Describes a study by the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) that identified strengths and weaknesses of current access methods to peer-reviewed electronic journals in the fields of science and technology, focusing on perceptions of public service librarians. Topics include cataloging, links on Web sites, aggregator databases, and…

Presents arguments in support of research library microfilm collections of archival sources for use by scholars. Historical background on microfilming and new technological developments enhancing use of microforms are discussed, as well as preservation and other benefits of microfilming. (10 references) (MES)

Reports results of a content analysis that was conducted to determine the coverage of issues relating to academic libraries in the "Chronicle of Higher Education." Topics discussed include automation; presidential libraries; special collections; copyright; federal legislation; and a bias toward the Washington, D.C., area and toward large…

Reviews concerns of scholars and librarians in the area of electronic information. The function and importance of integrated scholarly information systems are discussed with examples of ways scholars are likely to acquire and integrate electronic information in the future. The impact of electronic research systems on the nature of academic…

Describes the results of a survey that examined the demographics of U.S. and Canadian academic and research librarians. The findings discussed include age, sex, educational background, foreign language proficiency, and professional skills. The need to recruit a wider range of talents and expertise to the profession is also discussed. (CLB)

Thirty-six libraries participated in a pilot project in which OCLC interlibrary loan (ILL) transaction data for borrowing and lending activity were reviewed. Data analysis and follow-up survey results supported the hypothesis that the Association of Southern Research Libraries directors would accept terms of ILL reciprocity that were based on…

Discusses humanities scholarship from the research library's perspective. Topics include reference versus citation; bibliographic authority and authority control; library collection development which reflects a variety of research methodologies; retention policies; and the derivative nature of reference and citation.(LRW)

This overview of the Research Libraries Group (RLG) discusses historical background, collaboration, new needs and expectations, the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), the CitaDel service, the ARIEL service, the Eureka service, the Zephyr server, and JACKPHY-Plus Script Development, and preservation. (JLB)

Examines unionization and job satisfaction among professional librarians in academic research institutions. A comparison of survey results of union and nonunion participants revealed the presence of unions has a negative relationship with job satisfaction; salaries and part-time status are also considered as predictors of job satisfaction.…

Data on research library (university and nonuniversity) holdings in the United States and Canada for 1991-92 are presented in tabular form and include numbers of volumes in the library, volumes added, current serials, and permanent staff, and total expenditures in U.S. dollars. University libraries are ranked. Overall distribution of operating…

Provides a critical examination of the methods and procedures currently followed in the national program for preservation microfilming in research libraries and suggests alternative approaches for selecting materials for microfilming. Source literature is discussed as being important to focus on, and the cost and completeness of bibliographic…

The 108 university research libraries with the largest collections and 11 public and special libraries with large research holdings are listed. Data include rank (universities only), numbers of volumes, volumes added in 1991-92, current serials, permanent staff, and total expenditures in 1991-92. University libraries' total operating expenditures…

Discussion of interlibrary loan transaction fees and their effect on user requests focuses on a case study of the library of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Comparisons are made between charging and noncharging conditions, and it was found that only public libraries showed a decrease in interlibrary loans after fees were initiated. (31…

Describes online databases available through the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) that focus on research in the humanities. A survey of five databases (AVERY, ESTC, RIPD, SCIPIO, and AMC) is presented that includes contents, search capabilities, and record formats; and future plans are discussed. (12 references) (LRW)

Views academic libraries through the lens of the assessment and accountability movements. Illustrates how a research library at the University of Rochester (Rochester, New York) has created an assessment environment in an effort to focus on educational impact. Discusses principles of good practice, and formal and informal evaluation. (AEF)