This discussion of America's outstanding rare book libraries notes the inception of collections, library facilities, technical difficulties, reference services, publicity efforts, and research. The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, Clark Library of the University of California, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.…

Description of the rapid growth and development of Texas A&M's Sterling C. Evans Library during the past decade focuses on collection growth to over 1.4 million volumes, staffing increases, automated programs and services including over 100 microcomputers for computer-assisted instruction housed in Learning Resources Department, and online…

Profile of the Houston Public Library, which was established in 1904, covers the opening of a new central library building in 1976, library services and collections, the building of branch libraries including a portable mall facility, information and referral programs to ethnic groups and business, and development of library automated systems.…

Provides description of the Dag Hammarskjold Library which serves the information needs of a multinational, multilingual community of 157 United Nations member states. A brief history of the library, its statement of purpose, library acquisition and collections, reference services, United Nations agencies, and depository library are highlighted.…

Describes the functions and characteristics of the microcomputer and discusses library applications including cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, serials control, reference and database systems, administration, current and future trends, and computers as media. Twenty references are listed. (CHC)

Provides an overview of the American Library Association (ALA) 1991 midwinter conference. Highlights include federal legislation, the organization of library support staff, fees for library services, library collection preservation policies, electronic access, access policy guidelines for academic libraries, reference staffing for electronic…

Highlights of four special collections: British Broadcasting Company Reference Library; National Film Archives and Book Library of the British Film Institute; Theatre Section of the Victoria and Albert Museum; and the Shakespeare Collection of the Birmingham Municipal Reference Library. (LS)

The rationale for developing a phone book collection is discussed and the procedures for building the collection are outlined. (SM)

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 some out-of-the-ordinary West Coast library and related services, both private and public, primarily in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle areas. (LS)

Eight articles serve as an introduction to the growing presence of technology in libraries. Topics covered include going online with microcomputers, a selection guide to database management software, sensible groundrules for circulating software, selection of software for microcomputer centers, and setting standards for microcomputers in…

Explores how libraries will function in the year 2000 as an exercise for planning. Looks at changes in clientele, collections, facilities, and staff, and the impact of technology on these and other aspects of reference work. (six references) (EA)

Addresses issues involved in implementing Out-Dial program at Pennsylvania State University Libraries, where the feasibility of using online catalog terminals to access external databases is undergoing evaluation. Placement of terminals and microcomputers, "ready reference" searching, vendors, training, cost-effective searching,…

Description of the museum and library of Maryland history established by the Maryland Historical Society highlights governance of the Society; library services in three main divisions (reference, manuscripts, prints and photographs); library collections; genealogical inquiries; and publications, exhibitions, and conferences sponsored by the…

Describes the development and current status of the Explorers Club, and the collections and services of the club library. The collections include the arctic library of Admiral Robert Peary, rare books and records, paintings, and memorabilia. The discussion covers research services offered by the library and preservation of the collections. (CLB)