Discusses problems in the U.S. depository library system and offers suggestions for improvement, including cutting the List of Classes so libraries have more control over material selection; adding more public libraries as depositories; and restructuring regional depository library responsibilities so they do not have to keep all publications.…

Describes a project in Illinois that was developed to establish communitywide capability for intergenerational programming with the library as resource center and advisor that could be used as a model for other libraries. Highlights include collection assessment; collection enrichment; bibliography development; a community workshop; material use;…

The Research Libraries Group is expanding its mission to include alliances with the archival community, the museum community, independent research libraries, and learned societies. Areas of emphasis include collections and information delivery, protecting materials, and assisting in development of computer systems. (DB)

Discussion of problems library wholesalers/distributors face trying to fulfill public libraries' needs while adjusting to a changing industry is based on responses by librarians to a survey on library jobbers. Increased services to libraries, electronic ordering, timeliness, stock management, and quality control are addressed; and a chart of…

Discusses innovative approaches to producing audio versions of books, including publication of original manuscripts in audio form; the use of electronic music; children's books with built-in speakers; computer-assisted audio books; and an electronic short story magazine. The future of electronic books and the role of libraries are considered. (MES)

Discusses the planning process for the selection and use of CD-ROMs in academic libraries. Selection criteria, the location of workstations, and the impact on staff and users are considered, as well as cost considerations and funding options. (75 references) (EA)

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;…

Selective review of the collection development literature for 1991 discusses the access versus ownership issue; organization, policy, and planning; budgets and finance; selection; assessment, weeding, and preservation; and special collections. (177 references) (MES)

Review of the 1991 literature on the reproduction of library materials discusses professional conferences and other activities; bibliographic control; copyright, fax, photocopy, and document delivery; preservation issues; microforms and multimedia; micropublishing and electronic publishing; equipment and technical aspects; and standards. (446…

Describes a study that investigated holdings of small publishers' books in OCLC libraries and selection procedures for these titles, including the influence of reviews, publishers, and vendors. Questionnaire responses from librarians and vendors are analyzed, and results indicating a significant relationship between holdings and reviews are…

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…

Discusses results of the 1992 Index of American Public Library Circulation based on a survey conducted by the University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign Library Research Center. Highlights include adult and juvenile circulation, operating expenses, salaries, library materials expenditures, expenditures per capita, and expenditures per circulation.…

Describes the government publishing program for children, including Smokey Bear materials. The advantages and disadvantages of acquiring children's materials from the government are discussed. An annotated bibliography, including cost and contact information for 19 government publications for children on topics such as space exploration,…

Discusses the use of microfilming for the preservation of deteriorating academic library materials and describes microfilming activities at the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) which were initiated to preserve materials in case of terrorist attacks. Other arrangements are described that were developed to ensure the materials' protection while…