Addresses problems encountered by a library when considering, selecting, and contracting for an automated library system. Topics covered include information needed by the vendor (size of database, volume of transactions, and acceptable response times), reasons why libraries and vendors have failed, and possible solutions. Six sources are given.…

Examines arguments now being presented in support of public library networking and resource sharing and suggests ways to obtain harder evidence that might serve to legitimize these beliefs: estimate benefits, build in evaluation, support estimates of benefits, seek cheaper alternatives for accomplishing same goal, consider alternatives to…

Discussion of librarianship as practiced in rural areas of United States highlights advantages of rural environment which affect role of the library, i.e., interpersonal relationships, need for creative modes of information service, potential to provide insulation against personal anonymity, potential for impacting community, opportunity to…

Stressing importance of insurance coverage for the buildings and contents of libraries, this article covers insurance history, the modern insurance industry, examples of loss experiences, prevention and preparedness, risk management, appraisals and valuations of property, insurance options, and lack of recognition of protective and preventive…

Identifies library perception of forces out of control in scholarly communication system and proceeds to description of attempts libraries are making to regain sense of control. Points of similarity or contrast between scholarly publishers and research libraries are addressed, with emphasis on concept of selectivity. Seven sources are given. (EJS)

This book highlights the importance of good financial and cost management in libraries and information centers to make best use of available resources, and illustrates how to maintain user services. The book applies current research and theory of financial management techniques to situations faced in libraries and information services. Eight…

Chapter 1, "Preliminary Issues," explores the historical importance of the electronic publishing revolution, some of the terminology to be used in the book, and the differences and similarities between traditional and electronic collection development. Chapter 2, "What Is an Offer? The Electronic Resources Landscape," covers…

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Annual Salary Survey reports salary data for all professional staff working in ARL libraries, and is the most comprehensive and thorough guide to current salaries in large U.S. and Canadian academic and research libraries. Data for 8,400 professional staff memebers were reported for 1998-99 for the 110…

A regionally organized program for serials bibliography is proposed because of the large volume of complex data needing control and the many purposes to which the data can be put in support of regional or local needs. (2 references) (Author)

Because of the controversy between the too practical and the too theoretical approaches to special library education, an attempt is being made to combine the practical and the theoretical approaches in giving students an internship course and a special seminar simultaneously. (4 references) (Authors)

Gives a list of university extension libraries in the U.S. and Canada. (GB)

A broad overview of library cooperation in the United States from 1875 to 1970 is presented. The most important developments in cooperative efforts during this period are briefly discussed from both an historical and sociological perspective. Future needs are mentioned. (8 references) (Author/KE)

Iranian librarianship is in the embryonic stages of development, especially with respect to modern and functional academic libraries. In three major areas--personnel, resources, and physical facilities--the academic libraries are deficient compared with Western standards. (16 references) (Author)

Evaluations of out-of-print book dealers supplying the California State University, Northridge, library show that most titles are received within nine months from the date of the list. This article suggests that academic libraries should establish purchasing standards and discloses methods of locating books that dealers consider most effective. (1…

Consumer librarianship is a fluid librarianship, for its content and method are determined by the fluctuating needs and varied concerns of the consumer movement. The problem of defining consumerism and the effect of definition on acquisitions policies are discussed. (Author/NH)