Examines the cost effectiveness of using CD-ROM encyclopedias in school libraries; finds print encyclopedias to be cheaper, but advocates the use of both. Sidebars include price comparisons of popular print and CD-ROM encyclopedias. (AEF)

Urges librarians to weed their nonfiction collections, particularly in the areas of science and technology, geography, and political science, and argues that it is better to send students from the library empty handed than to supply them with obsolete books. Guidelines for evaluating and weeding the reference and circulating collections are…

Provides an annotated bibliography of print atlases for pre-K through 12, general atlases for under and over $50, Facts on File loose-leaf map collections, and CD-ROM atlases. Lists the top atlases' best bets of print and CD-ROM, provides guidelines for selection, and argues that although print atlases are superior, a good CD-ROM atlas is useful…