Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of several publishers' offerings of classic literature titles often purchased by libraries. Four hardcover choices and five paperback choices are compared in terms of price; authenticity of text, including introductory notes; and quality of production, including binding and type size. (LRW)

This annotated bibliography focuses on resources for the study of international elections and electoral systems and outcomes that will be useful for collection development and for answering reference questions about foreign elections. Discusses comparative politics, comparative elections, and possible electoral reform. (LRW)

Describes a study partially replicating the 1978 University of Pittsburgh library materials study. Findings presented include the five-year circulation patterns of DePauw University books sampled compared with the University of Pittsburgh's patterns, and circulation of books given to and purchased by DePauw University. Provided are four tables and…

Reports results of comparison of seven journals which review popular music recordings, including number of reviews, length of reviews, favorable versus unfavorable reviews, reading score, journal subscription price and average review cost, and music styles covered. Ten references are cited. (EJS)

Nine tables compare prices, indexing coverage, and library popularity of periodical titles for 1977 to 1979. Titles are chosen from indexing services' authority groups and are listed by subject. Based on number of library subscriptions from indexing services, a "weighted price" serves as a budget guideline. (SW)

Discusses obsolescence as a criterion for libraries to use when selecting journals and suggests topicality of the research theme that has been cited in subsequent years as a better variable. Describes the use of the Rasch model as a measuring instrument and compares rank order using the two methods. (LRW)

A study was undertaken to determine the extent to which "Choice" provides librarians with an adequate evaluation of the best books in the field of western American history in a reasonable amount of time. To assess the overall coverage, the titles of all the books reviewed in "Western Historical Quarterly" from 1970 to 1974 were searched in…

This case study at the Idaho State University library examines the relative merits of the features and functionality of the various free versions of the ERIC database in comparison with a commercial version. Recommends a commercial version of ERIC to take advantage of the enhanced search features. (Author/LRW)

A periodical database was searched to investigate the occurrence of favorable and unfavorable book reviews to determine the role of reviews in library selection. Compares book reviews with other types of reviews, examines relationships between review evaluations and other review characteristics, and compares the number of favorable and unfavorable…

Reports the results of a study which examined the need for and use of both academic and professional materials in library collections for professional education. The measures used included proportions of materials in an existing business collection, and comparisons of patron use and obsolescence rates of academic and professional materials. (CLB)

This discussion of the failure to include many book reviews by indexes in selected subject fields and by several general indexes highlights the technique used to check review materials in selected magazines to see what was actually indexed, the policies of specific indexes, and the practical consequences for librarians. (EM)

In this study quantifiable characteristics of encyclopedia articles such as subjects treated, length, illustrations and bibliographies were examined. Random subsamples were analyzed and the findings are presented in twelve tables. (1 reference) (DH)

A case study using nonparticipant observation, interviews, and a questionnaire survey was carried out to examine the hypothesis that two groups characteristically involved in a large library's book selection process, the coordinators and branch librarians, would display differing orientations toward the process which would result in conflicting…

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…

The core journals of library and information science were identified by overlap of coverage in Library Literature and Information Science Abstracts. Those core journals which review English language monographs in the field and are published by U.S. trade or university presses were identified. Reviews for the 6-month period from July 1, 1984, to…