Considers how libraries can evaluate the worth of a potentially valuable item in the collection such as an historical autograph. Topics include researching the background of the piece; consulting experts, including verifying memberships in professional organizations; written opinions; possible donor agreements; and deciding whether to sell or…

Four individuals describe what it is like to exhibit at ALA's national convention: A.L. Remley discusses an exhibitor's life on the road; Paul Foreman gives an independent publisher's perspective on exhibiting; Tony Leisner gives tips on the art of selling exhibit space; and Edward Malinowski discusses the Combined Book Exhibit. (JPF)

Raises questions regarding the Notable Books project. (AB)

A background is given of the reasons for the development of censorhsip on sex writings. (AB)

Presents the 1997 U.S. Periodical Price Index sponsored by the Library Materials Price Index Committee of the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services, a division of the American Library Association. Finds that the average price increased 9.9%, .9% below 1996's rate. Includes seven tables, a chart, and a summary sheet. (PEN)

Excerpts from the relevant sections of the discussion of the New York Library Association meeting and the position paper of the Regents of the University of the state of New York on transferring library service to children to elementary school media centers are presented. (AB)

Describes efforts to preserve important library materials at the Library of Congress through the use of two new technologies: a patented deacidification process in which books are placed in a vacuum chamber, and the use of optical disc recording techniques to miniaturize and store print and nonprint images. (JL)

A bill has been presented to Congress to preserve nationally televised news and public interest programs. (AB)

The little magazines and small presses of the decade enormously affected and were affected by all the major social issues of the time. (Author)

Discussion of videocassettes in our culture and the function of video collections in libraries focuses on the creation and demise of a unit sponsored by the American Library Association, the ALA Video and Special Projects. The unit's role is discussed and funding decisions that led to its demise are explained. (LRW)

One school librarian from the rural west, "Roughing It from Alaska to Oklahoma," and another from the urban east, "Back to Basics in New York," share some of their experience-tested ideas for maintaining effective instructional media centers with very little money. (JPF)

Suggests that librarians should include street newspapers, produced by homeless people and their advocates, in their collections. Discusses characteristics and features of these newspapers and describes different papers from cities across the United States. (AEF)

Lists videotape titles for preschoolers through preteens available to libraries in VHS and Beta formats for $100 or less, noting running times, release dates, and prices. Materials are categorized by companies serving educational market and home market, and commercial products found in retail stores are grouped by producer. (EJS)

Reports circulation and expenditure statistics for public libraries for 1980-90, based on a representative sample of 53 U.S. public libraries serving a population of over 25,000. Data include figures for adult circulation, juvenile circulation, salary expenditures, material expenditures, and circulation and expenditures per capita. (LRW)