A survey of academic libraries which were members of the Association of Research Libraries in 1983-84 studies the organizational patterns that exist for collection development. Findings reveal that, although a variety of patterns exist, the one outstanding development has been the upgrading of the unit responsible for collection development.…

Undertaken to provide data on the current status of collection development in selected academic libraries, this study also analyzed the structure of the collection development function at Chicago Academic Library Council (CALC) institutions and outlined a formal collection development policy for Chicago State University's Douglas Library.…

Describes a survey of libraries listed in several special collections directories to determine how educational and psychological tests were organized and managed. Discusses access through cataloging or classification; management practices such as staffing, hours of availability, security, and preservation methods; and a copy of the survey is…

This paper reports the results of a June and July 1985 study in which all 12 libraries where Maine state documents are deposited and the two libraries which receive weekly shipping lists and any extra copies of documents were visited. Observations from these visits are reported in general sections of this report: Examples of Attempts to Increase…

Reports on output measures that can give children's librarians additional information to better control collections and make better selection and weeding decisions. Statistical comparisons utilizing circulation data (comparing circulation year to year, circulation to patrons served, circulation to number of materials owned) and availability of…

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit and Flyer reports results of a survey that examined how ARL (Association of Research Libraries) member libraries have organized the licensing of electronic products and how they approach the associated problems. Forty-four of the 122 ARL member libraries responded to the survey. Results are…

Published 10 times a year, Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) Kits and Flyers contain information on issues of concern to libraries and librarians; they are the result of surveys on topics related to practice and management of library programs in the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). This document focuses on the organization of…

This serial examines problems and possibilities in rural library delivery of reading materials and information services. Typical articles cover: (1) research findings on recent changes and industralization in rural America; (2) role of the rural librarian in community development; (3) cooperation between rural libraries and rural public schools;…

Reports the findings of a questionnaire distributed to public libraries that serve populations over 100,000 that addressed the professional information needs of librarians. Three major areas are discussed: topics for staff involvement on a national level; conference program formats conducive for such involvement; and major concerns of public…

This study explores current trends and practices in functional integration based on site visits to six Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries selected on the basis of their responses to a Fall 1984 ARL questionnaire. The responses indicated that, for all six libraries, some integration of functions existed, staff reorganization…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit reports results of a survey of 64 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions conducted in the fall of 1990 to gather information on the performance appraisal of collection development librarians. Data are reported on the frequency of the performance review cycle, reporting…

Presents results from a survey examining how academic libraries in the United States manage and promote their state document collections. A questionnaire focusing on general information, coordination of state documents, use of state documents, and electronic access to state documents was distributed to 350 libraries with 277 returned. (Author/AEF)

The introduction to this Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit explains the Conspectus method, which was developed in 1980 by the Research Libraries Group (RLG) as a means of systematically and qualitatively evaluating large library collections. The discussion considers advantages and disadvantages of this tool, which evaluates past…

In 1984, 17 academic libraries in Association for Higher Education of North Texas consortium used the Research Libraries Group Conspectus to gather data concerning current collecting patterns. Results of study suggest that Conspectus subject breakdown may be too specific for libraries smaller than Association of Research Libraries institutions.…

This survey was conducted to discover how extensively ARL (Association of Research Libraries) libraries are involved in formal, active programs of collaboration for collections management. Seventy ARL libraries completed a questionnaire focusing on all collections formats and a number of related collections management activities. Results indicated…