This book, emphasizing service to users, includes 10 chapters by different librarians who have had experience as practitioners. Chapters are: (1) "Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins, or Technology and the Future of Library Service in Academic Libraries" (Michael Gorman); (2) "The Gateway Library: Rethinking Undergraduate Services" (Lizabeth A.…

Describes how a library, with an MCI Corporation grant, approached the process of setting up computers for the visually impaired. Discusses preparations, which included hiring a visually-impaired user as a consultant and contacting the VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) group; equipment; problems with the graphical user interface; and training.…

This manual is written for any library planning to introduce a new or replacement automated system. It focuses on planning for an integrated system that computerizes a multiplicity of library functions using one common database. This second edition contains a new section on the preparation of a technology strategic plan, a section on developing…

District library media directors face dual demands including competition for limited educational dollars and the need to meet increasingly sophisticated student research requests. To solve these dilemmas, many districts are automating their schools' library media centers. Quality Education Data (QED) is an education research firm providing…

This book of essays is a guide to help librarians in reference and/or collection development in the field of literature in English. Chapters fall into two broad sections: Resources and Collections, and Readers and Services. The first section includes six chapters: "The Nature of Library Collections" (William A. Wortman); "Retrospective Collection…

This manual is intended to simplify the job of collection development and to give bibliographers access to the information they need to do their jobs. It emphasizes the procedures used for initiating orders in the libraries of Virginia Polytechnic University, and highlights sources of information that bibliographers can access in ordering. It is…

The Simple Index Method overcomes the difficulties in building a core list for serials in interdisciplinary fields by using multiple indexes which cover various aspects of the subject. Collection-development librarians can develop a core list when standard bibliographies or specific indexing and abstracting tools are lacking and can tailor that…

Explores past, present, and future trends of romance novels by discussing publication styles; romance appeal; ethnic romances; attitudes toward romance novels in libraries; and the acquisition, cataloging, processing, and shelving of romance novels in libraries. Sidebars list librarian romance novelists, 1994 award winning romance writers of…

Tracing the history of South Dakota State University's Hilton M. Briggs Library over the past 102 years, this occasional paper describes the development of what is now the largest library (over 1.1 million total pieces) in the South Dakota Library Network from its inception as part of a small land grant college. Administrative eras are reviewed,…

This document is an introductory guide to all aspects of law librarianship. Chapters 1 and 2 provide an overview of the history and nature of law libraries and the nature of the legal field and legal clientele. Collection development is discussed in chapter 3, covering such aspects as acquisitions, alternatives to purchasing materials, selection…

Libraries need to adapt their systems for the collection, preservation, organization, and distribution of information to take advantage of new technology and communication tools. Libraries that successfully adapt these systems will become a more central institution in the community served. (AEF)

Discusses collection development and acquisitions in virtual, or networked, libraries. Topics include electronic versus digital libraries; philosophical issues of library acquisition; user expectations, including wants and needs; strategic planning, including resource sharing agreements, retrospective conversion, and staff training; collection…

The process of selecting and maintaining the collection for the community consumes much of the staff's time in public libraries. Small libraries with fewer staff have less time for these activities. This handbook enables staff to use their time most efficiently while doing specific tasks; forms, checklists, and samples are used as guides. The main…

While the general principles and techniques of collection development can be applied to most libraries, the unique characteristics of each media program produce new and changing demands requiring flexibility and creativity. Concepts from curriculum theory, children's and adolescent literature, educational technology, and library science are…