The first of two articles provides an introduction to this issue. The second article discusses the key issues in rare book librarianship over the past 50 years, including acquisition, care, handling, storage, preservation, cataloging, classifying, processing, circulation, security, and training. Both references and a 77-item bibliography are…

This discussion of the problem of funding college and university media centers outlines the general categories of available support, assesses current prospects of attracting funds for instructional technology in higher education, and explores the implications that a media center poses for a library's internal budget policy. Twenty-nine references…

A review of changing attitudes of library directors toward children's services shows parallels between the rhetoric of 100 years ago and that of today. Library directors interviewed believe children's services are essential to public library survival, the library's critical outreach arm, and dependent on multitalented, politically astute…

Examines changes in the perceptions of public library children's services by library professionals through a content analysis of entries in "Library Literature" since 1958 which refer to children's library services and populations served. The opinions of current library administrators are compared to those of 100 years ago. (EM)

Discusses ways in which developments in interactive electronic technologies present public sector institutions, particularly academic libraries, with set of choices and dilemmas that will be as crucial in results as difficult in resolution. Inevitability of interactive electronics, interactive television, interactive technologies in library, and…

Discusses the problem of learning disabilities in the United States and describes one public library system's project to develop ways in which librarians can become more responsive to the needs of learning disabled children, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Specific member library projects are noted. (EM)

Describes the research objectives, rationale, methodology, and findings of a model program developed at the Northwestern University Library, which examined whether online catalogs require instruction and, if so, how that instruction would be best delivered. (CLB)

Discusses developments in video-based information systems, including interactive and digital videodisc, videotex, satellite broadcasting, and expanded uses of videocassettes and cable television in interactive mode. Highlights include role of academic library media centers, videodisc and optical discs, videotex, other video-based information…

Three key areas for resource sharing of nonprint materials through information or electronic networks--bibliographic access, interlibrary loan, collection development--are discussed from the perspective of current and proposed media networking activities within a national consortium of film and video libraries and its members. Eighteen sources are…

Describes integration of media center, library, computer systems, and common distribution systems for nonprint resources at California State University-Chico. Highlights include administration; functions (acquisition, selection and collection development, production activities, circulation, reserve); formats (film, video, filmstrip, slides,…

Reports the rationale, design, implementation, and results of an examination of the impact of online subject catalogs on users by comparing their behaviors before and after catalog installation. Evaluation criteria included volume of use, types of searches, use of other catalogs, search time, user satisfaction, and need for assistance. (CLB)

This demographic study outlines changes in society over the last 25 years that have affected children and discusses children's intellectual and physical development; changes in family structure; and the effects of social, economic, and political factors on the environment for children. Implications for children's services in public libraries are…

Reports results of survey of 363 academic libraries designed to study: (1) media collections (audio formats, visual formats, audiovisual formats) and how they are arranged, accessed, and circulated; (2) staffing configurations; (3) space and funding allocations; and (4) other services offered within the media center. Questionnaire is appended. (8…

Discusses user satisfaction with remote access to online catalogs, categorizes the types of assistance remote users require, and considers the library's responsibility to these invisible users. An outline of suggestions for improving service to remote users is provided. (CLB)