Reviews the problem of rising periodical subscriptions costs for libraries, and argues that subscribers must take a stand by refusing to subsidize greedy publishers. Guidelines for increasing the effectiveness of serials budgets by decreasing the number of subscriptions are suggested. (CLB)

Examines the issue of evaluation of information by librarians in reference services, comparing this aspect of reference with the evaluative decisions made in the selection process. It is argued that libraries should assume an evaluative role in order to help users sort through information and make wise decisions about what they need. (two…

Discusses the need to teach methods of materials conservation to library and information science students and proposes an ideal syllabus. The feasibility of the ideal is examined and two realistic syllabi, one for all students and one for specialists, are suggested. (Author/CLB)

Describes how Randolph-Macon College (VA) started an in-house book mending program. Steps are outlined for establishing a similar program, including identifying and tracking materials; designating a location; and choosing supplies. Information is provided for supplier contacts and instructional resources; and a brief bibliography is appended. (SLW)

Provides a bibliographic listing of 49 reference materials, books, and video recordings that relate to racial and ethnic diversity. (LRW)

Provides an annotated list of recommended selection tools for children's and young adult materials in Spanish. Commercial vendors, books, older lists for retrospective collecting, and periodicals and journals are among the categories included. (five references) (LRW)

Discussion of Harvard University libraries' preservation efforts highlights the contributions of Carolyn Clark Morrow, the preservation librarian. Topics discussed include book decay; identifying important research collections to be preserved; chemical technology to deacidify paper; microfilming projects; components of a good local library…

Discusses the integration of electronic ordering and document delivery and its implications for academic libraries. Reasons why libraries are developing such services are considered, including economics, service, and the growth of electronic publishing; and components are described, including electronic finding and ordering, electronic delivery,…

Describes full-text document delivery services that have been introduced in conjunction with available databases in response to economic and technological changes affecting libraries: (1) CARL System's UnCover database and UnCover2 service; (2) Research Libraries Group's CitaDel delivery service; and (3) Faxon Research Service's Faxon Finder and…

Addresses issues that concern the relationship between publishers and librarians, including differences between libraries and bookstores; necessary information for advertisements; out-of-stock designations and their effect on budgets; the role of distributors and vendors; direct mail for book promotions; unsolicited review copies; communications…

The six articles in this section examine prices of U.S. and foreign materials; book title output and average prices; book sales statistics; U.S. book exports and imports; number of book outlets in the United States and Canada; and book review media statistics. (LRW)

Discussion of the book review process focuses on a study that evaluated the efficacy of major journal reviews as a selection tool for books for adult children of alcoholics. Highlights include selection strategies for books not reviewed by major media; multiple reviews; small press books; and recommendations for strengthening review media. (12…

Ways for language teachers to make effective use of a class library are suggested with focus on selection of suitable books, provision of sufficient reading time in class, and varieties of library activities for primary schools. The Hong Kong approach is cited. (LB)

Provides a review of literature from 1990 that concerns the reproduction of library materials. Highlights include activities of the Reproduction of Library Materials Section (RLMS) of the American Library Association; bibliographic control; copyright; electronic imaging; microforms and micrographics equipment; micropublishing; photocopiers and…

Discusses the value of support during challenges to library media materials and describes studies that show that, when assistance was received from either within or outside the district, challenged material was more likely to be retained. Considers reasons why library media specialists choose not to seek professional support. (LRW)