This article describes the various levels of users of Afro-American materials, the usage they make of these materials, some of the effects and gratifications derived from the study of Afro-American literature, and the physical and psychological barriers that interfere with the utilization of these resources. (Author/AM)

The strategy was to identify user-related criteria for journal selection. Data were gathered from a use study, circulation and interlibrary statistics, and librarian and patron input. Two types of criteria developed considered actual use and user perception of use of importance. (Author/JAB)

Planning was the secret in redistributing more than 600,000 library items from ten closed schools in Prince George's County, Maryland. (Author/MLF)

The author suggests that librarians should start applying discriminating judgement and sensitivity in choosing books for young adults. Reading material should be selected that is both popular in theme and acceptable in style and presentation. (JPF)

Develops guidelines for selecting and ordering microforms, including warnings regarding microform ripoffs. Literature and techniques for evaluating microforms are discussed. (Author/JAB)

Presents an annotated list of 43 books recommended for lending libraries on parenting. (SB)

Presents guidelines developed at Cornell University for selection of compact-disc databases for public use in libraries. Criteria are suggested for the following areas: (1) collection development; (2) administrative considerations; (3) vendor considerations; (4) search capabilities; and (5) ease of use. One reference is listed. (MES)

Presents a plan for establishing an in-house repair unit to complement a library's overall preservation program. Issues and procedures for physical and personnel resources are delineated and a four-stage decision-making process for selecting material for treatment is recommended. (Author/EM)

Discusses general findings reported in the literature of use and citation studies on the use of citation counts as found in "Journal Citation Reports" for identification of periodical titles for cancellation in a university library. Principal reasons for retention of little-cited journals are noted. Twenty-one references are cited. (EJS)

The Syracuse University Resources for Educators of Adults (SUREA) and its companion adult education collections are examined through a history of how the resource center came to be. (CT)

Reports on an informal survey of plans, practices, and strategies in relation to optical reference tools at several research libraries. The discussion focuses on start-up and continued funding, hidden costs, cost savings options, and future costs. (5 references) (MES)

A survey of heads of academic library reference services gathered information on reference collection development. Findings included: (1) selection and weeding frequently are not guided by written policies; (2) empirical studies of use are almost nonexistent; and (3) online availability of sources is an important factor in selection. (20…

Discusses the growing problem of theft of library materials, including rare books, by both scholarly researchers and library staff. Complacence of librarians and their failure to act in the past is also discussed, as well as the effects of tightened security measures on the traditional trust between librarians and researchers. (CLB)

Board members anxious to ensure sensible religious balance in the curriculum can check the school library collection to see if a broad spectrum of religious information is available to students. Suggestions are provided for improving the basic collection with standard reference and specialized materials and integrating these materials into the…

Describes the types of books on tape available for children and young adults, the problems and advantages of different recording styles, and how librarians can evaluate books on tape. Critical reviews of a number of recordings for various age groups are provided and a list of distributors is appended. (EM)