are noted. (EJS)

Explains how the American Jewish Periodical Center (AJPC) (Cincinnati, Ohio) is meeting and expanding beyond its goal of preserving American Jewish periodicals on microfilm. Holdings of the AJPC, accessing its holdings, preparing materials for filming, the filming process, storing the microfilm, and acquisition of Canadian and Latin materials are…

Argues that the involvement of national libraries is necessary for the universal availability of publications. Acquisition, document supply, document retention, and retrieval of older materials all require planning and management by national libraries to facilitate transfer of materials to countries worldwide. National libraries may need to…

Reviews publications, conversations, and meetings to develop a picture of steady progress in collection development and preservation during 1980. Included are government activities, publishing trends, acquisition goals, budgetary concerns, security of collections, and continuing education. A bibliography of 174 references is included. (RAA)

Libraries in the United States have generally been successful in collecting the major metropolitan newspapers from Southeast Asia. They have been less than successful in collecting regional and specialty newspapers. Issues surrounding newspaper collecting include: identification; acquisition; processing, shelving, and storage; and preservation,…

Delineates the types of decisions involved in the preservation of library collections and suggests decision-making structures and criteria for each type of decision. The information gaps which limit the ability to make intelligent preservation decisions are also discussed. (Author/JL)

Highlights 1979's publications and activities in the field of library acquisition, emphasizing the role of the federal government, resource sharing, use studies, collection analysis, acquisition methods, budgeting, special collections, preservation, standards, and continuing education in resource topics. An extensive list of references is…

This assessment of the conservation needs of the Frances Corrick Thomas Library begins with an examination of the architectural and environmental peculiarities of the existing building, which is seen as a major obstacle to achieving an effective conservation program. Needs are identified and recommendations for immediate and intermediate action,…

This paper summarizes the most pressing issues arising from a collection analysis project (CAP) initiated at the University of Michigan in the summer of 1981, and briefly describes options available for resolving these issues. It is noted that the CAP followed a model developed by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Topics covered…

Six articles provide an overview of map librarianship in the United States and highlight the following areas: microphotography, cartography's photographic revolution; major sources for map acquisitions; preservation (processes, equipment, and supply dealers); map collections in public libraries; and suggestions for improvement in map…