Discusses the results of a national survey of libraries, publishers, and subscription agents that was conducted by the American Library Association (ALA) to address concerns about serials prices. Highlights include library budget trends; resource sharing; selection decisions; library automation; pricing practices of publishers; publisher services;…

This 1991 poll by the University of Illinois' Library Research Center consisted of a telephone survey of a representative national sample of 1,181 people and a mail survey of a random sample of 541 Public Library Association members. Data were gathered on public and professional opinions about public library services, collections, censorship,…

This study examined circulation and inhouse use of 13,029 randomly selected volumes--both serials and monographs in all subject areas--in a university library over a 7-year period. Results challenged inference of internal use from circulation figures and the appropriateness of weeding based on lack of circulation alone. A 26-item chronological…

Reports on the American Library Association's 1992 Midwinter Meeting. Topics discussed include the Kreimer v. Morristown case and its possible ramifications for other libraries dealing with homeless and other problem patrons; the White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS); National Research and Education Network (NREN);…

Includes three articles that address issues associated with the automation and management of library acquisitions departments. Highlights include the systems librarian's point of view; restructuring the cataloging and acquisitions departments in a large academic library after NOTIS implementation; and the workflow in a smaller university library.…

Describes a survey of 33 Research Libraries Group (RLG) academic libraries that was conducted to determine the extent to which they were involved in the use, collection, and support of machine-readable text files used in textual analysis. A selected bibliography of research in computer-aided textual analysis is included. (69 references) (LRW)

Suggests that it is more important for college bound high school students to have a positive attitude about libraries and librarians than mastery of specific skills. Suggestions beyond the context of traditional library instruction are offered to promote the view of the library as an exciting, dynamic, service-oriented institution. (11 references)…

Uses statistics from the Federal-State Cooperative System for Public Library Data to describe the distribution of librarians with master's degrees from graduate library education programs accredited by the American Library Association by size of population served and by state. Implications of these data are suggested, and discussion questions are…

Discussion of the role of systems librarians (i.e., librarians responsible for library computer systems) reports the results of a survey of academic libraries that examined the duties and responsibilities performed by systems librarians and the knowledge level and skill level required by new systems librarians. (four references) (LRW)

Promotes the use of an automated item file by selective depository libraries for collection management and cooperative collection development. Ways to implement such a device and useful data that it can generate are described. A case study of the implementation of the GOVDOX software by three libraries in Richmond, Virginia, is presented. (Three…

Presents the annual budget report for public libraries for 1999, including budget projections; local taxes; rise of technology budgets; materials, salary, and operating budgets; per capita funding; fundraising; net costs; and the role of the Gates Library Foundation. (LRW)

Iowa State University's cost study proves academic librarians can keep cataloging in-house and save staff costs. Several factors play a role in the productivity surge at ISU: increasing use of shared cataloging; growth of online authoring files; expanding role of support staff; increasing automation of catalogers' work; and structural flattening…

Describes four library retreats held by the Bowling Green State University library staff from 1995 to 1998. The retreats reflect changes in library work and management theory that have occurred. The importance of technology to library work is recognized, but there is also a growing realization of the importance of developing a flexible staff…

Discusses the managerial, business, and personal skills that will be needed for acquisitions librarians to remain central to the virtual library. Considers the issues of self-leadership, management, and survival in a continual state of change, and the need for creativity and innovation, as well as more traditional skills. (Author/AEF)

Describes results of a survey of catalogers in academic libraries that investigated if and how their job functions have changed over the past 10 years. The 271 respondents discussed a change from print to electronic formats, involvement of nonprofessionals, outsourcing, and more cataloging of specialized items including Internet resources.…