This investigation based upon a survey of 26 American and West European booksellers attemts to provide some basic information about foreign blanket orders. The characteristics of foreign blanket orders as well as the attitudes of the booksellers are summarized. (Author)

Procedures for solving the problem of overordering copies of books for which fewer copies would be sufficient are discussed. (SJ)

Approval plan purchasing is related to library goals of comprehensiveness, pointing out the interrelated pressures of the university system which have contributed to making this method of purchasing possible and the defensive techniques used to justify it. (19 references) (Author)

The Federal Library Committee through the Task Force on Procurement Procedures in Federal Libraries is examining all problems and is recommending policies, procedures, and practices which will maximize the efficient procurement of library materials. It is suggested that the vehicle for this investigation be the appropriate Commission on Government…

Compares specific aspects of 16mm film and the videocassette that should be considered in making media software and hardware purchase decisions for library media collections: aesthetics and intended audience size, compatibility and format, costs, copyright, market trends, and major advantages and disadvantages. A four-item bibliography is…

This critical evaluation of bibliographic aids in the field of Latin Americana outlines the content and value of six recent aids published in Mexico which are useful tools for acquisitions librarians, bookshops, and individuals and organizations. Full bibliographical details and addresses of lesser known publishers are given in footnotes. (EJS)

Identifies two types of censors--individuals and representatives of organized groups or crusades--and examines factors that motivate their attempts at library censorship. Factors influencing librarians dealing with censorship are also discussed. Librarians are advised to prepare themselves to live with censorship by learning to understand…

This article discusses criteria of a good computer software package to aid the public librarian in the building, weeding, and maintenance of a software collection for young adults. Highlights include manuals or documentation; bells, whistles, and color; and the true test of time. (EJS)

This review of young adult paperback publishing covers original paperback romances, romance series, standard series novels, sex in series fiction, and review media. Prominent publishers, popular titles, and sources for paperback reviews are mentioned, and selection of materials for the library collection is discussed. (EJS)

Addresses factors to be considered in selecting library audiovisual materials in a time of increasingly complex constraints and operations. Suggestions offered include learning how to dig out facts that count, using unorthodox resources for evaluation, updating selection policy, and employing statistical and other measures to analyze patrons and…

Materials in this collection were submitted by respondents to a survey which sought specific data on the numbers and types of approval plans in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) libraries, whether such plans are meeting expectations, their relative importance in the library, who makes the key decisions, and the kind of thought and study that…

Discusses the change of library music collections from long-playing (LP) recordings to compact discs (CD). Highlights include the drawbacks of LPs, disc prices and players, sound quality, logistics, selection of recordings, and a renewed commitment to sound recording facilities and collections. Ten sources are given. (EJS)

Uses general developmental framework to explain relationship of play, toys, and development of young children, and to support toy lending in libraries. An evaluative approach for library toy selection which is based on meeting children's psychological needs is suggested together with 11 titles to aid librarians in establishing toy-lending…

This article presents results of a survey of 100 U.S. libraries focusing on their audio and video collections. Discussion covers genre or type of video collected, popular feature video titles, nonfeature films, nationwide jobbers and wholesalers and local distributors of audios and videos, and popular audiocassettes (how-to, motivational tapes).…

Describes services of Educational Products Information Exchange Institute, a nonprofit organization operating on the campus of Teachers College at Columbia University (New York City) that provides comprehensive assessment tools for educators. Included are software reviews based on detailed analysis, an educational television series on computers,…