Reports on an informal survey of plans, practices, and strategies in relation to optical reference tools at several research libraries. The discussion focuses on start-up and continued funding, hidden costs, cost savings options, and future costs. (5 references) (MES)

A survey of heads of academic library reference services gathered information on reference collection development. Findings included: (1) selection and weeding frequently are not guided by written policies; (2) empirical studies of use are almost nonexistent; and (3) online availability of sources is an important factor in selection. (20…

Discusses the growing problem of theft of library materials, including rare books, by both scholarly researchers and library staff. Complacence of librarians and their failure to act in the past is also discussed, as well as the effects of tightened security measures on the traditional trust between librarians and researchers. (CLB)

Board members anxious to ensure sensible religious balance in the curriculum can check the school library collection to see if a broad spectrum of religious information is available to students. Suggestions are provided for improving the basic collection with standard reference and specialized materials and integrating these materials into the…

Describes the types of books on tape available for children and young adults, the problems and advantages of different recording styles, and how librarians can evaluate books on tape. Critical reviews of a number of recordings for various age groups are provided and a list of distributors is appended. (EM)

Describes the OCLC electronic publishing project EIDOS, the Electronic Information Delivery Online System. EIDOS will contain a central database of book texts in machine-readable form and local libraries will hold files which provide keys to access books in specific subject areas. EIDOS is expected to be field-tested in 1988. (EM)

Explains how offering children "library time" during the first 15 minutes of the school day can provide the teacher time to take care of other class management tasks. (HOD)

Introduces new technologies that provide instant translation of print materials in three general categories: optical to tactile conversion of print, optical to braille conversion, and optical to speech. Talking books, voice indexing, new braille technologies, print to braille, and optical print enlargement are highlighted. A list of sources is…

Offers suggestions and outlines procedures for the preservation of the resources of a small library. Brief sections discuss environment (temperature, humidity, housekeeping, light); library binding; simple in-house repairs; other protective measures (enclosures, microfilming); the care of unique objects; and disaster planning. A 21-item…

Reports on third annual mini-survey on religious books in 30 public libraries across nation covering seven areas: regularity of purchase of religious materials; percentage of book budget used; percentage of circulation; collection policies; gifts; patron demand; attempt to "balance" book collection on certain issues; pressure from…

The challenge to children's librarians of recognizing, analyzing, and selecting picture books for the not-so-young is discussed. Characteristics of sophisticated picture books, views of Elaine Moss (well-known British librarian), and efforts of children's librarians at Ottawa Public Library to establish picture books collection are highlighted.…

Three major difficulties in establishing effective cooperative conservation programs are: (1) the problem of allocation of responsibilities for preserving individual items; (2) the lack of people adequately trained in physical preservation; and (3) the need for a national initiative in preservation. (PF)

An annotated list of 42 science fiction titles for readers in elementary grades through ninth grade.

The folklore collection can provide a range of meaningful experience for the elementary school child. Criteria for selection of materials are scope, cultural breadth, authenticity, style, reading level, and design. (Author)

Either we acknowledge that others have the right to exist with the human dignity that we ourselves take for granted, or we maintain a white cultural monopoly by saying that popular books that force on readers a racial or sexist bias are sacrosanct. (Author)