This essay discussing effects of automation on library personnel and library services notes civil service structures; failures in personnel administration; rigidity in library service; access to information by "temporary" language; evaluative, judgmental analysis of the book, data, or journal; dangers of centralized decision-making and…

Addresses the role of academic research libraries as affected by powerful economic and technological forces. The shift in emphasis from collections to access, planning the transition, objectives to enhance traditional library collections and services, and funding the transition are highlighted. Four references are provided. (EJS)

This essay addresses the serious problem for bibliographic instruction programs posed by teaching faculty who possess few skills in library research. Discussion covers faculty and student experience with bibliographic research, the bookish professor and other myths, difficulties of library instruction, and implications for future planning.…

Discussion of Illinois experiences in library cooperation and computerization (OCLC, Library Computer System, LIBRAS) describes use of library materials, benefits and drawbacks of online networking, experiences at Lake Forest College (Illinois), and six tasks recommended for small academic libraries as preparation for major changes toward…

Collection development practices at the Center for Business Research (CBR), C. W. Post Center, Long Island University are enumerated in three areas: time (a tripartite system involving three librarians); treasure (financial resources); and talent (professional networking). A 60-item annotated bibliography of collection development tools and 11…

Provides a model for measuring the influence of book quantity and quality, personnel, organization, physical facilities, and user characteristics on loans by 700 Quebec primary and secondary school libraries in 1978-79. Links library output (loans) to inputs (personnel, books) in a production function framework. Includes policy recommendation for…

A 700-volume specialized library was organized at average cost per title of less than $1.50 despite lack of personnel and limited funds. A plan was developed to classify titles using Library of Congress and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), and a cataloging service was located to produce card sets and book labels. (EJS)

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit presents the results of a survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries designed to gather data on chat reference service. A total of 66 of 124 ARL member libraries responded to the survey. A copy of the questionnaire with tabulated results is presented. Representative…

The goals of this study were to identify those variables that prove indicative of the relative demand for library monographs by subject and to develop a practical method for allocating funding by subject. California State University, Chico, served as the sample for the study; data was collected from the 5-year period from 1990 to 1995. The…

The Canadian Association of College and Technical Libraries (CTCL) survey was mailed out to 135 CTCL member libraries in February 1996. Results paint a positive picture of the ability of Canadian college and technical libraries to incorporate new technology into their service delivery within a relatively short time frame. Eighty-five libraries…

Topics addressed at this round table discussion on resource sharing and cooperative acquisitions and collection development include the budget crisis, librarian-faculty collection development cooperation, weeding as a collection development function, and preservation through binding. This volume is composed of abstracts of each round table topic…

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the economic impacts and benefits of Florida public libraries. The study objectives were to: describe the role of public libraries in economic development; identify and describe the range of specific activities and programs engaged in to support economic development; identify factors that…

This paper begins with a discussion of information management as it pertains to the four operations of automated library systems (i.e., acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and reference). Library staff reactions to library automation change are summarized, including uncertainty, cynicism, and resignation or hope. Common pitfalls that interfere…

This annual report of the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) begins with a list of supporters, a letter from the chairman, and a message from the president. The major CLIR programs are then described: (1) Preservation and Access, including domestic and international activities; (2) Digital Libraries, including developing libraries…

This paper traces the roots of the current library preservation movement and its evolution during the second half of the 20th century. It also looks at some of the contemporary shifts in thinking about preservation and changes in practice that are being explored by libraries. Finally the paper draws some conclusions as to the scope of programs in…