Deciding whether to go with a particular open source product is an exercise in risk management: understanding the risks of one's possible actions and choices, calculating when a certain level of risk is appropriate to reach a desired outcome, and planning for how to handle negative outcomes. To be sure, opting to go with a particular proprietary…

Describes automated storage and retrieval (AS/R) techniques and discusses benefits, conservation considerations, and costs of the AS/R approach to the storage of library books. Thirteen annotated references are listed. (MES)

Discusses the 10 questions most frequently asked concerning the installation of public library online services. Equipment considerations (choice of equipment, maintenance arrangements, baud rate), choice of databases and vendors, budgets, fees, training, elimination of printed tools, and promotion of the service are covered. (EJS)

Examines special-purpose entry points to library Web sites. Discusses in-house homepages; branch-specific pages or single library system-wide pages; staff use pages; versions in different languages; "MyLibrary" pages where users can customize the menu; standalone "branded" sites; publicly accessible pages; and best practices.…

Examines how librarians are customizing their services and collections for handheld computing. Discusses the widest adoption of PDAs (personal digital assistants) in libraries that serve health and medical communities; PDA-friendly information pages; the reference focus; journals and databases; lending materials; publicity; use of PDAs by library…

Discusses the change of library music collections from long-playing (LP) recordings to compact discs (CD). Highlights include the drawbacks of LPs, disc prices and players, sound quality, logistics, selection of recordings, and a renewed commitment to sound recording facilities and collections. Ten sources are given. (EJS)

This article describes how librarians stepped up to the plate to rescue materials and meet the needs of thousands of uprooted evacuees from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, employing their unique skills and resources to put forth a humane and herculean effort. In Houston and Austin, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Memphis; Fayetteville, Arkansas; and…

This annual review article examines the progress made and pitfalls encountered by the automated library system marketplace during calendar year 1984. Total marketplace activity is represented by events that occurred in four segments: turnkey systems, library-developed software, software designed to run on microcomputers, and production of…

Presents statistics on academic library buildings (new libraries, additions, and renovations) noting project cost, gross area (assignable and non-assignable), square foot cost, building and equipment cost, book and seating capacity, and architect. Totals for new library buildings, additions, and additions plus renovations for 1973-1983 are…

The formulation of a design for a library reference desk is discussed, basic planning considerations, height, and measurements of the desk, lighting and chairs, placement of the desk, prebuilt components, and evaluation. A six-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

Relates experiences of University of Rochester's main library during complete renovation of the central reference department including the addition of a full-service reference station. Topics covered include planning the reference station, solutions to seven design requirements, increase in staffing and reference questions after one year, and…

Examines the problem of book theft in libraries, including why people steal; titles and subjects most frequently stolen; budget impacts; collection redevelopment; and a list of 31 suggested prevention measures, including policy issues; security measures; facility design; automated system tracking capabilities; collection strategy; and…

Reports results of 1981-83 survey of 24 new and 22 remodeled 2-year college Learning Resource Centers, noting gross area, square foot cost, furniture/equipment costs, seats, and types of facilities. Major trends (square foot costs 1965-83, public catalog formats) and the flat roof disaster at Kauai Community College, Hawaii, are discussed. (EJS)

Discusses the installation of a communication satellite dish at the Bloomington Public Library (Illinois). Highlights include rationale for the purchase, uses of teleconferencing, technical questions, interference and licensing, locating the dish, selecting a vendor, equipment and installation, publicity and use of the dish, and plans for the…

Presents data on the construction and renovation of academic and public libraries and two-year college learning resource centers for 1980-81. Information collected by this annual survey includes costs, area and capacity, and names of architects. Multiyear comparisons, data on Canadian public libraries, and a directory of architects are included.…