Describes a study at the University of Michigan that examined the extent of serials duplication among branch and divisional libraries, the portion of the serials budget made up of duplications, and the relationship between duplication and serials characteristics. Ways to avoid serials duplication are suggested based on the findings of this study.…

Discusses selection policies for library acquisitions and describes a quantitative model that explains variations in expenditures by subject that was developed at Arizona State University. The link between policy and selection practice is discussed, allocation formulas are examined, and further research topics are suggested. (57 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the rising costs of academic library materials and their effects on collection development focuses on the social science collection. It is suggested that combining the numerical weights used by the Research Libraries Group Conspectus to evaluate subject collections with estimates of publication production and changes provides a…

Compares 48 features of four versions of the ERIC database, two commercial (SilverPlatter, FirstSearch) and two free (AskERIC.org, SeachERIC.org), to determine whether features of the commercial versions were worth the cost to academic libraries. Reports results of a survey that investigated user preferences, and concludes that value added…

Reports on a 1995 survey of Wisconsin academic libraries regarding collection development practices for languages and literature. Results suggest that faculty control selection; approval plans have not taken over from personal selection; and local demand is emphasized over presumed quality as suggested by review magazines. (LRW)

Discusses the economics and value of information and describes a study that compared an objective measure, the estimated direct costs to a library to purchase materials or provide services used by specific users, with a subjective measure, exchange values those users would pay for the information. (LRW)

Describes a study that examined the effects of austerity on collection development at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University (Nigeria) library since its inception in 1977 through 1990. The findings reported indicate that decreased allocations have led to declining book purchases and journal subscriptions and large debts to foreign book dealers. (23…

Describes results of a survey that was conducted to compile statistical data on collection growth and library expenditures in academic libraries. Data from liberal arts college libraries are compared with data from members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), library statistics are discussed, and significant trends are described. (32…

Narrative text and 6 tables provide information about a survey of 105 libraries on materials spending: number of questionnaires sent and returned; number and percentage of libraries with a materials spending policy; how percentages were determined; average (mean) percentage spent for materials; change in percent spent for materials in recent…

Discussion of the need for strategic planning in public libraries highlights a case study of a small resort town library, the Crawford Memorial Library, in Monticello, New York. Deciding on specific library roles and planning their implementation are described, and the importance of environment and competition in strategic planning is explained.…

Presents the first Canadian periodical price index, which covers foreign and domestic periodicals from 1989 to 1991. Prices by subject categories and by country of publication are presented, use of the price index for library collection planning and budget planning is discussed, and projected increases are described. (12 references) (LRW)

Provides data on price trends for French academic books in the humanities and social sciences for the years 1986-90 based on information from the "Bulletin Critique du Livre Francais," a monthly book-reviewing journal. A method for developing a price index for this material is demonstrated. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

Discussion of faculty's subscription demands at academic libraries focuses on an analysis of journal citations from a decade of social science theses at the library of California State University at Long Beach that was conducted to supply quantifiable data to support decisions for journal purchases, cancellations, and placement in storage.…

This summary of Nebraska library statistics for the 1996-1997 fiscal year is a compilation of data reported by 225 public libraries. Of these reporting libraries, 74% meet the state guidelines required for accreditation and are eligible for direct state aid and federal grants. Sixty-seven pages of statistical charts are divided according to the…

Faced with growing problems in the management and direction of its periodical collection, in 1973 the McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph established a Periodical Use Committee responsible for collecting and analyzing statistics on the use of periodicals within the library. Specific responsibilities of the committee included deciding…