Through a comparison of the historical perspectives of medieval and modern libraries, this paper is designed to clarify the purpose and goals of the library, and to promote a public and intellectual debate to guide future developments. The Middle Ages were chosen because libraries possessed an importance and centrality to learning, civilization,…

Noting difficulties experienced by small to medium sized colleges in acquiring integrated library computer systems, this position paper outlines issues related to the subject with the intention of increasing familiarity and interest in integrated library systems. The report includes: a brief review of technological advances as they relate to…

This survey of 57 members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) examines technical and management issues in providing remote access to their online catalogs, as well as with instructions and services for remote users. It is noted that most ARL libraries have not yet conducted studies to project the extent of use of remote access, although…

The main article in this issue is a report on "Salaries and Expenditures of Illinois Special Libraries, 1983," based on 366 usable responses to a mail questionnaire. Data on 14 variables (including 4 aspects of salaries) are cross-analyzed by 6 factors: geographical area, person to whom head librarian reports, sex of head librarian, size…

Focusing on the theme, Outreach Library Services, the articles in this publication provide a panoramic view of outreach services in eight of the public library systems in New York State. The compilation also contains four papers on special topics. Articles included are: (1) "Not So Trivial: In Pursuit of Outreach Services" (Joan F.…

Materials in this collection were submitted by respondents to a survey which sought specific data on the numbers and types of approval plans in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) libraries, whether such plans are meeting expectations, their relative importance in the library, who makes the key decisions, and the kind of thought and study that…

Fiscal year activities are summarized for seven organizational areas of the Library of Congress: (1) administration: office of the librarian and associate librarian for management; (2) national programs: American Folklife Center, Children's Literature Center, Educational Liaison Office, Exhibits Office, Federal Library Committee, Information…

A general evaluation survey of the academic community was conducted during the fall quarter of 1979 to determine whether the present services, facilities, and resources of the Iowa State University Library meet the needs of its users. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of faculty, administrative staff, graduate students, and…

The computer design of the system serving the 53 library systems of the Washington Library Network provides nine online files through its integrated bibliographic and acquisitions subsystems. The bibliographic subsystem provides an authority file of author, title, series, and subject headings; a bibliographic file of MARC records on books, films,…

This paper describes the foreign and home literature collection on scientific research, natural sciences and technology, conference papers, and professional monographs; reference aids and catalogs; library reading facilities; and national and international library services of the National Public Library for Sciences and Technology (NPLST) in the…

The program described in this report (covering 1980-1984) was developed to implement the provisions of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) which provide for federal aid to assist the states in (1) establishing, extending, and improving public library services in developing areas; (2) constructing public libraries; (3) providing…

This investigation of how ten small, private college libraries go about collecting books focuses on the degree of responsibility and control those libraries exercise over what is included in their collections. The findings and conclusions of the study are based upon interviews with library administrators and acquisitions librarians at Middlebury…

This annual report reviews the activities of the ARL Office of Management Studies. Highlights of 1979 included: (1) implementation of academic library program self-studies; (2) four studies by the Collection Analysis Project; (3) completion of one management review and analysis program and initiation of another; (4) utilization of the…

A BROAD RANGE OF EXPERIENCE IN PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNIQUES RELEVANT TO THE JUNIOR COLLEGE LIBRARY IS REPORTED IN THIS COLLECTION. THE UNIQUE LIBRARY FUNCTION IN THIS ENVIRONMENT IS EXPLORED FROM SEVERAL DIMENSIONS, ALTHOUGH THE FOCUS ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE LIBRARY TO INSTRUCTION IS BASIC TO THE REPORTS. THE CONCEPT OF "LIBRARIES IN…

VARIOUS SCHOOLS APPLIED FOR THE ENCYLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA AWARDS. FROM THESE DATA THREE LEVELS OF DEVELOPMENT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARIES WERE DISTINGUISHED--(1) THE FINALISTS REPRESENTED A SPECIAL CLASS OR CATEGORY, ALL REPORTING DRAMATIC PROGRESS DURING THE PAST 2 YEARS. (2) SEPARATE FROM THE FINALISTS COULD BE IDENTIFIED A SECOND GROUP OF…